Organ Preservationist

This position will provide support for all abdominal and thoracic transplant service lines. Respond to potential organ donor referrals at various hospitals, assist and evaluate potential organ donors with the physician, participate with the surgical recovery of various solid organs and organ systems, and preserve for transplantation in the operating room.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Participate in the recovery of accepted organs by traveling to donor hospitals on scheduled workdays and on call shifts in a fixed-wing aircraft or medical transport via helicopter, ambulance, or other medical transport modes.

• Determine medical suitability for organ and/or tissue donation through laboratory studies, medical record review and physical assessment.
• Prepare and pack all required equipment, solutions, and medications for organ procurement, preservation, transplantation, or perfusion.
• Assist staff to prepare the operating room for organ recovery and assist before, during, and after donor organ recovery and transplant procedures.
• Perform aseptic organ preservation, including flushing, packaging, and labeling organs, vessels, and tissue-typing materials in accordance with Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network (OPTN) policy.
• Complete all required documentation for accepted donor organs accurately and in a timely manner according to customer, SpecialtyCare, and regional protocols.
• Report equipment or personnel issues promptly and follow established procedures for documenting and communicating equipment concerns.
• Clean and reset equipment after each case and ensure proper disposal of materials.
• Collect and report quality indicator data and participate in continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Monitor inventory levels, equipment condition, and supply needs; ensure supplies are stocked and available.
• Assist physicians, perfusionists, and other clinical staff as requested.
• Support additional surgical procedures outside core duties when appropriately trained.
• Participate in hospital committees related to quality initiatives and present relevant data as required.
• Collect and report quality indicator data and participate in continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Support additional surgical procedures outside core duties when appropriately trained.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate the SpecialtyCare values of Integrity, Teamwork, Care, and Improvement.

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Associate's degree or professional certification/license in related field.
• Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP) through American Board for Transplant Certification (ATBC) within two (2) years of employment is required.

Experience:

• One (1) to three (3) years' experience in the tissue or organ recovery industry or two (2) years' experience as an Allied Healthcare Provider (RN, LPN, Paramedic, EMT, Surgical Tech) required.
• Two (2) or more years of operating room experience and solid understanding of sterile techniques utilized in an operating room setting.
• Experience working with Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs), transplant centers, or tissue banks is preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Maintain strong knowledge of operating room processes and sterilization techniques.
• Must provide proof of required immunizations or health testing.
• Able to use a PC for billing, quality-improvement entry, and inventory management.
• Able to read and interpret safety manuals, operating instructions, maintenance guides, and procedure manuals.
• Able to write clear, accurate reports and routine correspondence.
• Able to communicate effectively with customers, staff, and organizational partners; must speak, read, and write English clearly.
• Able to understand and follow written, verbal, and diagram-based instructions.
• Able to troubleshoot and resolve problems involving multiple variables in routine or emergency situations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn how to perform all essential duties and responsibilities.
• Able to operate, or learn to operate, all equipment required for the role.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential duties of this job, which may vary by location. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, grasp, handle tools, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and communicate effectively while performing essential job duties.
• Normal hearing and vision (with or without correction), including close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to lift, move, push, or pull 50 lbs. or more , with or without assistance.
• Must have a valid driver's license, reliable personal transportation at all times, and active automobile liability insurance to reach work assignments.
• Work occurs primarily in hospital environments, with noise levels ranging from quiet to loud.
• Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work a minimum of eight hours per day and longer as required by case or staffing needs.
• Ability to work variable hours and shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to take call as assigned and arrive at the hospital within required response times.
• Ability to function effectively in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel, including overnight travel, when needed for business requirements or meetings.
• Ability to participate in medical transport via helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, ambulance, or other medical transport modes.