Seasoned Forensic Nurse Examiner with specialized experience in comprehensive patient care, forensic evidence collection and legal testimony preparation. Strengths include keen observational skills, thorough documentation of findings, and ability to effectively communicate with law enforcement. Successful in bridging gap between medical care and criminal justice system, ensuring victims receive necessary support while crucial evidence is preserved.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Forensic Nurse Examiner
HCA Wesley Medical Center
Wichita, KS
03.2014 - Current
Participated in multi-disciplinary meetings to discuss cases and provide updates on progress.
Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Documented injuries based on examinations of individuals suspected of perpetrating crimes such as homicide and sexual assault.
Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
Performed detailed examinations of patients to document injuries and assess their condition.
Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Monitored patient progress throughout treatment plans to ensure optimal outcomes are achieved.
Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
Worked with individuals recently experiencing abuse, assault and other types of violence to collect evidence for criminal cases.
Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
Utilized specialized equipment such as digital cameras or microscopes during forensic exams.
Drafted reports detailing findings from examinations for use by law enforcement and legal teams.
Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
Collaborated with laboratory technicians during testing of biological specimens such as DNA swabs or hair samples.
Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to forensic nursing practice.
Provided emotional support to victims while they were being examined or interviewed.
Collected samples from wound sites and processed evidence with legal and medically sound procedures.
Demonstrated excellent communication skills when interacting with patients, families, and colleagues.
Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
Obtained history of assault for purposes of diagnosis and treatment.
Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
Provided expert testimony in court proceedings regarding findings from examinations or investigations conducted.
Assisted with the collection and preservation of physical evidence from victims, such as blood samples, clothing, and other objects.
Obtained consent forms from victims before performing medical exams or collecting evidence.
Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
Advised victims on available resources such as counseling services or victim compensation programs.
Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
Maintained accurate records of patient visits, evidence collected, lab results. for future reference.
Approached victims carefully to avoid adding extra trauma during forensic examinations.
Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
Updated support manuals and guides to smooth assistance processes for support staff.
Completed medical forensic examinations of minor children and adolescents as part of abuse and neglect investigations.
Educated healthcare professionals on best practices for handling forensic cases involving sexual assault or domestic violence victims.
Coordinated with police officers, prosecutors, and other members of the legal team to ensure that all evidence was properly handled and presented in court.
Administered medications to treat injuries and prevent complications.
Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
Completed routine maintenance and repair.
Operated equipment and machinery according to safety guidelines.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Butler Community College
El Dorado, KS
05-2008
Skills
Forensic examination
Patient assessment
Evidence collection
Report writing
Laboratory testing
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Emotional support
Regulatory compliance
Patient advocacy
Conflict resolution
Time management
Effective communication
Team collaboration
Patient care planning
Documentation
Elder abuse assessment
EMR / EHR
Patient care assessment
Crime scene preservation
Multitasking
Injury identification
Reliability
Blood draw and sample collection
CPR certification
Continuous improvement
Self-care strategies
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving aptitude
Excellent communication
Testing and diagnostics
Sexual assault examination
Written communication
Medical recordkeeping
Human trafficking recognition
Patient and family advocacy
Critical care nursing
Toxicology
Courtroom testimony
Emergency care
Analytical thinking
Electronic health records
Chain of custody
Care coordination
Clear patient communication
Certification
CPR
Registered nurse license
Background
Prior to being a nurse, I worked for Quiktrip for eleven years, maintaining positions from Clerk to Assistant Manager. It gave me a strong sense of customer service and leadership. Multitasking, prioritizing, and delegating were developed into solid skills.
While at Quiktrip, I was chosen to be a clerk trainer in a new training program for clerks that is still used today. I was also chosen to assist with the initiation of the POS (point of sale) system that took stores from a traditional cash register to touch screen registers that operated the whole store.
I started working for Wesley originally in April 2006 as a CNA while I was in nursing school. I started on Surgical Telemetry, and then became a nurse tech in MICU. I graduated nursing school in May of 2008 and also received my RN license at that time. I was trusted with a charge nurse position on nights within the first year post graduation.
Prior to becoming full time in Forensic Nursing, I took a position in Float Pool. This put me in many different units, caring for many different types of patients.
Timeline
Forensic Nurse Examiner
HCA Wesley Medical Center
03.2014 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Butler Community College
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