Surgical Preservation Coordinator - Louisville, KY

At Network for Hope (NFH), the Surgical Preservation Coordinator (SPC) plays a pivotal role in the organ recovery process by ensuring the efficient preservation and distribution of organs, coordinating operating room activities during organ donor cases, and overseeing preservation techniques. This position requires significant travel within the donation service area and participation in fly-outs for transplant centers. You will collaborate closely with surgeons, Organ Recovery Coordinators (ORCs), and other healthcare professionals to ensure a smooth, efficient, and effective organ recovery and preservation process.

Key Responsibilities

Operating Room Assistance

• Serve as the primary point of contact and coordinator for activities within the operating room during organ recovery procedures.
• Liaise with recovery surgeons, ORCs, and operating room staff to ensure the workflow is efficient and protocols are followed.
• Review donor information in the OPTN system to ensure accurate and up-to-date details.
• Assist with the recovery of organs for research as needed, providing support as directed.
• Prepare patients for organ recovery procedures, including shaving, draping, retracting, and positioning.
• Prepare and maintain surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies required for the procedures.
• Document procedure notes and upload required attachments into donor electronic medical records.
• Consult with the Surgical Preservation Operations Supervisor and AOC when necessary, collaborating with external agencies to assist with importing organs.
• Maintain sensitivity and professionalism when interacting with donor families, offering compassion in challenging situations.
  
  

Organ Preservation

• Oversee the preservation process of donated organs, ensuring their viability and functionality during transportation.
• Flush and package organs according to OPTN standards and guidelines to maintain integrity.
• Perform mechanical preservation of kidneys and other organs as approved by established protocols.
• Operate and maintain machine preservation equipment and supplies, ensuring they are in optimal condition.
• Complete appropriate pump and cleaning logs to track preservation activities.
• Communicate pump numbers and transportation needs with transplant surgeons and/or programs for seamless logistics.
• Obtain, preserve, and package necessary specimens for tissue typing in the operating room according to OPTN standards and guidelines.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of preservation activities, adhering to all regulatory standards.
• Respond promptly to any preservation-related emergencies or complications to ensure continued organ viability.
  
  

Distribution

• Packages organs utilizing TransNet based on transportation arrangements and arranges for courier pick-up as needed.
• Distributes organs for transplantation and research or medical disposal after recovery.
• Coordinates the import of organs from outside Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO) and transplant centers.
• Responsible for receiving and distributing imported organs and tissue typing material to the appropriate hospital HLA lab and other labs (ABO, pathology etc.).
  
  

Quality and Other Duties

• Coordinate and assist with biopsies for imported kidneys, ensuring proper handling and documentation.
• Maintain strict adherence to quality and safety standards throughout the organ recovery process, including sterile techniques, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
• Accurately and promptly document all donor-related activities in the donor record and complete required data forms in line with established policies.
• Provide education and support to hospital staff involved in organ recovery procedures, ensuring they understand best practices.
• Participate in regularly scheduled in-person and virtual team, departmental, and company-wide meetings.
• Engage in case debriefings and clinical meetings to continuously improve processes.
• Sterilize recovery supplies, instruments, and restock donor bags to ensure readiness for future cases.
• Maintain inventory of preservation supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels.
• Oversee the cleaning and organization of all preservation areas to maintain a sterile and organized environment.
  
  

Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education or healthcare certification preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of healthcare experience required as a surgical technician, surgical assistant, perfusionist, LPN, EMT, or similar role.

Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration: Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP) required or must obtain certification within one year of meeting eligibility requirements.

Why Join Us?

As a Surgical Preservation Coordinator, you will play a vital role in supporting the overall mission of Network for Hope to save and enhance lives through organ donation.

About Us

Network for Hope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation. We work tirelessly to provide exceptional care to our donor families, facilitate organ and tissue recovery, and educate the communities we serve. The dynamic field of organ and tissue donation offers exciting and rewarding employment opportunities for those looking to make a meaningful difference in others' lives.

Benefits

Network for Hope offers comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, 401K, life and disability insurance, pet insurance discounts, and wellness programs like Calm. We also provide education reimbursement, flexible schedules, and on-the-job training to support personal and professional growth.

To learn more about NFH, please visit our website at http://www.networkforhope.org.

Network for Hope is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a participant of E-Verify.