Organ Donation Coordinator

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

About The Position

The Organ Donation Coordinator is an independent practitioner who uses healthcare knowledge, specialized expertise, clinical judgment, and established protocols to medically manage donor patients in critical care settings. The role coordinates all aspects of organ donation for Cascade Life Alliance’s Donation Service Area, which includes 84 hospitals in Oregon, southern Washington, and southwest Idaho. Responsibilities include evaluating potential organ donors; supporting and communicating with donor families; evaluating and placing organs for transplant; coordinating the organ recovery process with hospital and transplant teams; and assisting with surgical recovery and organ transportation to waiting recipients. The coordinator also educates physicians and hospital staff about donation to help optimize outcomes. The position involves extended clinical call and work periods of 12–24 hours, sometimes in an intense, high-paced environment. The coordinator may travel by commercial aircraft and vehicle, and must be able to lift 80 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science with a healthcare-related focus, or equivalent experience.
Two years of recent relevant clinical or donation-related experience, or equivalent.
Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
Extensive clinical healthcare knowledge and the ability to exercise sound, independent clinical judgment and prioritization in stressful situations.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, emotional intelligence, and situational awareness.
Flexibility with an unpredictable work schedule, including availability for extended call and extended work hours.
Ability to work productively both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.
Ability to work 12–24-hour periods and function during 24-hour clinical call and extended hours.
Ability to lift 80 pounds.

Nice To Haves

American Board for Transplant Certification CPTC credential.
Organ procurement coordinator experience.
Critical care experience in pediatrics, neurosurgery, medical-surgical, cardiovascular, trauma, or emergency medicine.
Leadership experience as a charge or resource nurse.
Experience caring for donor patients and families.

Responsibilities

Evaluate the medical suitability of potential organ donors using medical records, history and physical examination, and current clinical status.
Independently manage donor patient clinical stability in a critical care setting and consult the AOC or Medical Director when appropriate.
Request and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests needed to evaluate donor suitability and manage donor patients.
Coordinate organ placement according to organizational allocation policies and UNOS policy.
Coordinate transportation and other logistics for local and outside recovery programs in preparation for organ recovery.
Implement quality assurance measures that comply with regulatory requirements for organ procurement and transplantation.
Coordinate communication and collaboration among hospital nurses and physicians, CLA colleagues and administration, and partner agencies.
Maintain understanding of individual hospital cultures, policies, and best practices.
Serve as an onsite consultant, educator, and content expert to healthcare partners; troubleshoot, solve problems, and build relationships in real time.
Coordinate timely and accurate feedback with the hospital development department to support collaboration with hospital partners.
Collaborate with the Donation and Family Advocate team to facilitate authorization or disclosure with the legal next of kin.
Conduct donor risk assessment interviews with identified surrogates.
Provide ongoing guidance and support to donor families, including connecting them with appropriate hospital, community, and social resources.
Perform other duties as assigned.