Registered Nurse (RN) Organ Transplant Coordinator-Kidney

OverviewEnsures the delivery of health care services from the initial referral through the transplant maintenance phase. Organizes health care resources and analyzes and records data relevant to the transplant program.

Facilitates the education for nursing and medical personnel. Maintains compliance with application state, federal and UNOS regulations including the submission of patient and transplant update forms.

ResponsibilitiesEvaluates appropriate candidates for solid organ transplantation. In cooperation with the transplant physicians and surgeons, initiates diagnostic testing and appropriate medical consultation.

Obtains and monitors dietary, social work, and financial service evaluations. Develops, and maintains on-going involvement with patient, living related donor, and family before, during and after transplantation therapy.

Facilitates living related donor work-up. Coordinates the evaluation process, collates and distributes laboratory data, coordinates social, dietary, and medical services, and initiates and screens appropriate candidates for referral to the transplant team.

Maintains a list of all patients awaiting cadaver organ donation. Reviews, updates, and reports changes on medical status of patients with the transplant team weekly.

Communicates with members of the transplant team, referring nephrologists and physicians and dialysis personnel to facilitate the initial treatment evaluation.

Ensures continuity of post-operative care of transplant recipients Develops and maintains teaching tools for patients, donors, families and MHMH nursing personnel.

Ensures program / patient compliance with UNOS, HCFA, and NEOB and Medicare. Performs the following inpatient post-transplant functions : Assesses / reinforces education with patient and family, assists in preparation for patient discharge, maintains detailed data surrounding transplant patients, serves as consultant / resource for the nursing staff in the development of a nursing care plan for each patient, reinforces treatment protocols through staff education and evaluation of appropriateness of processes, participates in daily transplant patient rounds, and educates patients concerning discharge medications.

Performs the following outpatient post-transplant functions : Assesses health status through interviewing, physical examination, and medical record review, Assesses patient knowledge and compliance of medical regime, updating pharmacies and renewing medications, coordinates necessary follow-up testing and visits.

Reviews, analyzes and presents data, collaborates and coordinates treatment decisions with appropriate staff, monitors status changes in patient condition and report to surgeon and medical director, reviews charts / test results and maintains transplant flow chart surrounding transplant patients, reinforces protocol of treatments / research studies, coordinating as appropriate, directs efforts to assure compliance with the data reporting necessary for regulatory agencies and national data collection institutes (UNOS, HCFA, Medicare, and NEOB), coordinates and / or performs treatment procedures under the direction of the transplant physicians and surgeons, and communicates with primary care physician and referring nephrologists.

Assists with the education of nursing staff in the areas of normal renal function, transplant and renal donation with emphasis on identifying nursing problems.

Acts as preceptor to nursing students and staff to develop their expertise in the area of renal transplant nursing. Participates in the development of both internal and external educational programs related organ transplantation involving outside dialysis centers, hospitals and other referral groups.

Participates in the development and updating of policies and procedures for the Kidney Transplant Program. Performs data collection functions.

Performs other duties as required or assigned.Qualifications* Graduate from an accredited Nursing Program required.* Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) with 3 years of clinical experience required.

2 years of nephrology nursing experience preferred.* Demonstrated clinical competence in the area of organ transplantation.

Required Licensure / Certifications* Licensed Registered Nurse with New Hampshire eligibilty.* Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate required.