RN - Forensic Nurse (PRN) - Blanchard Valley Hospital

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

The Forensic Nurse will provide timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to patients experiencing a crime such as; assault, child abuse/neglect, intimate partner violence, elder abuse/neglect, human trafficking and sexual assault. Exams performed by the forensic nurse may include a medical-forensic exam, prophylaxis for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, photographic documentation, and referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up, support and participation in legal proceedings.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Duty 1:   Displays Service Excellence as evidence by practicing the mission, vision, and values of the organization to promote patient satisfaction.

Duty 2:   Ability to triage patient to determine if medical exam is needed before forensic exam.

Duty 3:   Coordinates care by all agencies involved in assisting the sexual assault victim and coordinates referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up as needed for each patient.

Duty 4:   Performs 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 assesses for mandatory reporting status, reporting when appropriate

Duty 5:   Documents detailed injuries accurately with support of photographic evidence.

Duty 6:   Maintains chain of custody during the medical forensic exam and adheres to evidence protocols.

Duty 7:   Maintains competency by maintaining active performance of cases with no lapse of greater than six months.

Duty 8:   Participates in monthly quality assurance chart and photograph review process as determined by the Forensic nursing program

Duty 9:   Adheres to all administrative, clinical, and employment policies and procedures on file with the forensic nursing program

Duty 10:  Commits to cover minimum number of shifts, holiday coverage, and other scheduling requirements as determined by the forensic nursing program.

Duty 11:  Participates in professional development as determined by the forensic nursing program, including staff meetings, conferences, and in services.

Duty 12:   Provides testimony as fact witness to any/all cases performed and coordinates with attorneys during judicial process.

Duty 13:   Travels to Bluffton Hospital for patient care

Duty 14:   Administers appropriate prophylactic medications.

  REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed by the Ohio Board of Nursing as a Registered Nurse
• Positive service-oriented interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served on his/her assigned unit/department.
• The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient status.
• Must be able to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the area’s policies and procedures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 41 hour Adult/Adolescent IAFN SANE training (Can be provided)
• 43 hour Pediatric IAFN SANE training (Can be provided)
• 2 year RN experience
• TNCC
• ACLS
• PALS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.  This position is required to lift up to 50lbs.

This position is classified at risk for possible occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (HBV, HIV, etc.)