A Forensic Nurse Examiner Apprentice is specially trained and certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing to provide comprehensive care to adults, adolescents and children who have been impacted by sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse, human trafficking and non-intentional trauma. The Apprentice works under the general direction of the Forensic Nurse Examiner Manager.

Principal Duties:

Duties will be completed with assistance from an experienced FNE and under the direction of the manager until certification is achieved as a Forensic Nurse Examiner by the Maryland Board of Nursing. After certification, duties will be performed independently.

1. Assists in performing forensic evidentiary examinations on victims and alleged perpetrators in connection with chronic or acute physical, sexual, or domestic assaults, and specifically:

a. Provides timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to patients with a complaint of sexual assault utilizing a clinical process.

b. Obtains consent from the subject or custodial/proper authority prior to the examination relative to photography and evidence collection.

c. Performs evidentiary physical assessments using ALS when indicated based on evidence-based research and unit-based training.

d. Completes the Physical Evidence Kit required by law enforcement authorities.

e. Photographs patients and injuries as training indicates using proper technique.

f. Ensures compliance with Chain of Custody requirements.

2. Interfaces with law enforcement officials, crime labs, prosecutors, and other authorized stakeholders concerning forensic processes and outcomes to include providing expert testimony in judicial proceedings.

3. Provides testing, prophylactic treatment, prescription refills and related education to patients who potentially may have been exposed to HIV during their assault.

4. Participates in peer reviews, staff meetings and SART meetings.

5. Performs related work as assigned.