Surgical Preservation Coordinator

At Network for Hope (NFH), the Surgical Preservation Coordinator (SPC) plays a crucial role in the organ recovery process by performing organ preservation, coordinating operating room activities during organ donor cases, and overseeing the preservation and distribution of organs. This position requires significant travel throughout the donation service area and participation in fly-outs for transplant centers. The role involves collaboration with surgeons, Organ Recovery Coordinators (ORC), and other healthcare professionals to ensure efficient organ recovery and preservation.

Considerable travel required

Considerable on-call responsibility

Key Responsibilities:

Operating Room Assistance

• Serve as the point of contact and coordinator for activities within the operating room during organ recovery procedures.
• Liaise with recovery surgeons, ORC, and operating room staff to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to protocols.
• Review donor information in the OPTN system.
• Assist with recovery of organs for research as needed.
• Prepare patients for organ recovery procedures, including shaving, draping, retracting, and positioning.
• Prepare and maintain surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies.
• Document procedure notes and upload required attachments in donor electronic medical records.
• Consult with the Surgical Preservation Operations Supervisor and AOC when indicated and collaborate with external agencies to assist with import organs.
• Ensure sensitivity and compassion in interactions with donor families and maintain composure and professionalism.

Organ Preservation

• Oversee the preservation process of donated organs to maintain viability and functionality during transportation.
• Flush and package organs according to OPTN standards and guidelines.
• Perform mechanical preservation of kidneys and other organs as approved by protocols.
• Operate and maintain machine preservation equipment and supplies.
• Complete appropriate pump and cleaning logs.
• Communicate pump numbers and transportation needs with transplant surgeons and/or programs.
• 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 in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Respond promptly and effectively to any preservation-related emergencies or complications.

Distribution

• Package organs utilizing TransNet based on transportation arrangements and arrange for courier pick-up as needed.
• Distribute organs for transplantation and research or medical disposal after recovery.
• Coordinate the import of organs from outside Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO) and transplant centers.
• Receive and distribute 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.
• Maintain strict adherence to quality and safety standards throughout the organ recovery process, including proper sterile technique, documentation of procedures, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Properly and timely document all donor-related activities in the donor record and complete all required data forms according to established policy and procedure.
• Provide education and support to hospital staff involved in organ recovery procedures.
• Participate in regularly scheduled in-person and virtual team, departmental, and company-wide meetings.
• Participate in case debriefings and clinical meetings.
• Sterilize recovery supplies and instruments, and restock donor bags.
• Maintain preservation inventory and supplies.
• Oversee cleaning and organization of all preservation areas.

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.

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