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Job Title


Forensic Nurse Examiner - Child Advocacy Center


Company : Kootenai Health


Location : Coeur d\'Alene, ID


Created : 2026-04-15


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Forensic Nurse Examiner - Child Advocacy Center Position Summary: In addition to primary responsibilities as a Kootenai Health Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE), this role serves as an on-site nursing representative for the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) while working under the medical oversight of the Forensic Program Medical Director and the CAC Medical Director. When assigned to the CAC, the FNE provides trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate medical[1]forensic care to children and adolescents who may have experienced abuse or maltreatment. The FNE collaborates closely with the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including law enforcement, child protective services, advocacy, prosecution, and mental health providers, to ensure a coordinated community response to child abuse. The FNE also collaborates with the Forensic Program Medical Director and Medical Director of The Forensic Nurse Examiner Program at the Child Advocacy Center in developing, maintaining, and evaluating clinical policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure consistency with evidence-based practice, accreditation standards, and organizational policy. Responsibilities: In addition to standard Kootenai Health Forensic Nurse Examiner duties, this role: * Performs medical-forensic examinations of children and adolescents referred to the CAC, ensuring care is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and developmentally appropriate * Obtains thorough medical and forensic histories, performs head-to-toe physical assessments, and documents findings consistent with forensic standards and NCA guidelines * Collects and maintains the chain of custody for forensic evidence as indicated * Provides education, reassurance, and anticipatory guidance to children and caregivers, maintaining sensitivity to cultural, developmental, and emotional needs * Identifies and facilitates referrals for medical, behavioral health, and follow-up care as indicated * Consults with the CAC Medical Director for guidance on clinical decision-making, diagnostic clarification, and treatment planning as needed * Collaborates with the Forensic Program Medical Director and Medical Director of The Forensic Nurse Examiner Program at the Child Advocacy Center to develop, implement, and maintain written medical-forensic policies, protocols, and procedures for care delivered at the CAC * Assists in reviewing and updating protocols related to examination procedures, documentation standards, evidence collection, and referral pathways to ensure compliance with national standards and best practices * Monitors adherence to established policies and recommends revisions as necessary to reflect current evidence and operational needs * Participates in quality assurance and peer review activities designed to assess compliance with established procedures and identify opportunities for improvement * Serves as a liaison between Kootenai Health and the CAC in matters related to forensic nursing standards, documentation templates, and workflow optimization * Supports the Medical Director in gathering and analyzing data for program evaluation, quality metrics, and grant reporting related to forensic services at the CAC * Participates in MDT case reviews and meetings with CAC and community partners as scheduling allows * Communicates and collaborates effectively with CAC staff, law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, and victim advocates to ensure coordinated, victim[1]centered care * Provides expert medical input during MDT discussions and assists in interpreting medical findings for non-medical team members * Participates in CAC or program-level quality improvement activities and peer review processes • Maintains current knowledge of pediatric sexual abuse, neglect, and trauma-informed care practices * Participates in CAC-specific education, case review, and staff development activities * Support program development initiatives to strengthen collaboration between Kootenai Health's Forensic Nursing Program and the CAC * Represent Kootenai Health in community education or outreach activities as appropriate • Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals * Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function * Performs other related duties as assigned * Competent to meet age-specific needs of the unit assigned Requirements: * Graduate of a nationally accredited Nursing program required * State of Idaho Registered Nurse OR licensure pending as documented by temporary licensure OR current RN licensure from a state participating in the "multistate privilege to practice" compact with Idaho prior to start date * 2 years' RN experience in any setting required; emergency, women's health, or critical care experience preferred * Demonstrated experience in pediatric and adolescent care required; experience working in multidisciplinary or interagency child abuse response teams preferred * Licensed RN with a minimum 3 years' patient-facing RN experience at time of hire, ADN or diploma required; BSN or higher preferred • All non-BSN RN's with less than 3 years' patient-facing RN experience at time of hire are required to be enrolled in a baccalaureate (or higher) degree program in nursing within 1 year of employment, with completion within 3 years of hire * 64-hour combined adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner course required or completion of Kootenai Health training within 3 months of hire * 16-hour SANE clinical skills course required or completion of Kootenai Health training within 3 months of hire * Maintain required ongoing professional development through 24 hours of forensic continuing education annually, including a minimum of eight contact hours in child abuse education every two years * SANE-P certification required * BLS required * Mandatory 40 hours of formal didactic training specific to the medical evaluation of child sexual abuse within 1 month of hire * Mandatory competency-based clinical preceptorship with an experienced provider in a clinical setting within 1 month of hire * Demonstrated ability to contribute to policy and procedure development and quality improvement projects * Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively in emotionally sensitive situations Working Conditions: * Must be able to lift and move up to 35 lbs * Must be able to maintain a standing position * Typical equipment used in a clinical job * Must be able to stoop, crouch, or bend * Must be able to push, pull, or transport heavy equipment * Must be able to assist in patient transfer * Exposure to needles, blood and body fluids, etc. Continue your career with Kootenai Health! At Kootenai Health, you can continue learning, growing, and advancing. With 397 beds licensed on the main campus, two critical access hospitals, and more than 50 clinics, we offer an almost endless array of meaningful opportunities. Our Internal Recruiters are dedicated to providing personalized service to our team members. They are available to answer internal mobility questions and assist you in navigating options to transition and expand your career and skills. If you're interested in learning more about other roles, inquiring about the internal hiring process, or better understanding career pathways opportunities, please contact the Internal Recruitment team. We look forward to assisting you in finding a position that meets your lifestyle, goals, talents, and current and future skills. What to Expect after you transfer: * If you change your title or department, you will receive a new badge. Badges are printed and available in Security on the Wednesday of the week following your transfer. * Your benefits may change if your position status (FT, PT, or PRN) has been updated. Please talk with your Recruiter if you have any questions about your status and benefits. * Those with a primary position as a PRN will receive per diem pay. Per Diem rates are tiered depending on number of years of employment. * If you are moving into a new role, HR will provide you with a new job description to review and sign. HR will also request documentation for any new requirements for your position, including experience, education, licensure, certification, etc. * If EPIC training is required for your role and you have not completed the required module for your position, please complete an EPIC Fast Track Attestation at * If an advanced background check with Health and Welfare is required for your role and you have not completed one previously, you will need to complete the process before your transfer date. Kootenai Health provides exceptional support for extraordinary careers. We value investing in our employees and look forward to supporting you to find a position that best meets your needs, passions, and goals! Apply today! Please contact Internal Recruitment at [email protected]. You can also contact the HR Front Desk at 208-625-4620 or email [email protected] with any questions. Kootenai Health complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex. Kootenai Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex.