Organ Donation Coordinator

Department Overview

The Organ Donation Coordinator functions as an independent practitioner, utilizing healthcare knowledge, expertise, independent industry- specific judgment and protocols to medically manage donor patients in a critical care setting. Coordinates all aspects of organ donation for lifesaving transplant in Cascade Life Alliance’s Donation Service Area (DSA) which includes 84 hospitals in Oregon, southern Washington, and southwest Idaho. Other responsibilities of the role include evaluation of potential organ donors, communication and support to donor families, evaluation and placement of organs for transplant, coordination of the organ recovery process with hospital and transplant teams. Assists those teams with the surgical recovery and transportation of organs for transplant to waiting recipients. Additionally, provides education to physicians and hospital staff regarding the donation process to optimize outcomes.

Function/Duties of Position

Donor Evaluation and management

• Evaluates medical suitability of potential organ donors, utilizing information from medical records, history and physical examination, and current clinical status.
• Competently and independently manages the clinical stability of the donor patient in a critical care setting and seeks consultation from AOC/Medical Director when appropriate.
• Requests and interprets laboratory and diagnostic tests needed for evaluation of suitability and clinical management of organ donors.
• Coordinates organ placement according to established organizational organ allocation policies and UNOS policy. 
• Leads coordination of transportation and other logistics for local and outside recovery programs, in preparation for operative phase of recovery.
• Implements quality assurance measures in compliance with regulatory requirements governing organ procurement and transplantation to enhance the effectiveness and safety of organ procurement processes. 

Donation Advocacy and Hospital Support

• Ensures effective communication, process coordination and collaboration with hospital nurses and physicians, CLA colleagues and administration, and partnering agencies.
• Maintains current understanding of individual hospital cultures, policies and best practices.
• Serves as an in-person consultant, educator and content expert to healthcare partners. Responsible for onsite/real time troubleshooting, problem solving and relationship building.
• Coordinates accurate and timely feedback with the hospital development department to ensure continued collaboration and successful interactions with hospital partners.

Donor Family Support

• Collaborates with the Donation and Family Advocate (DFA) team to facilitate authorization or disclosure with the legal NOK. Accurately conducts a donor risk assessment interview with identified surrogate of the potential organ donor.
• Provides on-going support and guidance to donor family throughout the duration of the case including connecting family to appropriate hospital, community, and social resources.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Science with healthcare related focus or equivalent experience,
• 2 years recent relevant clinical or donation related experience or equivalent.
• Must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle. 

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Extensive clinical healthcare knowledge, with the ability to quickly and independently exercise sound clinical judgement and prioritization in an often stressful environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, applying a strong sense of emotional intelligence and situational awareness in all interactions.
• Flexibility with an unpredictable work schedule: ability to take extended call, function for extended hours and work productively both independently and as a team participant. 
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 as charge or resource nurse and experience in caring for donor patients and families. 
• CPTC certification as an Organ Donation Coordinator, required within two years of hire. 

Additional Details

The ODC works for 12-24 hour period and may travel via commercial aircraft and vehicle. Clinical call for 24 hour periods and be able to function for extended hours in an intense, high-paced environment. Must be able to lift 80 lbs. Have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]