Where compassion meets innovation and technology and our employees are family.

General Purpose of Job:

The Forensic Nurse (RN) is a professional Registered Nurse who provides direct nursing care to the assigned patient population.  The forensic nurse, utilizing the nursing process, plans and delivers effective patient care within the Texas scope of practice and within the framework of Driscoll Health System's vision of excellence and integrated care delivery.  The forensic nurse complies within the established standards of practice, policies, and clinical guidelines reflective of evidence-based best practice. The practice of the forensic nurse contributes to creating an environment that is patient focused; family centered and is designed to provide continuation of care and patient transition management. Briefly describe the job’s primary purpose or contribution to the department or organization. The forensic nurse provides a timely medical/forensic examination of the sexual assault patient using a compassionate and victim sensitive approach.  Provides timely photo-documentation with a compassionate approach. The forensic nurse serves under the supervision of the CARE Team Clinical Coordinator and Senior Director of Emergency and Intensive Services.  The forensic nurse operates within the framework of Driscoll Children’s Hospital’s Mission Statement and Core Values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; employees will perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and/or hospital administration as required.

The above statements should be included on all job descriptions.

List the job's essential or most important functions and responsibilities. Include all important aspects of the job -- whether performed daily, weekly, monthly, or annually; and any that occur at irregular intervals.  Standard functions listed below should be included on all job descriptions.

• Maintains utmost level of confidentiality at all times.
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates business practices and personal actions that are ethical and adhere to corporate compliance and integrity guidelines. 
• Serves as Forensic Nurse Examiner on duty and on call as scheduled.
• Serves as a member of the Multidisciplinary Team.
• Performs within scope of nursing practice and within hospital nursing policies.  Performs duties as assigned.
• Maintains forensic documentation.
• Maintains forensic photo documentation.

Education and/or Experience:

• Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing. BSN preferred.
• Current RN license in the State of Texas
• Minimum of 2 years clinical experience in emergency and/or maternal or pediatric health care.
• Successful completion of the Forensic Nurse Examiner training within 9 months of employment.
• Successful completion of DCH orientation course

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Current RN license to practice in the State of Texas as a professional nurse.
• Maintain current BLS CPR certification & PALS (can obtain within 6 months of hire).
• Current state certification (certification of currency) through the Texas Office of the Attorney General as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (can obtain within 9 months of hire).
• Attain at least one National Forensic Nursing certification of competency (SANE-A &/or SANE-P) after 3 years of employment and maintain currency of that certification is encouraged but not required.