Transplant Coordinator

[AleK]

I didn't find a lot of info about transplant coordinators. I accepted this position with the local transplant facility. It is post transplant, basically f/u on patients, their labs, tests, alert MD if something is abnormal, make sure pts take their meds, etc.

Anyone worked as a coordinator? Did you like the job? Did you regret leaving direct pt care?

I've been an RN for over 5 years, 2.5 years in PCU, a year in SICU and 1.5 years in ER, all in the same hospital. I also recently started at a different hospital in ICU (a mix of everything, and it is a level II trauma center) and shortly after got offered this position. The new hospital did not impress me much and actually seems less organized and safe than the one I worked at before (tripling in ICU with heavy pts, hard to find transport, no techs). I already told the manager of ICU that I can't stay full-time (I'm still in probation period) but would like to stay PRN if possible. The coordinator job is M-F, regular hours, no weekends/holidays, better benefits, including pension and is closer to where I live, and pays about $8000-10000 more a year.

I guess I'm just nervous to lose bedside skills and I don't know how long I can do PRN and work 6 days a week. The transplant place is part of a big hospital that has every possible RN specialty and I've been trying to get into their ICU, ER or trauma for a while with no success. The recruiter told me after 6 months I can transfer to other departments and they give preference to internal applicants. I just don't know if it will be really easier if I'm away from bedside. The benefits are definitely a big plus for me, but I still feel like even though burned by bedside already I still haven't experienced all of it (mainly trauma ER).

[Caffeine_IV]

6 months before a transfer is pretty good as many places require a year. And you have a good background with your ER and critical care experience.

Would you be able to work PRN once a month? That is what I am doing since I took a non bedside role.

[AleK]

That's what I'm trying to do, stay prn at the new hospital in icu. But per the manager, they require minimum 4 shifts a month for prn. I don't want to be working 6 days a week all the time. But we'll see I guess. Maybe do agency. 1-2 days a month would be ideal.

[DizziOncRN]

I've worked as an inpatient oncology RN and outpatient chemo infusion RN in the past. I now work as an oncology RN Care Coordinator (RNCC) for an extremely busy outpatient cancer clinic and I find it very challenging and satisfying. I don't do any "hands on," patient care; no IVs, ports, vitals, treatments, etc. But I work w/ the care team (MD, APP, etc) to order and set up all of the above! I act as an information resource, advocate & educator for my patients and their care team. I find the key to success is being organized and intimately aware & up to date with my patients' care. Critical thinking, proactive planning, meticulous organization, excellent communication skills, follow up & the ability to build rapport and consensus with the patient and their providers is essential! When I first took this job, I was afraid to "lose my nursing [bedside] skills, " and I thought it was a glorified secretary job but I was wrong! Care Coordination is a new experience that will just increase your wealth of knowledge. Try it! I don't want to go back to floor nursing. Ever.