Forensic Nurse Job Description
Job Title:
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
Department name:
All Departments
Reports to:
Rapid SAVE Investigation-SANE Program Coordinator
JOB PURPOSE:
The Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) will provide timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to the sexual assault victim. This will include a forensic exam, prophylaxis for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, photographic documentation, referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up, support and participation in legal proceedings. The FNE is expected to follow protocols established by the Medical Director and/or management of the Forensic Program for which the FNE is employed.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ability to triage patient to determine if medical exam is needed before forensic exam.
- Coordinate care by all agencies involved in assisting the sexual assault victim and coordinate referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up as needed for each patient.
- Perform and document sexual assault and forensic interview accurately.
- Perform and document domestic violence/non-fatal strangulation and forensic interview accurately.
- Perform a complete physical and forensic evidence collection examination including Head-to-Toe assessment for trauma, detailed genital examination, forensic specimen collection and documentation, including photography, and assess for mandatory reporting status, reporting when appropriate.
- Document detailed injuries accurately with support of photographic evidence.
- Maintain chain of custody for each sexual assault exam and adhere to evidence protocols
- Maintain professional standards that do not create conflict of interests with employment or patient care, including patient and medical record confidentiality
- Administer appropriate prophylactic medications per protocols
- Provide testimony as fact witness to any/all cases performed as FNE and coordinate with attorneys during judicial process.
- Responsible to maintain clinical expertise as a FNE.
- Maintain current Registered Nurse Licensure or higher.
- Complete the initial state SANE training.
- Complete the initial and on-going preceptor requirements as identified by the FNE Program
- Maintain open communication with FNE Coordinator and/or management of FNE Program on regular basis.
- Maintain equipment in proper working condition and exercise fiscal responsibility of unit’s resources.
- Share individual expertise with the other members of FNE Program.
- Participate in quality assurance chart and photograph review process as determined by the FNE program
- Adhere to all administrative, clinical, and employment policies and procedures on file with the FNE Program or hiring agency.
- Participate in professional development as determined by the FNE program, including staff meetings, conferences, and in-services.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Bachelors or Associate degree in nursing- Registered Nurse
Experience/training:
- Minimum of one year work experience as a registered nurse
- Completion of 40 hour Adult/Adolescent SANE course preferred
- Completion of SANE preceptorship program including clinical and non-clinical practices set forth by the IAFN, RSI and OR-SATF preferred
License/certification:
- Washington: Current Registered Nursing License
- Oregon: Current Registered Nursing License
- Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required at date of hire.
Other skills:
- Completion of ED specific competency preceptorship forms with RSI
- Strong communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills
- Strong customer service skills
Physical requirements:
- Minimal anticipated exposure to blood and body fluids.
- Job duties frequently require intense concentration and attention to detail.