Cascade Life Alliance serves the families of organ donors, hospital partners, transplant centers that care for recipients, and a variety of workplace partners. Our commitment to save lives through organ donation starts with support of organ donors and their families. We begin developing relationships with donor families during the potential donor’s hospitalization. We work with family members to honor their loved one and attempt to meet the diverse needs of every family we encounter. Our family support continues through the donor’s hospitalization and after, as each family copes with life after loss.

 

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.

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.

Performs other duties and participates in meetings as assigned by the AOC and CLA leadership.

• Bachelor's of Science Degree 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.

• CPTC certification as an Organ Donation Coordinator, required within two years of hire.
• 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.

The ODC works for 12-24 hour period and may travel via commercial aircraft and vehicle.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.