Job Description

Job Title: Senior Forensic Nurse

Employment Type: Full-Time

Contract Length: 6-8-month CTH

Job Summary:

This position serves as a valuable member of a multi-disciplinary response team, providing medical forensic examinations for patients with concerns of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, strangulation, physical assault or other forms of violence in a trauma informed, non-judgmental manner. Responsible for leading the forensic healthcare team and clinical practice to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care. Research and implement best practices and guidelines to ensure that clinical standards are maintained. Positions at this level are assigned to perform the more complex and sensitive duties in the forensic healthcare field. Judgment must be exercised in analyzing facts or circumstances surrounding issues. Work often requires development of recommendations and independent actions consistent with policies, general directives, and both local and national forensic nurse guidelines. Discretion is required in the application of procedures and guidelines and in selection of appropriate resources for use in accomplishing assigned work.

TYPICAL CLASSIFICATION ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Oversee the clinical operations of the medical forensic nurse program, working in conjunction with the Family Advocacy Division Manager and the Medical Director.
• Actively participate in the interviewing and hiring process and ensure the successful on boarding of new forensic nurses.
• Monitor service delivery to ensure quality standards and clinical best practices are adhered to, reporting progress and challenges back to the Family Advocacy Division Manager.
• Stay current on quality standards and best practices in forensic examinations, including for acute and delayed sexual assault, physical assault, physical child abuse, neglect, trafficking and strangulation.
• Develop and present training programs on medical forensic topics as needed.
• Attend training for ongoing education and career development as needed.
• Oversight and coordination of the forensic nurse on-call schedule.
• Provide support to the Family Advocacy Division Manager in developing and implementing programs and goals for Forensic Nurses.
• Serve as a clinical lead for the forensic nurse team, providing clinical direction and consultation as needed.
• Work with Medical Director to develop and retain highly competent, trained staff that further develop and support the forensic nurse program.
• Oversee the development and implementation of documentation procedures for the medical forensic program.
• Review clinical work of the forensic nursing team to provide consultation, feedback and guidance as well as to identify training needs.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews to ensure adherence to policies, procedures and established standards of practice.
• Order all medications and supplies necessary for program implementation.
• Assess the status of the patient and addresses acute medical concerns and stabilization of the patient; completes thorough medical history, assault history and a detailed physical examination, including systems review and developmental status.
• Perform medical forensic examinations of minor children and adolescents reporting abuse and neglect.
• Perform medical forensic examinations of adolescents and adults reporting sexual assault.
• Perform medical forensic examinations of adolescents and adults reporting physical assault, domestic violence, strangulation or other interpersonal violence.
• Collect evidence, samples, and photo documentation of injuries as part of the medical exam.
• Manage patient care
• Conduct counseling regarding sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, injury care, strangulation dangers, and patient and family safety.
• Administer preventative medications.
• Collaborate with patient, their family and healthcare team.
• Complete medical documentation.
• Maintain chain of custody for all evidence.
• Perform post mortem sexual assault exams as requested by the Chief Medical Examiner.
• Promote and adheres to the workplace values of accountability, commitment, and teamwork to help enrich lives beyond expectation.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, customer records and restricted County information.
• Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing.
• Have practiced for a minimum of three (3) years as a Registered Nurse (RN).
• A minimum of one year of medical forensic nursing experience, and a minimum of one year of supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.
• Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing with a valid unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse issued by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (or a state recognized by licensure compact).
• Successful completion of the 40 hour didactic course on Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Pediatrics (SANE-P) (content approved by the International Association of Forensic Nursing).
• Successful completion of the 40 hour didactic course, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Adolescent/Adult (SANE-A) (content approved by the International Association of Forensic Nursing).
• Preceptorship of a minimum of 36 hours clinical – onsite at a forensic nurse program.
• SANE-A and SANE-P Certification.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.
• Valid Driver’s License with Arizona Driver’s License within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to respond to medical forensic exam within 90 minutes of call.

Preferred Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Nursing.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
• Experience testifying in criminal or civil matters.
• Experience in working collaboratively with community partners such as victim advocates, other healthcare providers or criminal justice system professionals.

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