Liver Transplant Nursing--What to know?

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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!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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....

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