Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)-HHK-Sacaton

Position Summary: Provides timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to the sexual assault victim. The SANE exam may include a medical-forensic exam, prophylaxis for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, photographic documentation, and referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up, support and participation in legal proceedings. The SANE is expected to follow protocols established by the Medical Director and/or management of the SANE Program for which the SANE is employed.

Critical Tasks:

• Performs patient triage to determine if medical exam is needed before forensic exam.
• Coordinate care by all agencies involved in assisting the sexual assault victim and coordinate referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up as needed for each patient.
• Performs and documents sexual assault medical forensic interviews/exams accurately and timely.
• Performs a complete medical forensic evaluation to include:
• Head to toe medical assessment for trauma, detailed genital/anal examination
• Forensic specimen collection and supportive documentation
• Photo documentation of bodily and genital-anal injuries with competent documentation
• Assess for mandatory reporting status and report when appropriate
• Maintain chain of custody and adhere to evidence guidelines
• Ensure patient/medical record confidentiality at all times (HIPPA)
• Maintain professional standards that do not create conflict of interests with employment or patient care
• Administer prophylactic medications and emergency contraception
• Coordinate referrals for appropriate follow-up care as needed
• Testify as fact witness and serve as an Expert Witness to any/all cases performed while contracted as a SANE
• Following employment/termination with GRHC as a SANE, it will remain an obligation of the individual RN to respond and coordinate with attorneys prior to and during the court process.
• 96 hours minimum coverage of on-call per month, to include shared holiday coverage.
• Participates in community awareness and outreach projects as needed and directed by Program Director.
• Capable of performing a minimum of five exams performed within 12 month period, with completion of continued education, case studies, literature review, and chart reviews.
• Ensures positive and compassionate communications with stakeholders, staff, GRIC community, vendors and all other collaborators concerned with the delivery of public health nursing care by designing communication goals and objectives for staff.
• Establishes goals and objectives for the department that meet or exceed GRHC's Code of Ethics and Standards for Conduct Policy.
• Is familiar and remains current on safety and emergency management process for the department.
• Completes the sexual assault forensic examination when requested by any contracting facility.
• Acts as an advocate for patients; promotes patient satisfaction by properly addressing patient needs and showing respect, courtesy and caring at every point of patient contact.
• Works collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders to recommend, develop and implement methods/procedures for coordination of services with related patient care activities.
• Participates in a variety of department and hospital educational programs to maintain current skills and competency levels; identifies and discusses performance or training needs with Supervisor.
• Provide timely, expert and compassionate collection of forensic samples in sexual assault cases and perpetrator examinations.
• Work cooperatively with law enforcement to document and maintain chain of custody for all samples collected during each examination.
• Commits to minimum required time for on-call duties.
• Provides clear, concise and accurate written documentation on all patient services provided including injury identification and documentation.
• Provide expert witness testimony in sexual assault prosecutions, preparing and interpreting reports for the criminal justice system when necessary.
• Provide accurate billing information immediately following assault case.
• Leaves the SANE room with equipment properly stored and supplies returned to the appropriate place.
• Participates in professional organizations and continuing education in the field of forensic medicine to remain current on forensic standards.
• Performs other job related activities as requested/required

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (Master's preferred) plus 5 years RN experience (Emergency Department RN experience preferred) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Actively engaged in conducting SANE exams in Arizona with no lapse of service greater than 6 months.
• Knowledge and understanding of the physical, mental and emotional requirements of specific job functions, activities and patient care delivery requirements.
• Current State of Arizona RN license in good standing.
• Current and valid State of Arizona Driver's License.
• Must meet requirements for background investigation (including criminal history).
• Ability to participate in monthly on call schedule and commit to a minimum of 96 hours per month of call (including 24 hours minimum for weekend call)
• Active email, and cell phone/text access for routine staff wide interface and communication.