Forensic Nurse Examiner - PRN

Forensic Nurse Examiner

A Forensic Nurse Examiner is specially trained and certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing to provide comprehensive care to adults, adolescents and children who have been impacted by sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse, human trafficking and non-intentional trauma. The Examiner works independently under the general direction of the Forensic Nurse Examiner Manager.

The following job description covers the most significant duties performed, but does not exclude other work assignments not mentioned.

Principal Duties:

1. Performs forensic evidentiary examinations on victims and alleged perpetrators in connection with chronic or acute physical, sexual, or domestic assaults, and specifically:

a. Provides timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to patients with a complaint of sexual assault utilizing a clinical process.

b. Obtains consent from the subject or custodial/proper authority prior to the examination relative to photography and evidence collection.

c. Performs evidentiary physical assessments using ALS when indicated based on evidence-based research and unit-based training.

d. Completes the Physical Evidence Kit required by law enforcement authorities.

e. Photographs patients and injuries as training indicates using proper technique.

f. Ensures compliance with Chain of Custody requirements.

2. Interfaces with law enforcement officials, crime labs, prosecutors, and other authorized stakeholders concerning forensic processes and outcomes to include providing expert testimony in judicial proceedings.

3. Provides testing, prophylactic treatment, prescription refills and related education to patients who potentially may have been exposed to HIV during their assault.

4. Participates in peer reviews, staff meetings and SART meetings.

5. Performs related work as assigned.

Customer Service:

1. Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.

2. Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as "How may I be of help to you?" using the customer's name as soon as it is learned.

3. Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.

4. Keeps customer's information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.

5. Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.

6. Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer's expectations have not been met.

Commitment to Co-Workers:

1. Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.

2. Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.

3. Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.

4. Mindful and respectful of others' time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.

5. Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department.

Communication Etiquette:

1. Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility's service communication protocol in all interactions.

2. Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.

3. Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).

4. Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).

5. Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate). Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone. If caller is…