Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) - RN - Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Position Overview:

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE RN) will play a crucial role in providing specialized care and support to victims of sexual assault. As a SANE RN, you will work collaboratively with law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and support organizations to ensure comprehensive and sensitive care for survivors of sexual assault.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Clinical Examination:

• Conduct comprehensive and trauma-informed physical examinations of sexual assault survivors.
• Collect and preserve forensic evidence using standardized protocols.
• Ensure the preservation of the chain of custody for all collected evidence.

2. Medical Care and Treatment:

• Provide appropriate medical care and treatment for injuries related to sexual assault.
• Administer prophylactic medications as per established protocols.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to address the survivor's physical and psychological needs.

3. Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of all clinical findings and interventions.
• Prepare and submit detailed reports for legal and medical purposes.

4. Victim Advocacy and Support:

• Offer emotional support and counseling to survivors throughout the examination process.
• Collaborate with victim advocates and support organizations to ensure ongoing assistance for survivors.

5. Collaboration and Coordination:

• Work closely with law enforcement agencies to provide expert testimony if required.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including forensic experts, social workers, and legal professionals.

6. Education and Training:

• Stay updated on the latest advancements in forensic nursing and sexual assault care.
• Participate in ongoing training and educational programs to enhance skills and knowledge.

Qualifications:

• Current and unrestricted RN license in the state of North Carolina.
• Certification as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in emergency care or forensic nursing.
• Strong knowledge of forensic evidence collection and preservation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and emotional situations with empathy and professionalism.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physicians and acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills.
• Competent in delivering safe and effective patient care within legal limits of licensure and hospital policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the continuum of nursing care provided in the patient care department.
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians.

Physical Demands:

• Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and mobility.
• Prolonged, extensive, or considerable sitting/standing/walking.
• Bending, squatting, twisting, turning.
• Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less.

Working Conditions:

• Regularly exposed to the risk of blood-borne diseases.
• Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals and specimens, and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergency situations.
• Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift.
• Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day.
• Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces >1 hour per day.
• Frequently mobilizes patients > 4 hours per day.
• Frequently per shift: lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
• Frequently per hour: bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches.
• Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity.
• Frequently per hour, exposed to soft voices > 3 ft. away.
• Frequently per hour, exposed to close eye work.
• Infrequently per shift, may be exposed to ionizing/non-ionizing radiation exposure including x-ray and microwave.

About UNC Health Appalachian:

UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.“

About UNC Health:

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.

For accommodations or additional information, contact recruitment@apprhs.org.

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