Organ Preservation Specialist

MIDWEST TRANSPLANT NETWORK INC•Westwood, KS

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Organ Preservation Specialist is responsible for procurement activities related to the surgical removal and preservation of organs for transplantation. The role independently performs organ recovery and preservation duties, supports the operating-room team, manages machine preservation activities, and serves as a resource to recovery surgeons and other team members. The specialist also helps lead recovery teams, supports education and departmental improvement, and maintains supplies needed for organ recoveries. The position requires operating-room process knowledge and sterile technique, participation in approximately twelve to fifteen 24-hour on-call days per month, and a minimum work schedule of 40 hours per week. The specialist must be available during normal business hours on non-call days and travel to hospitals throughout MTN’s Donation Service Area. Duties are performed in an environment with regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may require extended periods of standing.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in Biological Science, Nursing, P.A., or Allied Health, or certification as a scrub technician; alternatively, at least three years of experience in organ and tissue procurement.
Knowledge of operating-room processes and sterilization techniques.
Ability to participate in approximately twelve to fifteen 24-hour call days per month and work a minimum of 40 hours per week.
Valid driver’s license in accordance with MTN motor vehicle policy.
Reliable personal automobile for work-related transportation, with company reimbursement using IRS guidelines.
Ability to travel by ground or air within the service area and be physically present at hospitals throughout MTN’s Donation Service Area.
Strong organization and time-management skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively; problem-solving, creative-thinking, and stress-management skills.
Ability to stand for extended periods with few breaks.
Ability to lift 60 pounds and transfer items short distances with assistance.
Fine and gross motor dexterity to frequently handle procurement instruments and devices.
Ability to speak and communicate clearly with donor families, hospital staff, and transplant and procurement personnel in person or by phone.
Ability to comply with bloodborne-pathogen protection requirements due to regular exposure while performing assigned duties.
Home internet and wireless phone access may be required.

Responsibilities

Maintain compliance with operating-room standards, etiquette, and sterile technique.
Independently perform duties related to surgical removal and preservation of organs, including supporting the scrub technician with instrumentation and equipment, managing organ back tables, and sterilely packaging specimens, vessels, and organs.
Perform and manage machine preservation activities and serve as a resource to other team members.
Provide first-assist support when needed.
Procure hearts for valves, organs for research, lymph nodes, vessels, and spleen.
Perform incisions for abdominal and thoracic access, including sternotomy, and close incisions.
Assist the Organ Recovery Coordinator with non-scrubbed tasks, including managing flush, labeling, and packaging organs.
Recognize advanced or aberrant anatomy and understand its impact on organ recovery.
Serve as an expert resource to recovery surgeons on standard operating procedures and recovery protocols.
Lead the recovery team calmly and effectively, manage difficult situations, and advocate for maximizing the gift of donation.
Conduct donation activities in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, AOPO and AATB standards, UNOS and FDA guidelines, CDC guidance, and MTN policies.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with MTN staff, hospital staff, transplant center partners, and others involved in the donation process.
Assist with orientation, training, and ongoing education; provide stakeholder education on organ recovery when needed.
Promote a learning environment, participate in departmental growth and improvement, and serve as a resource to other departments.
Maintain supplies needed to facilitate organ recoveries.
Work at least 40 hours per week, participate in 24-hour call, and remain available during normal business hours on non-call days.