Forensic Nurse Examiner - Child Advocacy Center

Forensic Nurse Examiner
- Child Advocacy Center Internal Only Department Only

• Facility Kootenai Health
• Schedule/Shift/Hours Part Time
  - Variable

Forensic Nurse Examiner
- Child Advocacy Center

Position Summary In addition to primary responsibilities as a Kootenai Health Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE), this role serves as an on‑site nursing representative for the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) while working under the medical oversight of the Forensic Program Medical Director and the CAC Medical Director.

When assigned to the CAC, the FNE provides trauma‑informed, developmentally appropriate medical‑forensic care to children and adolescents who may have experienced abuse or maltreatment. The FNE collaborates closely with the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including law enforcement, child protective services, advocacy, prosecution, and mental health providers, to ensure a coordinated community response to child abuse.

The FNE also collaborates with the Forensic Program Medical Director and Medical Director of The Forensic Nurse Examiner Program at the Child Advocacy Center in developing, maintaining, and evaluating clinical policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure consistency with evidence‑based practice, accreditation standards, and organizational policy.

Responsibilities

• In addition to standard Kootenai Health Forensic Nurse Examiner duties, this role:
• Performs medical‑forensic examinations of children and adolescents referred to the CAC, ensuring care is trauma‑informed, evidence‑based, and developmentally appropriate
• Obtains thorough medical and forensic histories, performs head‑to‑toe physical assessments, and documents findings consistent with forensic standards and NCA guidelines
• Collects and maintains the chain of custody for forensic evidence as indicated
• Provides education, reassurance, and anticipatory guidance to children and caregivers, maintaining sensitivity to cultural, developmental, and emotional needs
• Identifies and facilitates referrals for medical, behavioral health, and follow‑up care as indicated
• Consults with the CAC Medical Director for guidance on clinical decision‑making, diagnostic clarification, and treatment planning as needed
• Collaborates with the Forensic Program Medical Director and Medical Director of The Forensic Nurse Examiner Program at the Child Advocacy Center to develop, implement, and maintain written medical‑forensic policies, protocols, and procedures for care delivered at the CAC
• Assists in reviewing and updating protocols related to examination procedures, documentation standards, evidence collection, and referral pathways to ensure compliance with national standards and best practices
• Monitors adherence to established policies and recommends revisions as necessary to reflect current evidence and operational needs
• Participates in quality assurance and peer review activities designed to assess compliance with established procedures and identify opportunities for improvement
• Serves as a liaison between Kootenai Health and the CAC in matters related to forensic nursing standards, documentation templates, and workflow optimization
• Supports the Medical Director in gathering and analyzing data for program evaluation, quality metrics, and grant reporting related to forensic services at the CAC
• Participates in MDT case reviews and meetings with CAC and community partners as scheduling allows
• Communicates and collaborates effectively with CAC staff, law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, and victim advocates to ensure coordinated, victim‑centered care
• Provides expert medical input during MDT discussions and assists in interpreting medical findings for non‑medical team members
• Participates in CAC or program‑level quality improvement activities and peer review processes
• Maintains current knowledge of pediatric sexual abuse, neglect, and trauma‑informed care practices
• Participates in CAC‑specific education, case review, and staff development activities
• Support program development initiatives to strengthen collaboration between Kootenai Health’s Forensic Nursing Program and the CAC
• Represent Kootenai Health in community education or outreach activities as appropriate
• Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Competent to meet age‑specific needs of the unit assigned

Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of a nationally accredited Nursing program required
• State of Idaho Registered Nurse OR licensure