Registered Nurse - In-House Donation Specialist

Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), founded in 1975, is one of 57 federally-designated Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) in the United States. TOSA is committed to a mission of saving lives through the power of organ donation by providing organ donation and recovery services to Central and South Texans wishing to donate, and to those waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Recognized as a Top Workplace in San Antonio since 2014. TOSA has staff members in Austin, San Antonio, and McAllen.

Job summary

The In-House Donation Specialist supports the mission, goals, and strategic plan of Texas Organ Sharing Alliance by evaluating potential organ donor referrals, maximizing medical management, and developing assigned hospital to facilitate donation and coordinating all aspects of the organ recovery in collaboration with the Administrator on Call (AOC), Organ Recovery Coordinators, Donor Family Services Coordinator, hospital staff, physicians, and TOSA’s Medical Director as needed. The In-House Coordinator 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 In-House Donation Specialist at the Center for Hope at St. David's Medical Center is a full-time position. Normal office hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., or 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., or 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Friday. With clinical responsibilities and assigned workload, the schedule may fall outside of normal business hours. When three positions are filled, shifts will rotate on a monthly basis.

Key functions and duties

Accepts on-call responsibilities and performs referral evaluation 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. In collaboration with Organ Recovery Coordinators (ORC) contacts Medical Examiner, Justice of the Peace, and/or appropriate legal authority to obtain clearance to proceed with organ recovery. Within established guidelines, coordinates and maximizes medical management with the hospital staff, consulting physicians, and TOSA staff in order to ensure optimal outcomes for donor families and recipients.

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. Daily rounds in all units affected by organ donation. Collaboration on education, process improvement initiatives and standard meetings between Hospital Services Coordinator assigned to Dell Seton Hospital as well as other In-House Coordinators.

Consults TOSA’s AOC according to established policies and procedures. Participates in interdisciplinary quality meetings, post-donor review with team members, and appropriate management staff. Ensures compliance with TOSA’s Safety, Quality,