Registered Nurse, Forensic Nursing Services Emergency - Abbotsford

Fraser Health is responsible for the delivery of hospital and community-based health services to over 1.9 million people in 20 diverse communities from Burnaby to Fraser Canyon on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations.

Our team of nearly 45,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers is dedicated to serving our patients, families and communities to deliver on our vision: Better health, best in health care.

Effective October 26, 2021 all new hires to Fraser Health will need to have full COVID 19 vaccination (have received a full series of a World Health Organization “WHO” approved vaccine against infection by SARS-COV-2, or a combination of approved WHO vaccines). Please note this applies to all postings, and individual medical exemptions must be approved by the Provincial Health Officer.

In accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, and working collaboratively and in partnership with the interprofessional care team in the provision of person-centered care, the Registered Nurse provides comprehensive forensic nursing care to patients triaged to the Forensic Nursing Services (FNS) program.

1. Assesses patients and collects information from a variety of sources using skills of observation, communication, data review and physical assessment. Makes a nursing diagnosis of the patient's condition and determines whether the condition can be improved or resolved by an appropriate nursing intervention. Plans, performs and evaluates nursing interventions and care for assigned patients in accordance with established protocols of the Forensic Nursing Services and consistent with professional practice standards.
2. Collaborates with each patient in the development of an individualized plan of care.
3. Provides comprehensive trauma-informed health and forensic care, preserving the patient's dignity, privacy and rights, in keeping with the values of compassion, autonomy, care and respect.
4. Collects assessment information from a variety of sources including: objective observation, interviewing and physical examination to enable the provision of forensic nursing care.
5. Collects, labels, handles and preserves forensic evidence in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures.
6. Maintains detailed documentation and case records according to established standards. Prepares timely and accurate medical legal reports as required for legal proceedings.
7. Facilitates referrals to members of the interprofessional team, as appropriate, to address patient needs.
8. Uses technical equipment such as computer software programs to facilitate storage of forensic evidence according to established protocols and privacy legislation.
9. Communicates as required with allied health providers, law enforcement officers, judicial system, social services, and appropriate community support agencies in accordance with established program, Fraser Health and/or provincial and national standards.
10. Maintains a safe environment for patients and families by following established policies and procedures both in routine and emergent situations.
11. Testifies as a witness in criminal legal proceedings to provide forensic evidence, as required.
12. Participates in research and program related quality improvement activities by identifying patient care issues, collecting data, and identifying needs and recommendations for corrective action and changes to practice, procedure or protocols..
13. Participates in and attends in-services and other educational programs. Identifies own learning goals and maintains and updates current clinical competence and knowledge within area of practice.
14. Collaborates and communicates with program coordinators and colleagues.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). One (1) year recent related nursing experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Eligible for completion of a recognized Sexual Assault/Forensic Nurse Examiner program.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to complete initial and ongoing patient assessment (clinical and diagnostic reasoning) and provide nursing care through appropriate/prescribed technical, therapeutic, safety type interventions.
• Ability to demonstrate therapeutic interviewing and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families/care givers, the public, medical staff and members of the interprofessional care team using verbal, written and electronic communication means.
• Ability to promote person-centered care that demonstrates empathy for patients and families/care givers, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, and patient advocacy.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of legislation applicable to forensic nursing.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate with a variety of professionals from the health and legal professions. Ability to organize and prioritize patient care.
• Ability to use factual information, prior learning and basic principles and procedures to support nursing decisions and actions with relevant research-based evidence/evidence-informed practice.
• Ability to operated related equipment including relevant computer applications.
• Ability to perform the physical duties of the position.