Forensic Nurse Examiner

Company: Mission Hospital
Location: Hickory
Posted on: April 8, 2021

Job Description:

Overview -Our Mission-We strive to address the unique needs of victims of abuse. By providing our services in a confidential, compassionate, and non-judgmental atmosphere - our focus is to empower our patients to begin the healing process and, in addition, work to end sexual assault and domestic/intimate partner violence in our community.Expert Staff-Mission Hospital employs Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNEs) - specially trained registered nurses - who provide comprehensive care for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child, elder, dependent-adult abuse and neglect, and other violent crimes. Our forensic nurses are also involved in community outreach and educational programs designed to raise public awareness of sexual assault, safe dating, and recognizing and dealing with violence in a relationship.A forensic nurse examiner is on duty 24/7/365. Specialized training and experience enables the FNE to:

• Provide a safe, comprehensive and compassionate exam.Collect and document evidence of the assaultProvide treatment to help prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancyInitiate crisis intervention and safety planning when neededArrange medical and psychological follow-upProvide expert testimony in court-Our Services-Sexual Assault-Our forensic nurse examiners offer confidential services for both adult and pediatric victims of sexual assault. These services are provided at no cost to the victims. Confidential services are provided whether or not the victim chooses to have law enforcement involvement.-Intimate Partner/Family Violence-Our forensic nurses' examiners provide confidential evaluations for assessment and documentation of injuries. They educate the victim about domestic violence and provides referrals to legal and/or social services as needed. Confidential services are provided whether or not the victim chooses to have law enforcement involvement.-Elder, Dependent-Adult Abuse and Neglect-The forensic nurse is called upon whenever it is suspected that an elder or dependent-adult may be a victim of abuse or neglect. In addition to providing medico-legal services, the forensic nurse is able to educate the medical community and law-enforcement agencies to recognize the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect.-Other Victims of Violent Crime-Our forensic nurses collect and provide evidence of nonfatal strangulation or serious assault. This includes obtaining a limited history, and creating written and/or photo documentation while medical treatment is being provided. This service is provided without interfering with medical treatment, and it ensures that crucial evidence is not lost in the course of emergency medical treatment.--Office of Decedent Affairs-Mission Hospital in Asheville is where the Buncombe County Morgue is located.-Our forensic nurses assist the Buncombe County Morgue's Office of Decedent Affairs-(ODA) with-death investigations on all incoming cases.-In addition to those, if a patient passes-away while-in the hospital, certain examinations and documentation must be completed and these are also-performed by our FNE team.---Buncombe County Family Justice Center-We are also proud partners of multiple non-profit and government agencies that support our community through the Buncombe County Family Justice Center located in downtown Asheville, NC.- At this facility, patients can obtain multiple services in ONE place rather than having to come to our hospital's emergency room or other seperate locations for needed services. Learn more about this progressive community alliance at the --Role Summary: Facilitates compassionate patient care to patients and families throughout the life span, through the application of the forensic aspects of health care, combined with the bio-psychosocial in the scientific investigation and treatment of trauma and/or death of patients and perpetrators of violence, criminal activity and traumatic incidents. The advanced forensic nurse examiner provides direct services to individual patients, families and consultation services to nursing, medical and community and law related agencies, as well as providing expert testimony in numerous areas, death with investigative processes, adequacy of services delivered and specialized diagnosis. Collaborates with and provides direction for staff to establish and maintain clinical standards. Advanced Forensic Nurse Examiner collaborates with FNE Program Coordinator for overall program operation and vision throughout the Mission Health System and Western North Carolina. This group also provides after hours breathe alcohol and monitored drug urine testing services for Occumed Health Services.-Required Education: Effective 3/1/18 Bachelor of Science in Nursing OR enroll in a BSN or advanced degree program within 6 months AND obtain a BSN within 4 years of hire date into RN position. Previous signed BSN commitment letter OR grandfathering will be accepted between departments and Mission Health entities. Exemptions may be approved with CNO System Council approval.FNE/SANE education program completion which meets Law in North Carolina, North Carolina Board of Nursing and International Association of Forensic Nurses standards required.-Preferred Education: Master's in Nursing.-Required License/Certification: Must have and maintain current licensure as registered nurse with the North Carolina Board of Nursing. eNLC (Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact) license may apply, licensee should confirm with NCBON.-Preferred License/Certification: National Nursing Certification in area of specialty-Required Experience: Two years relevant RN/FNE clinical experience.-Preferred Experience: Advanced assessment, counseling, leadership and/or education experience.--We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At HCA Mission Health System, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Some of our unique benefits we offer include:
  • Student Loan Repayment
  • Tuition Reimbursement/Assistance Programs
  • Paid Personal Leave
  • 401k
  • Identity Theft Protection discounts
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)--Mission Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such offers equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic.

Keywords: Mission Hospital, Hickory , Forensic Nurse Examiner, Healthcare , Hickory, North Carolina