Job Description

Forensic Nurse - As Needed

The Forensic Nurse provides comprehensive, trauma-informed forensic nursing care to victims of violence across the lifespan who present to Meritus Health. This role integrates evidence-based clinical practice with forensic principles to support patient care, evidence collection, and collaboration with multidisciplinary partners involved in investigation and treatment. The Forensic Nurse maintains clinical competency and participates in ongoing education in accordance with the Maryland Board of Nursing requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive forensic nursing care to victims of violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, abuse, and other trauma-related presentations.
• Deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care across the lifespan in a sensitive, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed manner.
• Conduct forensic examinations, documentation, and evidence collection in accordance with legal, ethical, and organizational standards.
• Maintain chain of custody and ensure accurate, timely, and thorough documentation.
• Coordinate care with a multidisciplinary team, including law enforcement, advocacy services, social work, and other healthcare providers involved in the patient's care and investigation.
• Provide patient education, emotional support, and referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Maintain clinical competency and participate in continuing education related to medical and forensic issues as outlined by the Maryland Board of Nursing.
• Adhere to Meritus Health policies, procedures, and quality standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education - ASN required. BSN Preferred.
• Experience - Minimum of one-year acute care experience preferred. Other nursing experience will be considered on a case by case basis.
• Licensure/Certification - Current license to practice as Registered Nurse in the State of Maryland, or if resident of a state that participates in Nurse Multi-State Compact agreement, holds Registered Nurse license from that state that is designated as "Compact" or "Multi-State Privilege" using primary source verification and provides additional documentation as required by the Maryland Board of Nursing. RN license from a compact state with a designation of "Single State" does not meet the requirement and nurse must obtain a Maryland license. Maryland certification as an adult/adolescent forensic nurse examiner (FNE-A) through the Maryland Board of Nursing must be obtained within 6 months of completing course and certification as a pediatric forensic nurse examiner (FNE-P) within 6 months of completing course. These trainings will be provided if not already licensed. National SANE-A, SANE-P, Generalist Forensic Nurse Certified (GFN-C) or Advanced Forensic Nurse Certified (AFN-C) certification preferred. BLS (CPR) in compliance with policy required.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Keen analytical ability and able to pay attention to detail while using critical thinking skills. Proficient in evidence collection of victims and suspects. Able to perform forensic nursing duties in the emergency department, inpatient hospital, and community-based settings. Proficient in forensic photography. Ability to maintain objectivity and confidentiality while treating patients in a trauma-informed manner. Strong team work ethic while also able to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to work in stressful environments while maintaining a professional attitude in communication with victims and perpetrators of violence and members of multi-disciplinary team. Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to serve as an expert witness and fact witness in forensic cases in the court of law.

Happy to Help

At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.

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