JOB PURPOSE
Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNE's) are versed in provincial and federal laws pertaining to trauma, crime and violence. The FNE will provide timely, non-judgemental, compassionate care to victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence, child and elder maltreatment. Care may include a medical-forensic exam, prophylaxis for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, assessment and documentation of injuries, risk assessment, safety planning, crisis support, referral for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up and support and participation in legal proceedings. The FNE would be required to travel within their respective health zone to provide above patient care. In addition, the forensic nurse examiner will work closely with the FNE program coordinator on projects directed to provide trauma-informed care to those who have experienced intentional violence. This may also include the collaboration with community organizations to provide education and prevention initiatives to vulnerable populations. The FNE will be required to assist in the Emergency Department when forensic care is not needed. Applicants should carefully consider any personal biases, opinions or attitudes that might affect their ability to provide non-judgemental and trauma-informed care as described.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Active registration with the College of Nursing of New Brunswick (CNNB).
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Minimum 2 years Registered Nursing experience
- Current BCLS certification.
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Valid driver’s licence
- Current SANE certification or lapsed SANE certification with previous FNE nurse employment in the past 3 years and willingness to obtain in the next 6 months.
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Previous Emergency Department (ED) experience would be considered an asset.
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Demonstrates teaching, communication and team building skills.
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Demonstrates assessment skills and ability to function independently with minimal supervision.
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Demonstrates ability to respond to emergency situations, rapidly changing priorities and complex patient care needs.
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Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and ability to provide trauma-informed care.
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Strong skills in clinical assessment, problem-solving and critical thinking.
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Demonstrate ability to adhere to documentation standards and forensic aspects of charting.
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Good work and attendance record.
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Physically able to perform assigned duties.
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Must possess or willing to obtain Advanced Competency (AC-RN) training in vaginal examination using a speculum.
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Danger assessment training or willingness to obtain
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Perform therapeutic phlebotomy
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Good work record and ability to attend work on a regular basis.
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Ability to perform the duties of the position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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Provides direct medical-forensic care for patients presenting following sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence within the emergency department or inpatient unit.
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Provides immediate patient-centered crisis intervention and emotional support using principles of trauma-informed care.
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Ensures the safety and privacy of sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence person(s)
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Provides options for medical forensic examination, forensic sample collection and storage, and/or medical examination and treatment for the effects of sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence.
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Offers contact to advocacy programs and/or support person(s) prior to examination to establish connection of safe community programs.
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Recognizes and explains consent as an ongoing process throughout the medical forensic examination and follow up care.
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Demonstrate the ability to perform a complete medical forensic history, and examination with/without collection of forensic samples.
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Offers emergency contraception and prophylactic medications for sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, and HIV ect, in accordance with the SANE clinical order set.
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Completes safety/risk assessments and formalizes a safety plan with the patient.
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Provides discharge teaching and option for follow up examination/treatment when applicable
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Participate in community awareness and outreach projects as needed and directed by the SANE program Coordinator.
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Participates and leads groups or self driven monthly continuous education, case, and literature review.
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Completes 36 hours of continuous education annually to maintain competency in forensic nursing practice.
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Assists in routine management such as stocking of supplies and scheduling forensic appointments as required.
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Assists in the training and preceptorship of newly trained forensic nurse examiner staff.
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Adheres to legal obligation to provide court testimony as a fact witness when subpoenaed to court. Please note following employment termination with Horizon Health Network as a SANE/FNE, it will remain an obligation of the individual RN to respond and coordinate with attorneys prior to and during the court process.
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Perform on-call as assigned.
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When not caring for SANE/FNE patients or working on tasks defined above, the FNE Staff Nurse will be available to support Emergency Department functions as needed and as able or assigned.
COMPETENCIES
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Communication and interpersonal skills
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Emotional intelligence
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Assessment skills
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Patient/client focus
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Planning and prioritizing work
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Decision making
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Critical thinking
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Problem solving
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Teamwork and collaboration
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Professionalism
If a candidate’s primary language of communication is not English, an English Language Proficiency Evaluation is required for all postings (Reading, Writing and Oral).
Interested? Apply Today!
Horizon Health Network (Horizon) only accepts on-line applications.
About Horizon’s Recruitment Process
We thank all applicant who apply; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply as an equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.
Horizon’s recruitment screening process may include language proficiency testing, clerical testing and/or behavioral assessment. If you are selected for testing, you will be contacted via the email address provided on your application. The official results will be shared with the candidate, Human Resources and the requesting manager electronically and language results will be placed on the personnel file for Horizon’s hiring purposes.
Diversity Statement
Horizon is committed to enhancing our diverse and inclusive environment for our employees and patients. We believe in a healthcare system that equally supports all people regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, social background, religion, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or sexual orientation. An environment based on a commitment to diversity and inclusion supports our goal of safe and quality patient care.
