Forensic Nurse Examiner

Forensic Nurse Examiner

Position Summary

Serves patients who are potential victims of crime presenting for care across the Kootenai Health organization. Care provided must be compassionate, trauma-informed medical forensic care, to include appropriate follow up referrals. Acts as a community expert for forensic nursing. Promotes optimal health, well-being, and safety through use of the nursing process and in accordance with patient care standards, and the Idaho Nurse Practice Act. Provides relationship-based care as demonstrated by compassion for the patient, maintaining confidentiality, securing the chain of custody for evidence collection, and providing trauma-informed medical forensic care. Engages fully within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care. Integrates best current evidence into clinical practice and uses data to monitor and improve the outcomes of care processes. Uses information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision-making.

Responsibilities

Evaluates, plans, implements, and documents nursing care for an assigned patient population

Performs various patient tests and administers medications within the scope of practice of the registered nurse

Promotes patient's independence by establishing patient care goals and teaching patient and family to understand condition, medications, and self-care skills

Function independently with minimal oversight, utilizing strong critical thinking skills

Maintain expertise and current knowledge in performing medical forensic exams related to forensic science, trauma-informed care, current legal laws and statues, any changing evidence collection procedures, and emerging trends

Perform a complete medical forensic exam, recognizing time sensitive nature of certain exam collections, including but not limited to: obtaining a detailed history for the purpose of treatment/evidence collection, a detailed head-to-toe assessment, forensic photography, appropriate screenings, and follow up recommendations

Actively participate in peer review, professional development, staff meetings, and ongoing continuing education as required

Provide fact/expert witness testimony, as required

Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals

Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function

Performs other related duties as assigned

Competent to meet age-specific needs of the unit assigned

Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

Graduate of a nationally accredited Nursing program required

State of Idaho Registered Nurse OR licensure pending as documented by temporary licensure OR current RN licensure from a state participating in the "multistate privilege to practice" compact with Idaho prior to start date

2 years' RN experience in any setting required; emergency, women's health, or critical care experience preferred

Licensed RN with a minimum 3 years' patient-facing RN experience at time of hire, ADN or diploma required; BSN or higher preferred

All non-BSN RN's with less than 3 years' patient-facing RN experience at time of hire are required to be enrolled in a baccalaureate (or higher) degree program in nursing within 1 year of employment, with completion within 3 years of hire

64-hour combined adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner course required or completion of Kootenai Health training within 3 months of hire

16-hour SANE clinical skills course required or completion of Kootenai Health training within 3 months of hire

24-hours of forensic continuing education required annually

Kootenai Health approved specialty certification required within 2 years of hire; SANE-A, SANE-P, GFN-C preferred

BLS required

Working Conditions

Must be able to lift and move up to 35 lbs

Must be able to maintain a standing position

Typical equipment used in a clinical job

Must be able to stoop, crouch, or bend

Must be able to push, pull, or transport heavy equipment

Must be able to assist in patient transfer

Exposure to needles, blood and body fluids, etc.

About Kootenai Health

Kootenai Health is a highly esteemed healthcare organization serving patients throughout northern Idaho and the Inland Northwest. We have been recognized with many accolades and distinctions, including being a Gallup Great Workplace, No. 1 Best Place to Work in Large Healthcare Organizations, and Magnet Status for Nursing Excellence. We pride ourselves on our outstanding reputation as an employer and a healthcare provider.

As your next employer, we are excited to offer you:

• Comprehensive medical coverage, including fully employer‑paid options for eligible full‑time employees, plus affordable plans for part‑time staff. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Dental, vision, life, and pet insurance, with telemedicine and wellbeing resources available to all employees
• Tuition assistance after 90 days to support your professional growth
• Retirement plans with pre‑tax and Roth options and employer matching from 3%-6%
• Competitive pay, plus night, weekend, and PRN shift differentials
• Award‑winning wellness program with coaching, financial wellness resources, and free or discounted access to fitness centers and premium wellbeing apps
• PerkSpot discounts providing access to thousands of exclusive deals in over 25 categories
• And an employee referral bonus program

Kootenai Health provides exceptional support for extraordinary careers. If you want to work on a high-quality, person-centered healthcare team, we can't wait to meet you!

Apply today! Please reach out to Grey Mora at tmora@kh.org or Front Desk 208-625-4620 or email careers@kh.org with any questions.

Kootenai Health complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex. Kootenai Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex.