Transplant Coordinator Role and Responsibilities

Pre-Transplant Coordination

• Role Initiation: Begins after patient referral and insurance clearance.
• Patient Education:
  • Educating patients and families about the transplantation process.
  • Alleviating fears through information.
• Evaluation Pathway:
  • Assisting patients to navigate through various evaluations and testing.
  • Multiple pathways may be explored.

Post-Transplant Coordination

• Post-Transplant Goals:
  • Ensuring the transplanted organ (graft) is functioning well.
  • Monitoring patient tolerance to medications.
  • Ensuring the patient’s mental and physical well-being.
• Symptom Management:
  • Managing and addressing any post-transplant symptoms.

Role of a Registered Nurse in the Transplant Team

• Kidney Donor Interaction:
  • Conducting phone interviews and intake forms for potential donors.
  • Providing guidance and acting as a contact person for donors.

Patient-Provider Relationship

• Emotional Connection:
  • Patients are viewed as extended family members.
  • Long-term follow-up is emphasized as patients are part of a "transplant family."
• Personal Fulfillment in the Role:
  • Enjoyment in informing individuals of donor approval.
  • Emotional and rewarding aspect of seeing patients recover and thrive.
  • Career motivation driven by the opportunity to give patients a second chance at life.

Personal Reflections and Motivations

• Impactful Moments:
  • Witnessing patients' significant life events post-transplant (e.g., family activities, weddings).
  • Motivation is derived from improving patients' quality of life and seeing them recover.