Registered Nurse Forensic Examiner

Position Summary: 

The FNE will provide timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to the presenting assault patient. This will include a medical forensic exam, prophylaxis for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, photographic documentation, referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up, support, and participation in legal proceedings. Collaborates with other members of the health care team and community partners. FNE may see patient types including but not limited to patients who have experienced: sexual assault, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and maltreatment. The FNE is expected to follow protocols established by the management of the FNE program for Bozeman Deaconess Health.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required

• Current Montana Licensure (Registered Nurse)
• American Heart Association BLS
• Competence in and a willingness and ability to practice modified primary nursing

Preferred

• 6-month nursing experience

Essential Job Functions:

In addition to the essential functions of the job listed below, employees must have on-time completion of all required education as assigned per DNV requirements, Bozeman Health policy, and other registry requirements.

• Collects comprehensive data pertinent to the patient’s health or the situation (assessment), perform and document assessment and history of events accurately
• Ability to triage patient to determine if emergency medical treatment is needed before the medical forensic exam
• Assist patient in coordinating referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up as needed
• Perform a complete physical examination including a head to toe assessment for trauma, detailed genital examination as appropriate, forensic specimen collection, documentation including photo-documentation, and assess for mandatory reporting status
• Document detailed injuries accurately with support of photographic evidence, when possible
• Maintain chain of custody for each assault exam and adhere to evidence protocols
• Maintain professional standards that do not create conflicts of interest with employment or patient care, including patient and medical record confidentiality
• Administer appropriate prophylactic medications per protocol
• Provide testimony as fact witness to any/all cases performed and coordinate with attorneys during judicial process
• Participate in community awareness and outreach projects as needed and directed by FN Program Coordinator

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrates sound judgment, patience, and maintains a professional demeanor at all times
• Exercises tact, discretion, sensitivity, and maintains confidentiality
• Performs essential job functions successfully in a busy and stressful environment
• Learns current and new computer applications and office equipment utilized at Bozeman Health
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Analyzes, organizes, and prioritizes work while meeting multiple deadlines
• Works varied shifts as scheduled and/or needed

Schedule Requirements

• This role requires regular and sustained attendance.
• The position may necessitate working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends and after-hours shifts.
• On-call work may be required to respond promptly to organizational, patient, or employee needs.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting (Repeatedly – 50 pounds): Exerting force occasionally and/or using a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects or people.
• Sit (Occasionally): Maintaining a sitting posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.
• Stand (Repeatedly): Maintaining a standing posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.
• Walk (Repeatedly): Walking and moving around within the work area requires good balance and coordination.
• Climb (Rarely): Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like using feet and legs; may also use hands and arms.
• Twist/Bend/Stoop/Kneel (Repeatedly): Twisting, bending, and stooping require flexibility and a wide range of motion in the spine and joints.
• Reach Above Shoulder Level (Repeatedly): Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects as necessary above the shoulder, requiring strength and stability.
• Push/Pull (Repeatedly): Using the upper extremities to press or exert force against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
• Fine-Finger Movements (Continuously): Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than using the whole hand as in handling.
• Vision (Continuously): Close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures and to read computer screens, printed materials, and handwritten materials.
• Cognitive Skills (Continuously): Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.
• Exposures (Continuously): Bloodborne pathogens, such as blood, bodily fluids, or tissues. Radiation in settings where medical imaging procedures are performed. Various chemicals and medications are used in healthcare settings. Job tasks may involve handling cleaning products, disinfectants, and other substances. Infectious diseases are caused by contact with patients in areas that may have contagious illnesses. Emotionally challenging situations, such as dealing with distressed patients or difficult family interactions.

*Frequency Key:  Continuously (100% - 67% of the time), Repeatedly (66% - 33% of the time), Occasionally (32% - 4% of the time), Rarely (3% - 1% of the time), Never (0%).

77346670 Integrated Behavior Health (BHDH)