RN transplant coordinator-- what do they really do?

SteffersRN87, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2009

I work oncology/BMT and our transplant coordinators facilitate the whole transplantation process. I'm not sure what your background is, but both of our coordinators are oncology certified nurses and worked on a BMT unit. They are very knowledgable and very helpful. If a patient has any ?s, they will personally come and talk to them. I know they make calendars for patients to help them remember what to do and when.

Epona · Oct 24, 2009

Thanks for the reply! I am a brand new nurse! I do not have much experience. Although since graduating, I have worked mostly in peds. and it's for a peds. unit. I also have a degree in Communications/ Broadcasting, and the hiring manager said she wanted someone with excellent communication skills. So I guess that's why I got the call. I will probably not get the job because I am a brand new RN. The hospital called me right away though.

We'll see!! :up:

core0 · Oct 24, 2009

Good evening all! I have an interview next week for a RN transplant coordinator position at a very well known hospital in my state.
What exactly do they do?? I had wished and wished that I could find a job in nursing where I could really use my talents to make a difference and help others. I THINK a transplant coordinator does this. Can anyone shed some light here?? This is an executive job, right? Curious... and thank you ahead of time!! :beer:

So I don't have to repeat myself:

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/steps-become-transplant-302615.html

David Carpenter, PA-C

MagsMom · Oct 24, 2009

I will probably not get the job because I am a brand new RN. The hospital called me right away though.
We'll see!!

Don't be so sure - you were called for a reason. Continue to do your research and go in with confidence. Good luck!

Lacie, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2009

Good luck as to get the "call" is exciting I know. Consider though most Transplant Coordinators (at least one's I have dealt with) were required to have several years experience either working on a transplant units or critical care, OR background. Dont let it hold you back to take the steps to get there is this one doesnt work out.

Epona · Nov 10, 2009

Thanks. I went in for the interview today and got the feeling that they liked me as a person, but felt I was very 'wet-behind-the-ears.' They (the nurses in the interview) were talking in a language that did not make any sense to me. I was like 'what the heck?' They were talking transplant terms I was not familiar with at all. The head Dr. for that dept. did an initial interview with me a few weeks ago and liked me. She said if the panel liked me today then I pretty much had the job. The head Dr. knew I had very little experience, but she liked me and sent me through to the the next phase. The BMT nurses in today's panel interview were tough. I believe they just felt I did not have enough experience; which really I don't. Not sure how it will turn out.

mamamerlee, LPN · Nov 10, 2009

Most transplant coordinators have at least a few years' experience in ICU, renal, cardiac or similar. They frequently have to monitor the dying patient for the last few hours prior to the transplants.

Aside from the extremely important job of talking to perspective donor's families, they must also fit in to the nursing units where the patients are - both the donor and the recipient.

And like any specialty, you will need to learn the 'language' of the land.

Best wishes!

allnurses Guide · Nov 10, 2009

Depends totally on the job. Pre or post transplant coordinator? Solid organ or bone marrow? All makes a huge difference.

My experience is in pre and post cardiac transplant. I am not a Tx coordinator, although I work closely with them and have a somewhat similar role. It involves a LOT of case management and patient contact. I don't know what you mean by "is this an executive position"...??? It is very hands on, you basically organize the life of pre- or post- transplant patients. Monitor their vital signs, meds, blood levels of various drugs, report to the transplant team, handle any illnesses that come up. Social issues are HUGE in transplantation - many of the things that led people to need a transplant mean they are quite uncooperative at times!

This will be different for a pediatric BMT job though. It would be a very hard job if you are not already familiar with the pre and post transplant process in your specialty, as well as the meds and procedures required.

Being involved with Tx specialty is both rewarding and exhausting.

Epona · Nov 10, 2009

Thanks. It was for a pediatric bone marrow transplant coordinator position. They told me mostly setting up insurance info., setting up hotels for the family, etc. Not a lot of patient interaction. I would greet the patients when they first come, but it seems to me NOT a lot of hands on with the patient. This is what I got the jest of. Sort of behind-the-scenes stuff. I am a NEW RN with hardly any experience. In the end, I doubt I got it. Thanks for all the input!

Epona · Feb 15, 2010

Hi. It's me again... well looks like I DID get the job! Wow! I am a new RN, but I guess the YEARS of PR and Broadcasting got me the job. I bring that to the table.

I will be a BMT Coordinator for the pediatric unit and cover both pre and post coordination. I thought this was an executive job, but some folks are telling me I will be working the floor. I am confused. Can anyone tell me? Thanks!

Trauma Columnist · Feb 15, 2010

What do you mean by "executive job?"