Elder Abuse Specialist (Registered Nurse II) - Forensic Nurse Examiner Program

Position Purpose: The Elder Abuse Specialist (EAS) Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) is a new position added to continue the development of a full scope forensic nursing program at MUSC. 

Responsibilities:

1. Facilitate the screening for indicators of elder abuse with other healthcare providers within the hospital, conducting medical/forensic assessments
2. Interpret health history to identify pertinent negative patterns suggestive of elder abuse in collaboration with other healthcare providers
3. Perform environmental/functional assessments in collaboration with other healthcare providers and  social service providers
4. Document elder and vulnerable adult abuse and neglect findings
5. Ensure patient safety and initiating appropriate treatment, referrals and mandated reporting
6. Provide expert and fact witness testimony
7. Collaborate with hospital and community partners to support and enhance the response to elder abuse and/or neglect through case review multidisciplinary team
8. Develop and assist implementation of an educational curriculum for other FNEs to review and refine skill-based competencies related to elder and vulnerable adult abuse and neglect.
9. Provide coverage to the Emergency Department for medical forensic examinations and evidence collection for sexual assault patients and others affected by interpersonal violence. The FNE is responsible for collaborating with other office staff members to ensure the open hours of on call coverage is equitably shared
10. Improve the safety and quality of care received by victims of violent crimes through direct patient care, professional and public education, consultation, interdisciplinary collaboration and use of evidence based research in forensic nursing

Requirements:  Registered Nurse with specialized training and experience as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.   Telephone and personal interaction with patients, various MUSC personnel and physicians. Ability to hear and communicate detailed information effectively and proficiently in a written and oral manner. Requires sitting for operating a computer, agility to quickly motivate steps and hallways. Must be proficient in speaking, understanding and writing medical terminology.

EDUCATION:  Master’s of Science in Nursing preferred.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS:  SC Registered Nurse License;  BLS;  SANE training required, SANE-A certification is recommended.   Must be able to provide on call coverage.

Physical Requirements: 1) (C) Continuous – 6-8 hours per shift; 2) (F) Frequent – 2-6 hours per shift; 3) (I) Infrequent – 0-2 hours per shift Ability to perform job functions while standing (I). Ability to perform job functions while sitting (F). Ability to perform job functions while walking (F). Ability to climb stairs (I). Ability to work indoors (C). Ability to walk long distances between various buildings (F). Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces (I). Ability to fully use both hands/arms (C). Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders (F). Possess good finger dexterity (C). Ability to reach in all directions. (F) Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs. unassisted (F). Ability to lift/lower objects 15 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted (I). Ability to lift from 36” to overhead 15 lbs. (I). Ability to push/pull objects to 30 lbs. unassisted (F).Ability to maintain vision 20/40 corrected (C). Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand (C). Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction (C). Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements (C). Ability to work in a latex safe environment (C).

This position requires access to a car and travel within the state of South Carolina.