Preservation Specialist

MIDWEST TRANSPLANT NETWORK INC•Westwood, KS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for procurement activities related to the surgical removal and preservation of organs for transplantation. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS DONOR COORDINATION AND ORGAN RECOVERY Strong working knowledge of operating room etiquette and sterile technique. Responsible for maintaining compliance with established standards of the OR environment. Independently completes all duties related to the surgical removal and preservation of the organs to include supporting the scrub tech at the OR field with appropriate instrumentation and equipment, management of organ back table(s), and sterile packaging of specimens, vessels and organs. Independently performs and manages machine preservation activities and serves as a resource for other team members. Ability to provide 1st-assist when needed. Ability to procure heart for valves and organs for research. Ability to procure lymph nodes, vessels and spleen. Ability to perform incision for abdominal and thoracic access including sternotomy. Able to perform closure of incision. Ability to assist Organ Recovery Coordinator role with un-scrubbed tasks such as managing flush and labeling and packaging of organs. Ability to recognize advanced or aberrant anatomy and its impact on the recovery of the organs. Serves as an expert resource to recovery surgeons on SOP’s and recovery protocols. Demonstrates ability to calmly and effectively lead the team during the recovery process, while managing difficult situations, including surgeon challenges, always advocating for maximizing the gift of donation. Conducts all aspects of the donation process in compliance with established federal and state laws, AOPO and AATB standards, UNOS and FDA guidelines, CDC and MTN policies. Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with internal MTN staff, hospital staff, transplant center partners, and others involved in the donation process. ADMINISTRATION Assists with the orientation, training and ongoing education as appropriate. Assists the Hospital Services Department by providing stakeholder education on the organ recovery process when needed. Demonstrated ability to create an environment that promotes learning. Participates in departmental growth and improvement activities. Ability to serve as a resource to other departments. Maintains necessary supplies needed to facilitate recoveries for the organ procurement department. QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Undergraduate degree in Biological Science, Nursing, P.A., Allied Health or Certified scrub technician. Otherwise, a minimum of three years’ experience in organ and tissue procurement. Maintains an on-call schedule of approximately twelve to fifteen 24-hour call days per month (50% call). Operating Room process knowledge and excellent knowledge of sterilization techniques. Ability to work a minimum of 40 hours per week and participate in 24-hour call. Must be available on non-call days during normal business hours. Required to work and remain standing for extended periods of time with few breaks. Must maintain a valid driver’s license in accordance with MTN motor vehicle policy. Must have reliable personal automobile transportation to be used with company reimbursement using IRS guidelines. Must be able to travel within the service area by ground or air and be physically present onsite at all hospitals within MTN’s Donation Service Area (DSA) Excellent organization and time management skills; ability to function independently and collaboratively; demonstrated problem-solving and creative thinking skills and well-developed personal stress management skills. Ability to lift 60 pounds and transfer short distances with assistance. Possess good fine and gross motor dexterity to support the frequent handling and use of procurement instruments and devices. Ability to speak and communicate clearly to accurately convey information to donor families, hospital staff and transplant/procurement personnel in person or by phone. OSHA Category I – Exposed regularly to bloodborne pathogens while performing assigned job duties. Bloodborne pathogens protection is required. Home internet and wireless phone access may be required. MTN BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES Belonging: Intentionally connects with colleagues by embracing differences and finding commonalities to create a workplace where all employees feel safe and genuine at work. Models the philosophy that lived experiences make individuals unique by respecting and seeking to understand beliefs, values and opinions that are new or different from their own. Represents through actions and influence, the idea that diverse perspectives make MTN stronger as we serve our mission. Respect: Builds a positive and supportive foundation inviting open, honest, and clear communication. Fosters a sensitive, supportive, and trustworthy environment, which promotes active listening and strengthens rapport throughout all interactions. Cultivates teamwork through acceptance and inclusion by valuing differences and empowering strengths. Excellence: Demonstrates excellence by going above and beyond, while maintaining compassion and humility in all interactions. Demonstrates a high rate of achievement and success for the organization through proactive objectives centered on the overall mission and vision. Consistently models a positive attitude, a willingness to help others, and a dedication to improvement. Takes full responsibility for their role and challenges themselves to find workable solutions. Accountability: Demonstrates the highest ethical standards, by honoring commitments to each other and professional partners. Executes all interactions through honesty and transparency. Demonstrates responsibility and integrity through ownership of the mission. Utilizes resources appropriately. Leadership: Empowers, mentors and encourages all staff, while displaying a high-level of professionalism. Demonstrates ability to cultivate teams and relationships through open lines of communication, honesty and respect. Handles challenges with compassion by developing trust through respectful feedback and support. Acts as a resource by providing the tools, which enable others to reach their highest potential. It is the policy of Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person will be discriminated against in employment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnic origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, arrest record, or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. In addition, the organization complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training, employee activities and general treatment during employment MTN is committed to complying with state and federal disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position they desire, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of MTN’s mission.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in Biological Science, Nursing, P.A., Allied Health or Certified scrub technician. Otherwise, a minimum of three years’ experience in organ and tissue procurement.
Maintains an on-call schedule of approximately twelve to fifteen 24-hour call days per month (50% call).
Operating Room process knowledge and excellent knowledge of sterilization techniques.
Ability to work a minimum of 40 hours per week and participate in 24-hour call.
Must be available on non-call days during normal business hours.
Required to work and remain standing for extended periods of time with few breaks.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license in accordance with MTN motor vehicle policy.
Must have reliable personal automobile transportation to be used with company reimbursement using IRS guidelines.
Must be able to travel within the service area by ground or air and be physically present onsite at all hospitals within MTN’s Donation Service Area (DSA)
Excellent organization and time management skills; ability to function independently and collaboratively; demonstrated problem-solving and creative thinking skills and well-developed personal stress management skills.
Ability to lift 60 pounds and transfer short distances with assistance.
Possess good fine and gross motor dexterity to support the frequent handling and use of procurement instruments and devices.
Ability to speak and communicate clearly to accurately convey information to donor families, hospital staff and transplant/procurement personnel in person or by phone.
OSHA Category I – Exposed regularly to bloodborne pathogens while performing assigned job duties. Bloodborne pathogens protection is required.
Home internet and wireless phone access may be required.

Responsibilities

DONOR COORDINATION AND ORGAN RECOVERY Strong working knowledge of operating room etiquette and sterile technique.
Responsible for maintaining compliance with established standards of the OR environment.
Independently completes all duties related to the surgical removal and preservation of the organs to include supporting the scrub tech at the OR field with appropriate instrumentation and equipment, management of organ back table(s), and sterile packaging of specimens, vessels and organs.
Independently performs and manages machine preservation activities and serves as a resource for other team members.
Ability to provide 1st-assist when needed.
Ability to procure heart for valves and organs for research.
Ability to procure lymph nodes, vessels and spleen.
Ability to perform incision for abdominal and thoracic access including sternotomy.
Able to perform closure of incision.
Ability to assist Organ Recovery Coordinator role with un-scrubbed tasks such as managing flush and labeling and packaging of organs.
Ability to recognize advanced or aberrant anatomy and its impact on the recovery of the organs.
Serves as an expert resource to recovery surgeons on SOP’s and recovery protocols.
Demonstrates ability to calmly and effectively lead the team during the recovery process, while managing difficult situations, including surgeon challenges, always advocating for maximizing the gift of donation.
Conducts all aspects of the donation process in compliance with established federal and state laws, AOPO and AATB standards, UNOS and FDA guidelines, CDC and MTN policies.
Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with internal MTN staff, hospital staff, transplant center partners, and others involved in the donation process.
ADMINISTRATION Assists with the orientation, training and ongoing education as appropriate.
Assists the Hospital Services Department by providing stakeholder education on the organ recovery process when needed.
Demonstrated ability to create an environment that promotes learning.
Participates in departmental growth and improvement activities.
Ability to serve as a resource to other departments.
Maintains necessary supplies needed to facilitate recoveries for the organ procurement department.