The Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) will provide timely, non-judgmental, compassionate, and
trauma-informed care to any victim of violence and/or perpetrator, both intentional and
unintentional. The FNE is expected to maintain professional standards when caring for forensic
patients by maintaining strict confidentiality, avoiding bias, and respecting the patients. The
Forensic Department cares for victims of all ages who experience sexual assault,
domestic/interpersonal violence, strangulation, human trafficking, child abuse, physical assault,
elder abuse, and more.
The FNE is expected to follow protocols established by the Medical Director, in collaboration
with the Forensic Coordinator and management of the Forensic Department, at Hutchinson
Regional Medical Center (HRMC).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Performs a complete physical and forensic examination, which may include:
- Head-to-Toe Assessment
- Detailed History of Incident
- Detailed Genital Examination
- Specimen and Evidence Collection with Documentation
- Digital Photography
- Documents injuries with measurements and details as accurately as possible.
- Lab testing and STI prophylaxis; provision of contraceptives
- Demonstrates ability to appropriately use equipment, including cameras and colposcope, in documenting injury and collecting evidence.
- Maintain charts and records per state and federal regulations and organizational procedures. Maintains a strict chain of custody and adheres to evidence protocols for each case.
- Demonstrates the ability to triage forensic patients and determine if medical examination and treatment are needed before a forensic exam. Assesses for emergency medical conditions and makes appropriate referrals.
- Communicates with the Emergency Department staff when transferring patients for evaluation and treatment and facilitates communication between Emergency Department staff, patients, victim advocates, and law enforcement agencies when a patient is transferred to the Emergency Department.
- Performs quality assurance functions to include maintenance of chain of evidence, documentation appropriateness, referrals, preparing and interpreting reports as needed, and following mandatory reporting requirements.
- Provides court testimony as needed and is prepared to provide testimony of facts to all cases performed and documented as FNE. Coordinate with fellow nurses and attorneys to prepare for testifying.
- Provides quality patient care using sound nursing judgment and skills.
- Encourages patients to make educated decisions regarding their care during the forensic exam and allows them to express feelings, concerns, and needs as individually appropriate.
- Utilizes respectful, trauma-informed language in all aspects of the job and maintains a trauma-informed care environment.
- Collaborates with the treatment team to support patient-centered and focused techniques. Provides information to the patient and assesses the need for appropriate community resources.
- Coordinates care with law enforcement, advocacy agencies, and any other services that may be necessary for the victim's safety.
- Promotes and supports trauma-informed care implementation and initiatives within the organization.
- Assumes additional responsibilities and performs special projects as determined by the Forensic Department.
- Understands and follows on-call policies and procedures of the Forensic Department.
RESPONSIBILITIES IN MAINTAINING CLINICAL EXPERTISE:
- Maintains current State Registered Nurse License or higher.
- Completes the initial required state course for FNE/SANE training (2-40 hours or 64-hour course).
- Communicates with the Forensic Department Coordinator to debrief as needed after complex cases to avoid vicarious trauma and maintain emotional and physical well-being while maintaining open communication with the Forensic Department Coordinator regularly.
- Maintains equipment in proper working condition and uses proper cleaning techniques for equipment and the Forensic Department area.
- Maintains competency by actively performing cases at least every quarter to ensure proper procedure.
- Participates in bi-monthly chart and photograph review process (Forensic Department Coordinator discretion).
- Adheres to all administrative, clinical, and employment policies and procedures with Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and its Forensic Department.
- Commit to cover the minimum number of call hours, including weekends, holidays, and other scheduling requirements as determined by the Forensic Department.
- Participates in professional development activities, including 12 forensic nursing continuing education hours each year, monthly peer reviews, staff meetings, conferences, and in-services.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FNE ROLE:
- Commitment to a minimum of 48 hours a month of on-call (2 weekend shifts required – 1600 Friday – 0400 Monday). Shifts are 12 hours.
- Two required Holiday call shifts.
- Holiday call will include at least one fall/winter holiday and one spring/summer holiday each year.
- The FNE is expected to respond to each case within 90 minutes of notification.
- Upon completion of training and preceptorship, the FNE will commit to 2 years of practice in the HRMC Forensic Department. If the FNE leaves the Department before two years of independent practice, they will be responsible for reimbursing the FNE Program all costs related to training and preceptorship.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Ability to apply the basic principles of nursing.
- Possesses excellent nursing communication skills, demonstrating an understanding of cultural, educational, and age-related diversity.
- Possesses excellent nursing documentation skills.
- Demonstrated aptitude in critical thinking skills
- Ability to work independently and make autonomous decisions.
REQUIRED BEHAVIORAL SKILLS:
- Integrity:
- A personal presence characterized by a sense of honesty and the willingness to do the right thing.
- The ability to role model, inspire, and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.
- Compassion:
- A personal presence characterized by a sense of caring reflected in a high level of empathy and customer service with all we come in contact with.
- Ability to manage conflict, consider other points of view, and offer alternative solutions without jeopardizing overall project direction and the ability to manage customer expectations.
- Accountability:
- Demonstrated track record of ownership of situations, projects, and issues.
- Able to work autonomously and have high flexibility to adapt to changing projects, priorities, and work volumes.
- Respect:
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a diverse population.
- Treat all internal and external customers with a positive, proactive service orientation.
- Excellence:
- Strong communication and presentation skills with a proven ability to influence and lead teams to conclusion/decision-making.
- Proven ability to think strategically but also must be able to lead day-to-day tactical processes.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and provide coaching and leadership on complex projects.
- Must be able to lead and/or facilitate process improvement.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Graduate of an Accredited Nursing Program.
- Minimum one-year RN experience.
- Completion of the 40-hour or 64-hour State of Kansas SANE Training Course within six months of employment.
- Must have at least one year of acute care experience that includes using assessment skills.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED LICENSE/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION:
- Current Licensure as a Registered Nurse in Kansas (multi-state licensure allowed).
- Current Healthcare Provider BLS through AHA or ARC before the start date.
- Current ACLS and PALS, or within 90 days of start date.
- SANE-A and SANE-P preferred.
We offer competitive pay, a generous benefit package and a reason to be proud of what you do, every day.
