Registered Nurse (RN) Pre-Kidney Transplant Coordinator

Major Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with surgeons, nephrologists, hepatologists, transplant cardiologists and/or pulmonologists, and the Transplant Selection Committee to arrange the evaluation of transplant candidates. This includes coordinating diagnostic testing, identifying clinical issues, and analyzing pertinent data.
• Provides education and counseling to patients and families. Identifies and addresses potential barriers to postoperative treatment compliance and recovery from transplant surgery. Responsible for discharge planning and reviewing and securing patient signatures on Transplant and/or VAD Program Patient Consents.
• Assists physicians during clinic visits and arranges for diagnostic testing and consultation. Communicates with physicians, transplant recipients, home care agencies, and insurance companies regarding patient condition and needs. Contacts physician regarding additional testing/medications needed and/or medication adjustments. Follows protocols for immunosuppression monitoring and seeks physician assistance as needed. Monitors progress of patients and collaborates with other team members to ensure continuity of care.
• Monitors, evaluates, and communicates data regarding clinical problems to appropriate members of the interdisciplinary team following transplant surgery.
• Works collaboratively with scheduling staff to ensure that transplant evaluations and patient testing are provided in a timely manner and in accordance with established protocols.
• Assists surgeons with evaluation of candidates for mechanical circulatory support device assistance as needed.
• Maintains, organizes and ensures data integrity of electronic transplant medical records database. Submits data to transplant registries required.
• Maintains accountability for all clinical documentation required by regulatory agencies (i.e. UNOS and Medicare) related to the functions of the clinical coordinator, which includes pre transplant consultations, multidisciplinary involvement, recipient consents, patient notifications, and VAD consents.
• May work as a physician liaison to create new relationships with dialysis clinics, internal and external physicians and the community. Plan physician outreach activities and coordinate physician education events. Spearhead the smaller community outreach events (e.g. Kidney Walk) including logistics, team management, and volunteer activities. Executes assigned projects for the growth of the Living Kidney Donor Program.
• May recruit volunteers for both fundraising and programmatic activities, including but not limited to sending regular volunteer communications and assisting in the organizing of any other events. Coordinates volunteer schedules. As assigned, attends board and committee meetings and prepares board and committee meeting minutes. Performs additional duties and special projects, as required.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the team member practices, and
• Clinical Transplant Coordinator (CCTC) certification issued by the American Board of Transplant Certification (ABTC) needs to be obtained within 2 years, and
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required:

• Associate's Degree in Nursing.

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 5 years of experience in cardiovascular and/or clinical practice background (at a MCPDM level V or equivalent) that includes experiences in cardiac transplant, end stage cardiac disease, and/or end-stage liver or renal disease.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) or similar products.
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, set appropriate priorities, and accomplish assignments in a thorough and timely manner.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs from floor to waist.
• lift up to 20 lbs over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs with a second person present.
• Personal Protective Equipment worn as necessary with patients.
• May be exposed to blood and body fluids.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.