Liver Transplant Nursing--What to know?

[newrn93]

Hi, I recently got hired on to the Liver Transplant Unit at a big teaching hospital (It is a med-sug) floor. I am very new and nervous as I start in 5 days and it has been about 4 months since graduation. If anybody is a liver transplant nurse what are things that you need to know specific to that unit. Any lab values that I should be sure to know (out-side of the basics), different assessments I should brush up on, or just anything out of the average medical-surgical information that I should know about?

I would love to hear experiences from Liver transplant nurses and how your day is generally. I got hired onto a new graduate program so I am thankful for the support that I will receive however, I am very VERY nervous! I don't want to be the one that doesn't even remember the basics starting out!

Thanks in advance!

[amoLucia]

Not one of the nurses you seek. But in general, think any brush up on transplantation will help. Your population will be immunocompromised, so that might more specific.

[mysonsmama]

My SIL just left a floor that could be described exactly that way after a year and a half. Good luck to you.

Get to know anti rejection meds, lactulose (!), s/sx of encephalopathy, rejection. That's all I can think of since I am not from that world.

[newrn93]

Thank you guys so much for your feedback! Especially not being in the organ transplant specialty, it means a lot that you guys still took the time to find the answer to my question. I started this past Monday, and will be starting on the floor next week! Will definitely take a look at those pointers.

[nutella, MSN, RN]

Pat before liver tx can have a notoriously low BP - which most of them are used to and mostly asymptomatic.

A lot of primary care due to lactulose (diarrhea) , overall weakness and fluid collection.

A lot of albumin iv....