Forensic Nurse Examiner; RN - Emergency Department

Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNEs) conduct forensic examinations of victims of sexual assault or otherwise impacted by violence in a compassionate manner. A forensic exam may include a medical‑forensic exam, prophylaxis for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, photographic documentation and referrals for appropriate follow‑up support.

• Ability to respond to UVA Health within one hour of page.
• On call shifts as needed to ensure clinical coverage.
• Experience as a forensic nurse a plus; training provided.
• Practices within scope, requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgement and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a fast‑paced environment and take appropriate action.
• Pursues professional growth and development as a member of the SANE program on a continuous basis.

• The FNE's objective is to provide knowledgeable caring clinical practice and care coordination with the healthcare teams.
• Provides compassionate & prompt care and services to survivors of sexual assault or abuse.
• Communicates with survivors and their families regarding evidence collection, treatment recommendations and reporting to law enforcement in a manner that promotes informed decisions.
• Participates in mandatory reporting of child abuse, and other abuse/assault as defined by law and clearly and empathetically communicates with the patient and/or family as needed.
• Provides fact and expert testimony as needed in court.
• Provides recommendations for nursing care of injuries and prophylactic medications to medical team. Refers to appropriate support team members for further resources as necessary.
• Integrates knowledge, skills and experiences to meet the needs of patients and families throughout the continuum.
• The FNE communicates effectively and works cooperatively with others. Has respect for and understanding of other clinical disciplines.
• Is responsible for taking photographs and documenting injuries in accordance with application guidelines and policies.
• Collects, processes, ensures and maintains appropriate chain of custody of evidence clinical specimens and forensic medical records.
• Documents all care with appropriate attention to detail and best practices.
• Provides referrals to appropriate services for patient.
• Coordinates with law enforcement and community‑based advocates when applicable.
• Provides patient education regarding exam, procedures, treatment, STI prevention, pregnancy prevention and follow‑up care.
• Provide written documentation and photographic documentation of injuries to physically and sexually abused/assault adolescents and adults.
• Provides continuous assessment, consults with other team members as required and provides nursing care which demonstrates patient‑centered and patient‑valued care.
• Must be able to demonstrate patient‑centered and patient‑valued behaviors.

We are seeking a capable clinician, focused on expanding knowledge and skills. Consistently provides effective direct care, as part of the interdisciplinary team, to a variety of complex patients. Manages care and implements treatment plans at a refined skill level in collaboration with patients, their families, physicians and other members of the health care team. Seeks as well as provides feedback for improved clinical practice.

Assumes a beginning leadership role but seeks mentoring in this process.

ANA Scope and Standards of Practice definition of nursing:
Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, facilitation of healing, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities and populations.

This job description integrates the ANA 2015 Nursing:
Scope and Standards of Practice, Third Edition and the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2015), and the UVA Nursing Professional Practice Model.

• Relationship Based Care - Self and Colleagues: reflects the influence of the nurse's relationship with self, colleagues and patient/family on the patient experience.
• Relationship Based Care - Patients…