Forensic Nurse Examiner
Part-Time, non-exempt -32hours/month
NOVA (Network of Victim Assistance) is a comprehensive victim services organization in Bucks County. With a 50+ year history, NOVA has expanded to include a continuum of prevention and direct services to prevent and address the needs of victims of sexual abuse and other serious crimes. NOVA is known for its exceptional services and professionalism across many disciplines and the community. As a mature and fiscally sound organization, establishing sustainability is key to our future success, serving all victims who need assistance, educating the community on violence prevention, and providing top-ranked professional training.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) provides compassionate, trauma-informed medical forensic care to patients who have experienced sexual assault, non-fatal strangulation, and other forms of interpersonal violence. Responsibilities include medical assessment, forensic evidence collection, documentation, photography, patient education, prophylactic treatment coordination, referrals, and collaboration with multidisciplinary partners. The FNE provides services in accordance with NOVA policies, participating hospital protocols, and current standards of forensic nursing practice. The FNE may be required to testify as a fact witness regarding examinations performed while employed by NOVA
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Clinical Responsibilities
- Provide trauma-informed, patient-centered care in a timely manner.
- Perform medical screening and triage to determine whether emergency medical care is required prior to the forensic examination.
- Conduct comprehensive medical forensic examinations, including:Head-to-Toe assessment for injury and detailed genital and anal examination, when indicated
- Collection and preservation of forensic evidence
- Photographic documentation of injuries
- Assess mandatory reporting requirements and complete reports as required by law.
- Coordinate the administration of emergency contraception, sexually transmitted infection prophylaxis, and other medications according to protocol with Emergency Department staff.
- Maintain evidence integrity and chain of custody throughout the examination
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA and all confidentiality requirements.
Documentation
- Complete thorough, accurate, objective written and electronic documentation.
- Finalize all documentation within 24 hours of completion of the examination and case review with the Forensic Nursing Coordinator.
Collaboration
Collaborate effectively with:
- Hospital Emergency Department personnel
- NOVA staff and volunteers providing Emergency Room Accompaniment
- Law enforcement
- Prosecutors
- Community partners
On-Call Responsibilities
- Maintain active participation in the on-call rotation with a minimum commitment of 32 on-call hours per month, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight coverage as assigned.
- Maintain reliable transportation.
- Respond by phone to all helpline calls within 10 minutes.
- Begin travel immediately upon accepting a case.
- Arrive at the designated hospital within one (1) hour of accepting a request for service.
- Maintain reliable phone and email communication during all scheduled on-call shifts.
Court Responsibilities
- Provide testimony as a fact witness for examinations performed while employed by NOVA.
- Following employment /termination as an FNE with NOVA, the individual RN will be obligated to respond and coordinate with attorneys before and during the court process.
Program Responsibilities
- Comply with all NOVA policies, procedures, specific hospital protocols, and forensic nursing standards.
- Once fully transitioned to independent practice status including independently completing a minimum of two (2) forensic examinations, while demonstrating competency in the forensic examination process, serve as a preceptor for newly trained forensic nurses, as assigned.
- Preceptor responsibilities may include clinical shadowing, observation and guidance, mentoring, providing constructive feedback, and completing required competency and onboarding documentation.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
- Annual training requirements, and continuing education requirements as applicable.
- Failure to meet training deadlines may result in removal from the schedule until the outstanding training is completed. Repeated non-compliance may result in termination
- Meets regularly with Forensic Nurse Coordinator for support, direction, supervision, and feedback.
- Maintains open communication with the FNP Coordinator.
- Participates in 75% of department case review meetings.
- Conducts professional development through completion of continuing education, case studies, literature reviews, and chart reviews to maintain clinical excellence and ensure evidence-based practice
COMPETENCIES
- Ability to engage in trauma-informed practices and ability to maintain professionalism while working with individuals experiencing trauma.
- Ability to work in a confidential setting and adhere to NOVA’s confidentiality practices
- Conduct all relationships with honesty and integrity
- Effectively work independently and within a team
- Ability to adapt to changing work environments, evolving work priorities, and the needs of the organization.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in good standing.
- A minimum of two years of nursing experience required; specialty experience in women’s health, emergency department, intensive care, or trauma. Must be able to demonstrate autonomy and professional judgment in nursing practice.
- Must meet credentialing requirements as outlined in the NOVA FNE Contract
- Complete the American Forensic Nurse Examiner training program within 15 weeks of onset of employment
- Successful completion of 2-day practicum within six (6) months of hire, unless delayed due to training availability.
- Completion of up to three (3) supervised clinical observations/examinations with an experienced FNE within six (6) months of completing required training, unless delayed due to case availability.
- Ability to successfully complete all required orientation, competency assessments, and ongoing continuing education required by the program.
- Reliable transportation and the ability to respond to designated hospitals within the program's required response time.
- Participate in a rotating on-call schedule, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as required – at minimum 32 hours per month
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365.
- Periodic drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance with organizational policy and applicable law.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
- Must have an active unrestricted RN license to practice in Pennsylvania
- Must have an active BLS certificate
- Must meet all required background checks (criminal, FBI, child abuse) at hire and every five years after that
- Must provide proof of a valid driver's license
- Must provide proof of valid car insurance with a minimum liability coverage of $100,000/$300,000 upon hire and biannually after that
NOVA is an AA/EOE.
Accommodation: If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please notify us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.
- If you possess these qualifications, are energetic and passionate about the mission of NOVA, and enjoy a friendly, team-oriented environment, we would like to hear from you! Please submit your resume with a cover letter telling us why you are the person for this job, and your salary requirements to [email protected] (Forensic Nurse Examiner)
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
Work Location: In person
