Donation Coordinator

Gift of Life Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Gift of Life Michigan is seeking a Donation Coordinator to oversee the optimization and utilization of organs for transplantation. You will evaluate potential donors, direct ICU management of donors, document care, and coordinate multi-organ recovery in the OR.

The role requires healthcare credentials (RN, RRT, or EMT-P) with acute/critical care experience, ACLS/BLS certification, and strong collaboration with hospital teams. CPTC is preferred.

Qualifications

• RN, RRT or EMT-P with 18 months acute/critical care experience.
• ACLS and BLS certification required or obtained within six months of hire.
• BSN or Biological Science degree preferred; CPTC certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and screen potential organ donors by reviewing records and testing.
• Direct comprehensive critical care management of the donor in ICU.
• Document donor care and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate multi-organ recovery in OR with QA documentation.
• Engage hospital teams on brain death evaluation or withdrawal of support.
• Educate care teams on donation process, equipment, and timing.
• Search donor registries for patient decisions to donate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

English fluency

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Education

RN/RRT/EMT-P credential

ACLS and BLS certification

BSN or Biological Science (preferred)

CPTC certification (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary

In alignment with Gift of Life Michigan’s core purpose and core values, the Donation Coordinator is responsible for management of all activities associated with optimization and utilization of organs for transplantation.

In alignment with Gift of Life Michigan’s core purpose and core values, the Donation Coordinator is responsible for management of all activities associated with optimization and utilization of organs for transplantation.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Evaluate and screen potential organ donors by thoroughly reviewing and interpreting hospital records, analyzing laboratory values, diagnostics, and other testing, documenting required data in the organ donor Electronical Medical Record (EMR). Collaborate with Clinical Administrator On-call (CAOC) or designee to determine organ donor and organ suitability.
• Direct the comprehensive critical care medical management of the critically ill organ donor in the ICU.
  • Conduct a physical assessment and examination.
  • Order, interrupt, analyze, and prescribe therapeutic treatment for diagnostic testing abnormalities (chest x-ray, EKG, arterial blood gas, bronchoscopy).
  • Optimize pulmonary function through ventilator monitoring and management.
  • Diagnose and treat common conditions found in critically ill organ donors.
• Document organ donor care and compliance with quality standards and regulations.
• Coordinate all aspects of multi-organ recovery in the operating room, including detailed documentation of recovered organs, biopsies, packaging, labeling, transportation, and chart Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) in accordance with Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) polices.
• Engage with potential organ donor’s hospital care team to assess the clinical situation and plan of care as it relates to brain death evaluation or withdrawal of support.
• Educate hospital care and organ recovery teams on organ donation process, such as preparation, equipment, sterilization, staff utilization, critical-timing, and review overall procedure for surgical recovery of organs.
• Search organ donor registry(ies) for documentation of the patient's decision to donate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

Required

• Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Paramedic (EMT-P) with 18 months acute and/or critical care experience or a combination of relevant education and other formal healthcare training.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtained within six months of hire.

Preferred

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Bachelors of Biological Science.
• Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator (CPTC) certification.
• Prior experience in a healthcare organization, transplant center, or organ/tissue procurement organization.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSA)

• Written and verbal fluency in English.
• Ability to exercise initiative, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook and Teams and other technology systems used in business operations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.
• Demonstrate attention to detail.
• Strong verbal communications skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse populations, including hospital professionals, transplant centers/surgeons, medical examiners, and organ donor families.
• Ability to manage difficult, sometimes emotional, individuals and situations.
• Self-directed, exercising appropriate judgement.
• Proficient in electronic medical record systems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain all required certifications, regulatory competencies, and education (ACLS, BLS, advanced skills sets, annual regulatory competencies set by Gift of Life).

Organizational Culture Expectations

• Demonstrate the competencies of Professional, Determined and Compassionate.
• Maintain a motivated and positive attitude.
• Support an inclusive work environment.
• Ability to successfully collaborate and work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Actively seek improvements.
• Always maintain a safe working environment and use of Universal Precautions.
• Maintain appropriate level of confidentiality in all areas dealing with sensitive, protected, and confidential information.