FORENSIC NURSE

Description

Job Title: RN, Forensic

Job Code: 774

Hours: Per Diem

FTE: Per Diem (39.93-68.52, actual hourly rate is dependent on experience)

FLSA Status: Hourly

Department Name: Emergency Department 

Location: Onsite, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Brattleboro, VT

POSITION SUMMARY

The Forensic Registered Nurse (RN) is employed on a per diem basis and is available on call to provide specialized care for forensic patients. The Nurse works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team that includes board-certified Emergency Department physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and Emergency Department technicians (LPNs/EMT-As). Additional support is provided by Critical Care Float RNs, Peer Recovery Coaches, and tele-emergency services. The Emergency Nurse delivers safe, effective, and compassionate care to adult and pediatric patients presenting with emergent, urgent, or critical care needs. Responsibilities include triage, initial and ongoing patient assessments, implementation of nursing interventions, evaluation of patient responses, and discharge education. Care is provided using the nursing process and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team to promote optimal patient outcomes. With an annual patient volume exceeding 15,000 visits, the Emergency Department offers a fast-paced, dynamic, and stimulating environment for nurses seeking professional growth and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.

Department Scope

 The Emergency Department is a seven-bed unit that operates 24 hours a day and provides care in accordance with Level III facility guidelines as outlined in the Accreditation Manual for Hospitals. At least one physician is on duty at all times, with on-call physicians and specialists available within 30 minutes as needed. The department serves patients of all ages and provides assessment, treatment, and management of non-urgent, urgent, and emergent medical and surgical conditions. Services also include the stabilization and transfer of critically ill or injured patients to facilities capable of providing a higher level of care. A designated Safe Room is available for patients experiencing violent behavior or suicidal ideation, providing an environment designed to support patient safety and appropriate care. Birthing Center nursing staff are available for consultation and assistance in caring for neonates, infants, and obstetrical patients as needed.

Essential Functions

• Assess: Conducts a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s physical, social, and psychological status, including cognitive, communication, and developmental abilities as appropriate. Gathers, reviews, and evaluates information from the patient, family, physician, interdisciplinary team members, support staff, and other relevant sources to develop a clear understanding of the patient’s needs.
• Plan: Uses assessment findings and critical-thinking skills to collaboratively develop an individualized plan of care. Encourages active participation from the patient, family, physician, and interdisciplinary team, including identifying and addressing educational needs. Coordinates discharge planning and prepares patients for continued care and support after the current episode of care, including patient education, referrals, and follow-up services.
• Implement: Coordinates interdisciplinary care through effective delegation, communication, and collaboration. Provides and delegates care in accordance with the established plan of care, clinical guidelines, and professional scope of practice. Demonstrates effective prioritization, time management, and organization while coordinating patient care and utilizing available supplies and resources efficiently.
• Evaluate: Assesses the patient’s response to interventions by monitoring progress toward established goals, clinical outcomes, and patient and family satisfaction. Identifies changes in the patient’s condition or care needs and revises the plan of care as necessary, ensuring ongoing reassessment and appropriate adjustments to interventions.

Requirements

EDUCATION:

• Graduate of accredited RN program. BSN preferred.

EXPERIENCE/SKILL SETS:

• Recent Emergency Department/Critical Care Experience preferred

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION(S):

• Registered Nurse currently licensed by the State of Vermont
• BLS Healthcare Provider status
• ACLS within 3 months of hire
• PALS within 6 months of hire
• NRP within 6 months of hire
• TNCC within one year of hire
• CEN, STABLE, and ENPC preferred

OSHA CATEGORY

OSHA Category I - Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues require use of techniques of Universal Precautions as evidenced with blood borne pathogens standards.