Forensic Nurse Examiner

The University of Maryland Medical System is a 14-hospital system with academic, community and specialty medical services reaching every part of Maryland and beyond. UMMS is a national and regional referral center for trauma, cancer care, Neurocare, cardiac care, women’s and children’s health and physical rehabilitation. UMMS is the fourth largest private employer in the Baltimore metropolitan area and one of the top 20 employers in the state of Maryland. No organization will give you the clinical variety, the support, or the opportunities for professional growth that you’ll enjoy as a member of our team.

POSITION SUMMARY

A Forensic Examiner is specially trained and certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing to provide comprehensive care to adults, adolescents and children who have been impacted by sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse, human trafficking and non-intentional trauma. The Examiner works independently under the general direction of the Manager of the Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Center, Emergency Services.

Principal Duties:

1. Performs forensic evidentiary examinations on victims and alleged perpetrators in connection with chronic or acute physical, sexual, or domestic assaults, and specifically:

a. Provides timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to patients with a complaint of sexual assault utilizing a clinical process.

b. Obtains consent from the subject or custodial/proper authority prior to the examination relative to photography and evidence collection.

c. Performs evidentiary physical assessments using ALS as appropriate to detect evidence of strangulation.

d. Completes the Physical Evidence Kit required by law enforcement authorities.

e. Ensures compliance with Chain of Custody requirements.

2. Interfaces with law enforcement officials, crime labs, prosecutors, and other authorized stakeholders concerning forensic processes and outcomes to include providing expert testimony in judicial proceedings.

3. Provides testing, prophylactic treatment, prescription refills and related education to HIV patients.

4. Participates in peer reviews, staff meetings and SART meetings.

5. Performs related work as assigned.

Customer Service:

1. Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.

2. Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as “How may I be of help to you?” using the customer’s name as soon as it is learned.

3. Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.

4. Keeps customer’s information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.

5. Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.

6. Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer’s expectations have not been met.

Commitment to Co-Workers:

1. Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.

2. Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.

3. Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.

4. Mindful and respectful of others’ time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.

5. Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department

Communication Etiquette:

1. Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility’s service communication protocol in all interactions.

2. Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.

3. Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).

4. Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).

5. Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate). Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone. If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to. Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.

6. Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible.

7. Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).

8. Always mindful of voice and language in public.

Self Management:

1. Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital’s dress code. Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.

2. Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.

3. Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.

4. Follows UMCRH safety, infection control and employee health standards.

5. Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.

6. Adhere to all UMCRH and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards. Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences. Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines. Respects length of time for lunch and break times.

7. Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCRH and/or departmental confidentiality statement.

Licensure/Certification/Registration

Required: Current Maryland license in good standing as a Registered Nurse. FNE - A, FNE-P or both.

Basic Life Support – Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP)

Education/Knowledge

Attained Level: Associate’s Degree

Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree

Completed Course Work/Program: Nursing and including thorough knowledge of current and emerging forensic and evidentiary examination principles, methodologies and techniques and laws and regulations. Extensive knowledge of documentation protocols related to injury examinations including DNA swab collection, forensic photography, use of body maps and injury description. Thorough knowledge of applicable Chain of Custody regulations.

Applicable Experience

Experience (years): Required: 2 years in a clinical setting Preferred: 3-5 years in a clinical setting including 2 years in Emergency Medicine

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