Transplant Coordinator

Job Description

• Provides advanced nursing care for patients before and after solid-organ transplantation including heart, kidney, kidney-pancreas, liver, and lung along the continuum of outpatient to inpatient services that are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
• Coordinates evaluation process for pre-transplant (referral) patients to ensure effective use of hospital and clinical resources.
• Assesses post-transplant organ function and general health status and collaboratively with consultants determine the need for additional assessment or intervention.
• Facilitates the scheduling of studies or procedures for diagnostic purposes utilizing fiscal responsibility for patient and hospital costs.
• Participates in the development and implementation of protocol and standards of care for the transplant patient in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
• Assists nurses and other staff in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care of the transplant patient.
• Monitors the process and outcomes of routine care to determine quality improvement needs.
• Provides on-call coverage, including coordination of activities before transplant, and as medical triage for out-patient concerns in collaboration with the physician on-call.
• Coordinates transplantation process when a donor is available (24 hours/7 days a week) including communication between physicians, local organ procurement organization, patients/families, and the medical team involved including ED, OR, ICU (SICU, ACU), blood bank and histocompatibility labs.
• Completes necessary documentation according to the United Arab Emirates National Transplant Committee Sharing International and national guidelines including listing, status changes, and post-transplant follow-up information.
• Communicates with multidisciplinary team members and patients and families promptly regarding patient care/issues.
• Collaborates with PRM and other team members in coordinating discharge plans for patients pre-transplant or post-transplant.
• Communicates with the Financial Counselor manager constantly in regard to coverage for medications, transplantation, testing,
• Refers patients or families for assistance utilizing health system and community resources as appropriate.
• Maintains patient transplant electronic records with current data to facilitate communication.
• Plans nursing care and medical procedures with fiscal responsibility by working collaboratively with transplant administrators, financial coordinators, and MDT utilization review and third-part case managers.
• Maintains the waiting list of active patients medically cleared, and financially cleared, and blood samples at the Histocompatibility Lab every 3 months.

Teacher/Educator

• Educates patients along the continuum to assist in understanding processes and procedures surrounding pre- and post-transplant issues.
• Develop patient education materials or identify external resources that are appropriate for patient education in all phases of transplantation care.
• Educates nurses and other multidisciplinary team members about patient care issues to promote positive outcomes for transplant patients.
• Provides education and consultation about transplantation, and organ donations for the Dubai Health System, public organizations, or referral centers/practices.
• Serves as a resource person/preceptor in organ transplant for graduate and undergraduate nursing programs.
• Participates or leads team conferences, rounds, or meetings about care of the transplant patient or program issues.
• Serves as a liaison and communicator to dialysis units and referring consultants, maintaining active sharing of information about their respective patients.

Research Utilization and Scholarly Inquiry

• Incorporates research relating to the care of transplant patients into evidence-based practice while collaboratively determining appropriateness with the medical team.
• Disseminate findings or information through professional publications and/or presentations.

Nurse Specialist

• Serves as a Specialist to nurses and other health care professionals regarding the care of the organ transplant patient.
• Advises referring physicians/nurses in the care of patients in collaboration with the surgical and medical teams.
• Serves as a community consultation resource through media, telephone, and transplant internet links for information about transplantation and organ donation.
• Consult with unit leadership to resolve issues relating to transplant patients.

Professional Leadership and Development

• Role models advanced practice professional nursing through conduct, appearance, communication, mutual respect, leadership, ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Communicates effectively to maintain positive working relationships and achieve desired outcomes.
• Supports and participates in the strategic plan for Dubai Health System, Department of Nursing, and Department of Advanced Practice Nursing.
• Participates in unit, departmental, and hospital-wide committees, task forces, or meetings as indicated by role appropriateness.
• Participates in organ transplant program planning and management within the health system.
• Demonstrates responsibility for professional practice through active participation in professional organizations, a minimum of 20 continuing education hours/year, and active participation in Organ transplant departmental meetings / educational opportunities.
• Enhances the body of knowledge in nursing and solid organ transplantation through the exchange of ideas and knowledge using venues such as posters, newsletters, presentations, and publications.