Organ Preservation Coordinator - LifeShare Carolinas - FT Variable

Advocate Health; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health seeks a transplant preservation technician responsible for aseptic recovery of tissue and organs, coordinating removal, preservation, and transport of donor organs across the transplant team. You will perform machine-based preservation, cannulation, and in-situ flushes as approved by the surgical director.

You will also evaluate donors, coordinate logistics with Medical Examiners, Nursing Supervisors, and Funeral Directors, and ensure all recovered organs and tissues meet policy

Qualifications

• Associates degree or professional transplant certification required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred for advancement within transplant services.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CTP, CTBS) or equivalent surgical tech credentials are valued.

Responsibilities

• Performs aseptic recovery and handling of tissue and organs.
• Coordinates recovery, preservation, and transportation of donated organs.
• Performs organ preservation using machines and cannulation as directed.
• Evaluates donors and coordinates logistics with medical staff and funeral directors.
• Ensures all recovered tissues comply with policy and regulatory requirements.
• Performs instrument decontamination and maintains labs and supplies at par levels.

Skills

Organ recovery coordination

Organ/tissue preservation

Cannulation + preservation machinery

Regulatory compliance

Education

Associates Degree or CTP/CTBS certification

Bachelor of Science in Health Science (preferred)

Certified Surgical Technician / EMT / RN / LPN (preferred)

Tools

Surgical instruments handling

Job description

Essential Functions

• Performs aseptic recovery of tissue; including, but not limited to, eyes, bones, ligaments, tendons, heart for valves, saphenous vessels, and skin according to departmental policies and procedures
• Responsible for coordinating recovery, preservation and transportation of donated organs
• Performs organ preservation using appropriate machines; cannulates and places organs on preservation machines as approved by surgical director; performs in-situ flush of all organs
• Performs donor evaluations, coordinates logistics for recovery teams and communicates with Medical Examiners, Nursing Supervisors, and Funeral Directors as required
• Ensures all recovered organ and tissues are packaged per policy and meet regulatory requirements
• Performs decontamination and sterilization of all LifeShare instruments used in the recovery of organ, tissue, and eye
• Maintains Organ, Tissue, and Eye Labs, ensuring that all supplies are to par levels and stocked accordingly

Physical Requirements

Available to travel distances greater than one hundred miles and function effectively in unfamiliar hospital environments. Must be able to fly in airplanes/helicopters and ride in ambulances. Must be able to push, pull or otherwise move heavy objects, and must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 lbs. Must have good manual dexterity and visual acuity. Must be able to endure long periods of standing and walking. Must be able to endure irregular sleep patterns. Must have good communication skills with families, hospital personnel, physicians, and fellow employees. Must be able to use personal vehicle for work travel.

Education, Experience and Certifications

Associates Degree or Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP) or Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) certification required. Bachelor of Science in Health Science field preferred. Certified Surgical Technician, Emergency Medical Technician, CTP, CTBS, Certified Eye Bank Technician, RN, or LPN preferred. Knowledge of abdominal and thoracic anatomy required. Basic understanding of kidney anatomy, surgical dissection technique, suturing, vascular surgery, cellular metabolism and laboratory values within six months of employment required. Valid Driver's License required. Operating Room experience preferred.