Recovery Coordinator 1 / Surgical Tech

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Transforming Lives

The University of Miami is among the top research universities and academic medical centers in the nation, and one of the largest private employers in South Florida.

With more than 16,000 faculty and staff, the University strives for excellence, and is driven by a powerful mission to transform and impact the lives of its students, patients, members of the community, and people across the globe.

The University is committed to fostering a culture of belonging, where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to add value. Through values of Diversity, Integrity, Responsibility, Excellence, Compassion, Creativity, and Teamwork (DIRECCT) the U community works together to create an environment driven by purpose, excellence, community, and service.

The University of Miami, Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency (UM LAORA) has an exciting opportunity for a full time Recovery Coordinator 1/Surgical Tech position.

This incumbent is responsible for coordinating the procurement surgical staff with the clinical recovery, preservation and transportation of organs to be used in clinical transplantation.  This position reports to the Director, Organ Recovery, Preservation and Allocation.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities (For Non-exempt Employees Include Percent of Effort):

Clinical:

1. Coordinates the staff in the operating room for local procurements and abroad (i.e. requiring flight transportation) with clinical recovery and preservation of organs for transplantation, and undertakes extensive communications with transplant center, according to established guidelines. For example:

a. Provide data, beginning with the formal protocol assessment and ending with the final decision, whether or not to transplant a cadaver organ.  This consists of assessing organ function under preservation and preservation parameters, and determining organ viability for clinical transplantation by advising surgeons whether or not the organ(s) are suitable for transplantation based on clinical observations.

b. Provide medical/technical assistance to the excising surgeon in the removal of organs and tissues.  This assistance consists of exposure, homeostasis, suturing, and perfusion of the organs as they are procured. In addition, provide clinical guidance/recommendations on organ preservation characteristics in terms of flush amounts, medicinal additives, to help ensure optimization of organ function in recipients.

c. Retrieve blood/tissue specimens necessary for tissue typing and to ensure timely delivery to the appropriate laboratory.

d. Package the organ(s) and transports according to protocol to the local recipient facility and/or to the LAORA Perfusion Lab Facility.

2. Operate kidney preservation machine and maintain accurate clinical preservation records while on preservation duty.  While on preservation duty, the recovery coordinator is responsible for:

a. Maintaining accurate record of kidney function and disposition.

b. Maintaining current knowledge of chemical and bacteriological evaluations of kidney and preservation solutions.

c. Making technical adjustments to machine (i.e. pressure, rate, temperature, etc.) and assessing organ function based on clinical knowledge while providing organ viability feedback to transplant center clinical personnel in an effort to optimize organ preservation technique.

3. Report positive cultures to the transplant coordinator immediately (if any).

4. Responsible for making the necessary calls to transplant centers to place the kidneys and pancreas, according to the UNOS requirements. This process requires exercising clinical judgment and a good fundamental knowledge of organ viability to allow for efficient and effective organ placement practices.

5. Maintain current knowledge and enforce legal requirements of organ donation.

6. Transport the kidney to the transplant center where it will be used following instructions from the transplant center (ground or air).

7. Responsible for packaging and transportation arrangements (in accordance with UNOS guidelines) for exportation of organ(s) outside LAORA service area.

8. Work according to a call schedule of assigned duties and hours and remain within pager radius to assure that response to all pages will occur in a timely fashion.

9. Be familiar with all medical aspects of organ donation and bring any questions to the attention of the administrator involved.

10. Have a basic knowledge of the donor medical requirements and contraindications.

Administrative:

1. Responsible for accurately collecting, recording, and maintaining clinical records of donors and recipients as required by the program.

2. Responsible and accountable for assigned procurement equipment and supplies.

3. Assist in the maintenance of the perfusion laboratory including the maintenance of an adequate inventory and availability of all supplies and medications.

4. Maintain a current list of contact numbers of all appropriate UM LAORA/ Transplant personnel and updates list as needed. This list will be utilized to contact appropriate personnel based on Perfusionist’s logistical knowledge of organ donation/recovery process in a timely manner.

5. Keeps UM LAORA Associate Director of Clinical Operations apprised of all local and import organ activity.

Education Requirements (Essential Requirements):

• Bachelor’s degree.

Work Experience Requirements (Essential Requirements):

• One year of relevant work experience.

• Relevant combination of education and work experience will be considered

• Hospital Operating Room and Surgical Tech experience preferred.

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida’s only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We’re the challenge you’ve been looking for.

Patient safety is a top priority. As a result, during the Influenza (“the flu”) season (September through April), the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine requires all employees who provide ongoing services to patients, work in a location (all Hospitals and clinics) where patient care is provided, or work in patient care or clinical care areas, to have an annual influenza vaccination. Failure to meet this requirement will result in rescinding or termination of employment.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff

Pay Grade:

h85