Registered Nurse - Organ Recovery Coordinator

Summary

The Organ Recovery Coordinator supports the mission, goals, and strategic plan of Texas Organ Sharing Alliance by evaluating potential organ donor referrals, maximizing medical management, allocating donated organs, and coordinating all aspects of the organ recovery in collaboration with the Administrator on Call (AOC), Donor Family Services Coordinator, hospital staff, physicians, transplant centers, and TOSA’s Medical Director as needed. The ORC must possess a variety of medical and social skills, in addition to the ability to work independently and make critical decisions within a highly stressful environment.

WORK

Schedule

The Organ Recovery Coordinator I (ORC I) position is a full-time exempt position which shares 24 hour on-call responsibilities on a rotating schedule with other coordinators. Assignments may require 24 plus hours of continuous service during periods of increased activity, in addition to inter-regional travel. This position requires installation and use of a company-approved location tracking application during work-related travel and while performing duties at off-site locations.

Essential job functions

Accepts on-call responsibilities and performs referral evaluation via phone or on-site as indicated according to Clinical Services Policies and Procedures. Evaluates medical suitability of potential organ and/or tissue donors, utilizing information from medical records, history and physical examination, and current health status. Collaborates with physicians and other hospital staff to develop plan for referral management from initial referral through declaration of death or Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) evaluation.

Demonstrates an understanding of the legal and hospital requirements for declaration of death and organ donation. Identifies the patient’s legal next-of-kin in accordance with state and Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA) statutes. Assesses family dynamics and provides families the opportunity for organ and tissue donation in a sensitive and caring manner; one that meets their emotional and cultural needs according to established guidelines Obtains detailed Uniform Donor Risk Assessment Interview (UDRAI) with the ability to provide follow-up questions that are clinically relevant.

Contacts Medical Examiner, Justice of the Peace, and/or appropriate legal authority to obtain clearance to proceed with organ recovery. Shares complex clinical information about donors through extensive interaction with transplant surgeons and coordinators. Ensures that all donated organs are allocated in an efficient and equitable manner, in accordance with TOSA and OPTN/UNOS policies.

Within established guidelines, coordinates and maximizes medical management with the hospital staff, consulting physicians, TOSA staff, and transplant centers in order to ensure optimal outcomes for donor families and recipients. Oversees the recovery procedure, including Operating Room (OR) donor management and personnel workflow, to ensure optimal organ viability and respect for the donor and their gifts. Assists with the preparation and administration of preservation solutions and packaging of organs, verifying that OPTN and TOSA policies are followed.

Documents the physical characteristics of organs and all OR related processes. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all levels of TOSA staff, hospital staff, and transplant center staff. Acts as liaison to Tissue/Eye agencies regarding donation and donor family requests and dynamics.

Assists in transport and maintains all clinical supplies and equipment. Documents complete, accurate, and timely information of referral and donor related activities in the confidential donor record, forms, and database according to established policies and procedures. Consults TOSA’s Medical Director and AOC according to established policies and procedures.

Additional responsiblities

Participates in interdisciplinary quality meetings, post-donor review with team members, and appropriate management staff. Participates with Hospital Development staff for the development of hospital policies, procedures, and protocols related to organ donation and recovery, and provides feedback for strategies to better facilitate organ donation. Participates in education and training programs for hospitals, transplant programs, and the public. Ensures compliance with TOSA’s Safety, Quality, and Multicultural Organizational Plans.

Requirements include

RN License Medical professional certification or Associate’s degree, with a minimum 1 year of professional experience. Other candidates will be considered if they possess knowledge or skills not currently present in the organization, or skills judged necessary and beneficial to the organization’s stated mission. Demonstrates teamwork, clinical, analytical, organizational, and communication skills in a high stress environment.

BLS certification. Obtaining ACLS certification within 12 months, if primary role is donor management. Working knowledge of standard office equipment (computer/fax/copier).

A valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance. Possession of a reliable personal automobile. A physical requirement for the ability to lift at least 50lbs.

Ability to travel by company or personal automobile, or commercial/charter aircraft. Maintaining confidentiality regarding all donor information.