Organ Preservation Specialist I

CENTER FOR ORGAN RECOVERY AND EDUCA•Pittsburgh, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The position of Organ Preservation Specialist I for the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is one of moderate responsibility. They coordinate surgical recovery of organs and tissues from post-mortem donors. This position functions in the brain death pathway and donation after death (DCD) pathways and supports advanced recovery techniques, including normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and rapid recovery with extended ultra-oxygenated preservation (REUP) procedures when applicable. OPS I collaborate with donor hospital operating room staff, recovering surgeons, transplant center teams, and CORE leadership to ensure timely recovery operations and adherence to regulatory requirements. The OPS I assists recovery teams with organ preservation support tasks, preservation processes, and preparation of organs for transport in accordance with OPTN standards and CORE policies and procedures. OPS I are trained to support and remain competent in CORE Consignment preservation devices utilized intraoperatively by recovering transplant center teams, including Paragonix SherpaPak, LUNGguard, LIVERguard, Traferox, and future preservation devices adopted by CORE. This role will be responsible for the recovery of tissue for transplant including but not limited to heart for valves, vertebral bodies, as well as research organs and tissues from post-mortem donors observing and adhering to FDA current Good Tissue Practices and AATB standards. They are responsible for the post-mortem care of local organ donors. They will also provide assistance to local transplant centers in delivery of imported organs, fly-out recoveries, and preservation during living organ donor cases.

Requirements

Some type of medical background.
At least one year of experience in a health-related field.
Candidates graduating from a formal education program related to Surgical Technology, Forensic Autopsy, or Mortuary Sciences will also be considered.
Strong communication skills.
Good independent judgment.
Ability to get along with all types of individuals.
Excellent verbal communication skills.
Strong literary skills.
Demonstrate professional commitment and behavior, showing respect to all donors and CORE partners.
Experience with sterile technique.
Complete an extensive six (6)-month training period which results in a reasonable outcome.
Demonstrate true support to the donation program.
Physical stamina to work long, unpredictable hours.
Flexibility to work in unpredictable situations.
Ability to lift sixty (60) pounds.
Valid PA state driver’s license.
Secure a passport within six (6) months of employment.
Willing to travel by plane to distant hospitals.
Good manual dexterity and visual acuity.

Responsibilities

Coordinate surgical recovery of organs and tissues from post-mortem donors.
Support advanced recovery techniques, including normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and rapid recovery with extended ultra-oxygenated preservation (REUP) procedures when applicable.
Collaborate with donor hospital operating room staff, recovering surgeons, transplant center teams, and CORE leadership to ensure timely recovery operations and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Assist recovery teams with organ preservation support tasks, preservation processes, and preparation of organs for transport in accordance with OPTN standards and CORE policies and procedures.
Support and remain competent in CORE Consignment preservation devices utilized intraoperatively by recovering transplant center teams.
Responsible for the recovery of tissue for transplant including but not limited to heart for valves, vertebral bodies, as well as research organs and tissues from post-mortem donors observing and adhering to FDA current Good Tissue Practices and AATB standards.
Responsible for the post-mortem care of local organ donors.
Provide assistance to local transplant centers in delivery of imported organs, fly-out recoveries, and preservation during living organ donor cases.
Positively educate and interact with health care professionals on the donation process.
Participate in promoting a work environment that is safe-proof, injury free, and fire safe.
Demonstrate knowledge of current Good Tissue Practices (cGTP), OPTN policy, and operating within current CORE policies and procedures.
Manage preservation solutions, integrity of sterile equipment, and supplies specific to the donation activity.
Package, label, and verify donor information with every organ and/or tissue recovered for transplant or research with precision and urgency.
Manage the OPTN electronic bar-coding organ labeling system (TransNet).
Promote a positive workplace that assures the success of the operations of CORE.
Provide current availability for schedules to the Manager of Organ Recovery Operations (Casual status).
Provide CORE with all current contact information (home phone and/or cell phone) (Casual status).
Remain current with all relevant CORE policy and procedures (Casual status).