Senior Registered Nurse - Forensic Exam Team

Location

Main Hospital Bldg - 1st Flr

Full‑time nights (36 hours/week), 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m., with rotating weekends and holidays.

A Registered Nurse with more than two years of experience, licensed professional who uses the Parkland nursing professional practice model to coordinate patient care delivery for a particular patient population or specific health condition in collaboration with the health‑care team. Using the nursing process, the RN assesses patients, identifies nursing diagnoses, develops and implements an individualized plan of care, and evaluates the response.

The RN assists patients in transitioning through the health‑care encounter without preventable complications or delays and delegates interventions based on the Texas Nursing Practice Act, patient condition, and staff competencies.

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

• At least two years of registered nursing experience.
• Preferred: acutely‑care experience such as forensic nursing, emergency department, trauma, or ICU/CCU within the last two years. Clinical rotations or LVN experience are not acceptable.

• Current RN license, valid temporary permit with the Texas Board of Nursing, or valid Compact RN license.
• Current BLS for Health‑Care Providers certification from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or Military Training Network.
• Current, valid SANE‑CA certification from the Texas Office of the Attorney General or SANE‑A certification from the International Association of Forensic Nurses.
• Certifications must be within 30 days of the start date and uploaded at application submission.
• May be required to hold additional specialty certifications.
• Current trainee with proof of didactic completion and actively working toward full certification within six months of hire.

• Provide comprehensive, trauma‑informed medical forensic examinations for patients who have experienced violence.
• Document injuries and produce photographic evidence for physically and sexually abused adolescents and adults.
• Complete legal blood‑draw procedures for patients presented at law‑enforcement request.
• Conduct non‑judgmental examinations with specimen collection for suspected criminal cases.
• Provide continuous assessment, consult with team members, and deliver patient‑centered trauma‑informed care.
• Exercise independent judgment in delivering specialized nursing care.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and strong oral and written communication.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and hospital staff in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Guide non‑nursing staff and serve as a preceptor.
• Create and lead in‑service educational programs.
• Exhibit patient‑centered and value‑driven behaviors.
• Be self‑directed, prioritize tasks, and solve problems.
• Apply nursing standards of care for specialty areas.

• Act as a patient advocate focusing on needs, rights, confidentiality, and cultural/religious preferences, maintaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a nursing resource for registered nurses, physicians, and residents in caring for patients who have experienced violence.
• Educate patients and families about medical‑forensic specimen collection, medication, and discharge planning.
• Participate in information exchanges with nursing staff, Parkland’s VIP/Rape Crisis Center, law‑enforcement agencies, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office; testifying as an expert or fact witness as required.
• Practice as a sexual assault nurse examiner per guidelines from the International Association of Forensic Nurses, the Texas Office of the Attorney General, the Texas Nursing Practice Act, and Parkland policies.
• Complete forensic examination documentation and maintain accurate records separate from patient‑care records.
• Assist in mentoring and training new forensic nurses in sexual assault examinations.
• Participate in SANE peer review and quality‑assurance or performance‑improvement projects aligned with departmental and institutional QAPI plans.
• Remain current on forensic‑nursing advances through seminars, journals, and professional associations.
• Identify process improvements to enhance customer satisfaction, recommend changes, and implement solutions as appropriate.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable laws and guidelines, developing internal controls to promote compliance with accreditation and payer requirements.
• Perform any duties deemed competent.