Tissue Coordinator

Ontario Health•Toronto, ON

2d•CA$34 - CA$43•Onsite

About The Position

Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN), part of Ontario Health, is responsible for the coordination of organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Ontario. Our mandate includes increasing public awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation, education of health care professionals, and ensuring a safe and effective donation and transplant system in Ontario. Working collaboratively with our stakeholders and fostering organizational and individual growth, we value honesty, trust, respect and compassion. We are currently seeking a highly motivated permanent full time Tissue Coordinator (TC). The incumbent shall provide professional services related to tissue donation in a manner consistent with the mission and values of TGLN. The Tissue Coordinator completes processes for donor screening, approaches families for consent to donate, secures acceptance of tissues by various tissue banks, coordinates recovery activities, and conducts family follow up post-donation for consented non-recovered tissues.

Requirements

University degree or college diploma in health sciences, biological sciences or a recognized equivalent major is required
Minimum of three (3) years working experience in organ and tissue donation, health sciences or health care environment, tissue recovery and processing is preferred
Ability to work 12 hour shifts in a 24/7 environment which includes days, nights and mid day. In addition, there is a requirement to work weekends and statutory holidays.
All days shifts are required to work in office
Ability to maintain and protect patient confidentiality at all times, demonstrating use of discretion and sound judgment
Demonstrated time management skills with the ability and flexibility to prioritize multiple tasks and projects in a fast paced, results oriented environment
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
Demonstrated superior written and oral communication skills
Accuracy and close attention to detail
Strong computer skills
All applicants must be a resident of Ontario to be considered for roles at Ontario Health.

Nice To Haves

Certification in eye or tissue banking (Certified Eye Bank Technician (CEBT)/Certified Tissue Banking Specialist (CTBS), blood banking, as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) or a paramedic is an asset
Experience in a healthcare setting or working with patients and their families at times of crisis is preferred
In-depth knowledge of biological and health sciences as well as quality assurance standards is an asset

Responsibilities

Assessment of clinical suitability of donor and completion of medical/social history in consultation with family
Engaging in telephone approach to families regarding the donation process and securing consent to donate from family members
Offering various tissues to various banks by providing necessary donor medical/social history, body transfer, negotiating OR time and location, and hospital services.
When assigned, acting as Donor Family Support Team Lead
Quality assurance
Occupational Health and Safety/ Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Responds to calls from referring hospitals received in the Provincial Resource Centre, conducts a preliminary assessment of the patient’s history and identifies all relevant donation options
Provides consultation services as an expert in matters relating to tissue donation
Assesses expert consultation regarding tissue suitability or other medical issues as appropriate
Provides complete information to the tissue bank(s) concerning donor and tissue suitability for placement of tissues. The information is provided in a manner that complies with existing privacy legislation and TGLN confidentiality policies
Timely completion of the med-soc, usually at time of donation, occasionally at a pre-arranged date and time to minimize missed opportunities.
Approaches the substitute decision maker in a timely manner, and re-approaches when necessary to obtain consent for tissue donation
Learns and applies new techniques and strategies for approach
Participates in ongoing education and evaluation awareness
Liaises continuously with on-site personnel (ie. OTDC, health-care professionals and recovery staff) at referring hospital to complete risk assessment, screening, testing and evaluation of individual tissue suitability after consent
Works with the coroner’s office to facilitate tissue donation and escalates cases to Regional Supervising Coroner on a case by case basis
Obtains temporary surgical privileges for tissue recovery personnel, when necessary, in accordance with the policies of the referring hospital, ensuring compliance with the credentialing process is in place at the time
Coordinates timing and confirmation of recovery facility (OR) availability and arrival of tissue recovery teams
Conveys all relevant information regarding the donor to the appropriate tissue recovery personnel and relevant Tissue Bank
Ensures relevant hospital department(s) are contacted following tissue recovery for timely transport of body to funeral home.
Communicates and engages with family members
Informs families when donation opportunities cannot go forward despite a signed consent
Takes accountability for the work of the group during a given shift
Prioritizes and assigns work including active tissue donation cases, early referral case follow up and closure, follow up tasks
Oversees the assignment of preceptorship of new employees to ensure new team member is given the opportunity to learn and meet orientation objectives
Distributes an accurate shift report
Monitors and assigns case follow up and case closure with PRC-Tissue Team
Tracks active organ cases and their status for tissue offering
Uses clinical experience and judgment to answer TC questions prior to involving the MOC or involving the consulting physician regarding tissue suitability
Ensures, when not assigned Team Lead, TCs on shift are responsible for following the Team Lead’s direction.
Takes responsibility for timeliness and accuracy of data entered into all electronic systems and paper charting
Takes responsibility for documenting and reporting variance(s) from CPI’s and complaint(s)
Takes responsibility for compliance with policies and procedures/CPIs (both Clinical and Administrative).