Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Transplant Coordinator has the primary responsibility for coordinating clinical aspects of care for patients in the pre, in-patient, and post transplant phases of the transplantation process. In addition, s/he provides direct patient care to patients who are awaiting or who have received a kidney, kidney/pancreas or pancreas transplant. This position maintains all policies and procedures, and works collaboratively with the Lead Coordinator, Physicians, social worker, financial coordinator, and support staff to provide comprehensive care to the recipient.

A day in the life of a Transplant Coordinator at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Assesses the suitability of and prepares potential transplant recipients for solid organ transplantation, applying recipient selection criteria.
• Monitors and evaluates recipient health status and diagnostic tests on a regular basis and maintains appropriate records throughout all phases of the transplantation process
• Facilitates evaluation and completes information/testing requirements for patient presentation at selection committee and communicates outcome to patient, and providers as needed.
• Evaluates educational needs and provides teaching to recipients, families, and staff regarding expected outcomes, tissue typing, risks, complications and patient responsibilities during the transplantation process. Provides emotional support to family members.
• Works closely with the transplant team to fulfill QA and regulatory requirements and participates in QAPI meetings and Selection Committee meetings.
• Facilitates OPTN/UNOS listing of transplant candidates and completes documentation requirements as needed.
• Adheres to policy regarding re-evaluation and communication with patient during waitlist period.
• Facilitates transplant process during peri-operative period (i.e., when organ becomes available to transplant candidate).
• Coordinates preoperative care for patients and monitors, evaluates and reports postoperative organ function.
• Maintains communication with the patient¿s physician; acts as liaison between the patient and patient¿s family and other healthcare providers.
• Serves as liaison and resource person for in-patient staff, residents and physicians.
• Prepares patients for discharge and coordinates the care of the transplant recipient in the outpatient setting.
• Utilizes the nursing process to plan, implement and coordinate patient care through collaboration with other healthcare team members.
• Acts as a catalyst for the development of innovative activities and procedures that contribute to improvement in the delivery of patient care
• Assumes responsibility for own continued learning and knowledge of current standards of practice
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned or when necessary.
• Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e., age, culture, language, hearing and/or visually impaired, etc.). This process includes communicating with the patient, parent, and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational, literacy, etc.).
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Graduate of a NLN/AACN accredited program in nursing.
• Bachelor's degree in nursing and/or Associates Degree with a minimum of 1 year of transplant experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Registered Nurse in Acute Care setting.
• Must have proven independent thinking, decision making, problem solving and prioritizing skills.
• Excellent skills to communicate and interact effectively with all levels of staff, physicians, patients and external constituents, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent ability to multitask.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and other Office programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that may include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Masters degree in nursing
•  7+ years in acute care medical/surgical setting.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Previous experience working in a transplant center.
• Critical care nursing experience.
• Knowledge of Google suite platforms.
• Membership in North American Transplant Coordinators Organization.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator within 30 months of entering position.
• NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License.
• AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification.