RN - Forensic Examiner (Casual Call, Variable Shift)

Bozeman Health; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Bozeman Health is seeking a Frontline Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) to deliver timely, compassionate care to assault patients and coordinate medical/psychological follow-up. The role includes conducting forensic exams, ensuring proper documentation and chain of custody, and supporting legal processes through testimony and collaboration with attorneys.

The FNE will work within the Bozeman Health system and adhere to established program protocols.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher nursing education with current RN licensure in Montana.
• BLS certification and ability to practice modified primary nursing.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical forensic exams and non-judgmental care to assault patients.
• Document injuries with accuracy and maintain chain of custody for evidence.
• Coordinate referrals for medical and psychological follow-up; testify as needed.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and collaborate with the healthcare team and legal partners.

Skills

Forensic nursing

Patient assessment

Documentation

Evidence handling

Interprofessional collaboration

Education

Associate's Degree in Nursing

Montana RN licensure

BLS Certification

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Working at Bozeman Health is more than just a job--it's a commitment to caring for the communities of Southwest Montana by being their partner in health and wellness, compassionately delivering the best care for each person, every time. In every role, our employees are inspired by their ability to care for our community and our Culture of Excellence guides each employee to be a high performer, engage in transparent and timely communication, demonstrate dynamic learning and teaching, excel through change, express gratitude and experience joy.

Summary

The FNE will provide timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to the presenting assault patient. This will include a medical forensic exam, prophylaxis for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, photographic documentation, referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up, support, and participation in legal proceedings. Collaborates with other members of the healthcare team and community partners. FNE may see patient types including but not limited to patients who have experienced: sexual assault, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and maltreatment. The FNE is expected to follow protocols established by the management of the FNE program for Bozeman Deaconess Health.

Required

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN, ASN, AAS, AAN).
• Current Montana Licensure Registered Nurse (RN).
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Competence in and a willingness and ability to practice modified primary nursing.
  

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN, BAN).
• 6-month nursing experience.
  

Essential Job Functions

In addition to the essential functions of the job listed below, employees must maintain timely completion of all required education, trainings, and certifications as assigned and in accordance with Bozeman Health policies, department-specific requirements, applicable certification program and registry requirements, and other applicable regulatory requirements.

• Collects comprehensive data pertinent to the patient’s health or the situation (assessment), perform and document assessment and history of events accurately
• Ability to triage patient to determine if emergency medical treatment is needed before the medical forensic exam
• Assist patient in coordinating referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up as needed
• Perform a complete physical examination including a head to toe assessment for trauma, detailed genital examination as appropriate, forensic specimen collection, documentation including photo-documentation, and assess for mandatory reporting status
• Document detailed injuries accurately with support of photographic evidence, when possible
• Maintain chain of custody for each assault exam and adhere to evidence protocols
• Maintain professional standards that do not create conflicts of interest with employment or patient care, including patient and medical record confidentiality
• Administer appropriate prophylactic medications per protocol
• Provide testimony as fact witness to any/all cases performed and coordinate with attorneys during judicial process
• Participate in community awareness and outreach projects as needed and directed by FN Program Coordinator
• Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrate sound judgment, patience, and maintain a professional demeanor at all times
• Exercise tact, discretion, sensitivity, and maintains confidentiality
• Perform essential job functions successfully in a fast-paced environment
• Learn current and new computer applications and office equipment utilized at Bozeman Health
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Analyze, organize, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines
• Demonstrate the Bozeman Health SPIRIT values of: Service, People, Integrity, Respect, Improvement, and Teamwork.
  

Schedule Requirements

• This role requires regular and sustained attendance.
• The position may necessitate working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends and after-hours shifts.
• On-call work may be required to respond promptly to organizational, patient, or employee needs.
  

Physical Requirements

• Lifting (Repeatedly – 50 pounds): Exerting force and/or using a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects or people.
• Sit (Occasionally): Maintaining a sitting posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.
• Stand (Repeatedly): Maintaining a standing posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.
• Walk (Repeatedly): Walking and moving around within the work area requires good balance and coordination.
• Climb (Rarely): Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like using feet and legs; may also use hands and arms.
• Twist/Bend/Stoop/Kneel (Repeatedly): Twisting, bending, and stooping require flexibility and a wide range of motion in the spine and joints.
• Reach Above Shoulder Level (Repeatedly): Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects as necessary above the shoulder, requiring strength and stability.
• Push/Pull (Repeatedly): Using the upper extremities to press or exert force against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
• Fine-Finger Movements (Continuously): Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than using the whole hand as in handling.
• Vision (Continuously): Close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures and to read computer screens, printed materials, and handwritten materials.
• Cognitive Skills (Continuously): Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.
• Exposures (Continuously): Bloodborne pathogens, such as blood, bodily fluids, or tissues. Radiation in settings where medical imaging procedures are performed. Various chemicals and medications are used in healthcare settings. Job tasks may involve handling cleaning products, disinfectants, and other substances. Infectious diseases are caused by contact with patients in areas that may have contagious illnesses. Emotionally challenging situations, such as dealing with distressed patients or difficult family interactions.
• Frequency Key: Continuously (100% - 67% of the time), Repeatedly (66% - 33% of the time), Occasionally (32% - 4% of the time), Rarely (3% - 1% of the time), Never (0%).
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job classification. They are not to be construed as a contract of any type nor an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by individuals so classified.