RN Forensic Coordinator

* The Forensic Coordinator is responsible for the overall operations and quality of the forensic nursing program at SLUH. The coordinator will lead a team of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) nurse's who are specially trained to examine and care for those presenting with complaints related to abuse and/or assault (domestic, elderly, sexual), violence, criminal activity and/ or traumatic accidents.
* Effectively plans, organizes and evaluates work duties of self and the team of SANE's to promote quality nursing care and positive patient outcomes.
* Develops annual goals and initiatives that support the goals and direction of the Forensic nursing program, the hospital's mission and business plan.
* Plans and maintains a staffing pattern within budgeting parameters incorporating staff competency, patient needs, programmatic changes, technology and other factors that impact patient care and staff's ability to deliver care.
* Facilitates the incorporation of evidenced based practice, nursing research and state legislation into practice and operations.
* Evaluates and maintains standards of care and practice for the Forensic Nursing program.
* Collaborates with support services managers and directors to provide a service oriented, safe, clean and secure environment for patients, families and visitors.
* Facilitates intra and interdepartmental communication and problem solving.
* Evaluates care delivered by the SANE through review of written documentation, observation, and comparison to established standards.
* Serves as a resource person to nursing and medical staff.
* Builds a high performing team
* Interviews and selects staff for the Forensic Nursing program.
* Provides for the initial training and annual competencies of the RN's participating in the SANE program.
* Maintains staff meetings of the SANE nurses at least quarterly to discuss operational changes and other significant information concerning the program.
* Monitors the performance of the SANE nurses and provides ongoing feedback. Initiates coaching as needed. Provides input into the annual evaluation of the SANE nurse.
* Teamwork and Collaboration: Collaboratively works with peers and others to set and achieve interdepartmental / organizational goals and to resolve barriers to performance.
* Practices and fosters collegiality among the health care team, SART, prosecuting attorney, law enforcement, and other community resources.
* Works with peers and co-workers to resolve conflict and duplication of effort and waste.
* Attends meetings when indicated (including local and regional meetings)
* Works effectively with the ED Medical Director and other members of the medical staff.
* Collaborates with instructors from area Forensic Nursing Programs to enhance student learning.
* Evaluates the educational needs of SANE nurses and ED employees and facilitates inservices/training. Ensures an appropriate orientation plan for newly hired SANE staff.
* Communicates all pertinent information regarding resources and services to the Administrative Director of Emergency, Disaster and Trauma Services.
* Seeks assistance with resolution of concerns, issues and problems when necessary.
* Develops and maintains the call schedule for the program, ensuring coverage 24/7.
* Maintains accountability for quality nursing practice and service in the Forensic Nursing Program.
* Ensures that the program activities and records are in adherence with all National Patient Safety Goals, Evidence Based Practice and all regulatory requirements.
* Evaluates patient care outcomes, processes and structures. Facilitates improvement or compliance with professional practice, State, TJC, CMS and other regulatory standards.
* Responds effectively and directly when problems/non-compliance matters are identified.
* Participates in the development, maintenance and review of standards of care, policies and procedures related to the Forensic Nursing Program.
* Maintains currency in the state legislation related to Forensic Nursing.
* Performs comprehensive nursing assessment / reassessment
* Performs age-appropriate assessments on patients. Obtains input from family/ guardian, law enforcement as appropriate.
* Determines priority of care of each patient based upon assessment findings.
* Accurately and completely documents findings.
* Assesses and documents education and discharge needs of patient and family on admission and throughout the patient's Emergency Department stay.
* Provides patient reassessment documenting pertinent observations according to the patient plan of care, changes in condition, status and /or diagnosis, response to care, procedures, etc., and standards of care.
* Documents reassessment findings at time of patient discharge or transfer from the Emergency Department.
* Provides and documents nursing interventions based on assessed patient needs, plan of care, and changes in patient status.
* Collaborates with appropriate health team members, SART volunteer and law enforcement for coordination of plan of care for each patient.
* Administers and documents medications accurately according to policies and procedures.
* Requests consultation for special needs, equipment, or information for patient and/or family.
* Provides patient / family education and discharge planning per documentation guidelines and protocol.
* Recognizes changes in patient's condition and takes appropriate nursing actions.
* Involves the family / guardian when providing care and in decision-making as appropriate.
* Recognizes risks for patient and takes appropriate action.
* Incorporates use of Infection Control Bundles in daily care.
* Documents and or communicates nursing care and or changes in patient condition.
* Evaluates and documents effectiveness of patient care and education.
* Recognizes significant changes in patient's clinical parameters and reports immediately to physician as indicated.
* Identifies problems, gathers pertinent data, suggests solutions, communicates using appropriate lines of authority, and works toward problem resolution.
* Reports variation from care / treatment following the occurrence reporting policy and procedures.
* RN licensure in the State of Missouri.
* Current Missouri Registered Professional Nurse license required.
* Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) for a minimum of 5 years.
* Five years of Emergency Services experience.
* Supervisory/Lead experience preferred.