Clinical Transplant Coordinator I - Heart Transplant (UPMC Presbyterian)

at  UPMC Pittsburgh Medical Center

UPMC Presbyterian, located in the heart of Oakland, is an adult medical-surgical referral hospital and a site of ongoing research and graduate programs in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The hospital is a renowned center for organ transplantation.
UPMC Transplant Services has performed more than 20,000 organ transplant surgery procedures, including liver, kidney, pancreas, small bowel, liver/small bowel, heart, heart/lung, double-lung, single-lung, and multiple-organ transplants.
A leader in organ transplantation services, our program is dedicated to advancing basic science and clinically applied research. Above all, we are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care.
UPMC Presbyterian is searching for a compassionate, experienced RN to fill our Clinical Transplant Coordinator I position opening in the outpatient Heart Transplant department.

PURPOSE:

This Clinical Transplant/VAD Coordinator I has the authority, responsibility, and accountability for the delivery of nursing care through the use of the nursing process. The Clinical Transplant/VAD Coordinator I, in collaboration with Clinical Transplant/VAD Coordinators IIs, Supervisor, Clinical Transplant/VAD Coordinators, the transplant/VAD team and other health care professionals, applies competent clinical knowledge and skills to achieve quality care outcomes. The Clinical Transplant/VAD Coordinator I must demonstrate the entry-level knowledge and skills necessary to provide care that is relevant to patients under their care, as well as apply principles of growth and development over the life span. The Clinical Transplant/VAD Coordinator I also must possess the ability to assess and interpret patient data needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his or her age specific needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• TRANSPLANT/VAD REFERRAL AND EVALUATION: Identifies appropriate transplant/VAD candidates upon referral and interacts with appropriate hospital staff. Identifies requirements for candidate evaluation. Coordinates the evaluation process for potential transplant/VAD candidates with the multidisciplinary team. Functions as candidate advocate by applying knowledge of growth, development, educational and cultural background during candidate and family interaction. Provides data to regulatory agencies.6. Demonstrates knowledge of compliance with United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) policies and listing requirements.
• POST-TRANSPLANT/VAD OUT-PATIENT PERIOD: Identifies and responds to recipient and family needs in post-transplant/VAD phase. Reinforces educational and follow-up requirements. Collects and reviews data pertinent to recipient’s health and organ function. Provides and maintains comprehensive documentation of recipient’s progress. Implements changes in drug therapy as ordered by physician. Arranges for consultations, diagnostic procedures, and hospitalization when indicated. Maintains communication with referring physician and other health care providers. Assesses recipient’s compliance with medications and medical regime; collaborates with transplant/VAD team to attain and maintain compliance.
• POST-TRANSPLANT/VAD IN-PATIENT PERIOD: Monitors patient progress post-transplant. Educates recipient and family regarding care and responsibilities after transplantation. Collaborates with transplant/VAD team to establish and implement patient plan of care.
• PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: Obtains ABTC Certification. Attends practice-related conferences. Participates in educational and outreach activities. Constructively receives feedback and direction. Identifies and communicates learning needs to manager. Takes action to improve knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback or on self-identified developmental needs. Participates in self-review as requested by manager. Responsible for adhering to On-Call schedule.
• PERI-OPERATIVE PERIOD: Participates in transplant/VAD process according to UPMC protocol. Reviews potential recipient’s current medical status to determine eligibility for transplant. Facilitates admission or transfer to UPMC. Communicates with organ procurement agency/ORC and collects the appropriate data necessary for decision making re organ acceptance/rejection for transplant as applicable. Exhibits ability to remove transplant recipient from the list per UNOS regulations as applicable.
• PRE-TRANSPLANT/VAD PERIOD: Develops and institutes a teaching plan addressing transplant/VAD candidates learning needs. Maintains communication with patient and referring physician. Recognizes potential problems and/or significant changes during the waiting period and coordinates required care. Acts as a resource person for internal and external health care providers. Provides and maintains comprehensive documentation of candidate process. Exhibits ability to maintain and update candidate listing status per UNOS regulations as applicable.
• 2 years recent clinical nursing experience required
• Previous experience in transplant, cardiology, or ICU preferred
• Step-down nursing experience preferred
• Demonstrated competence in professional nursing practice.
• Diploma or Associates Degree in Nursing required.
• BSN preferred.
• Must obtain a Solid/Strong/Good or higher on annual performance review to be promoted to Clinical Transplant/VAD Coordinator II.