Travel Nurse RN - Transplant
Philadelphia, PA
Magnet Medical
5x8 hrs, Days

Pre-Transplant Care:

• Assess and monitor patients being evaluated for organ transplantation, including reviewing medical history, conducting physical assessments, and ensuring necessary lab work and diagnostic tests are completed.
• Educate patients and families about the transplant process, including donor matching, organ availability, and expected outcomes.
• Coordinate with the transplant team to prepare patients for transplant surgery, ensuring that they understand the procedure, risks, and post-transplant care.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans for transplant candidates.

Post-Transplant Care:

• Provide comprehensive care to transplant recipients following surgery, including monitoring vital signs, managing pain, and assessing for complications such as infection, rejection, or graft failure.
• Administer immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection, monitor for side effects, and educate patients on the importance of medication adherence.
• Assess and manage post-operative wound care, including the use of dressings, drains, and other necessary interventions.
• Monitor for early signs of organ rejection and inform the transplant team if rejection is suspected, assisting with biopsy procedures or additional diagnostic tests as needed.

Patient Education and Support:

• Educate transplant recipients and their families on lifestyle modifications, medication management, and self-care to improve transplant outcomes and prevent complications.
• Teach patients about the importance of adhering to immunosuppressive therapy and regular follow-up appointments to ensure long-term success.
• Provide emotional and psychological support to patients and families, offering guidance through the transplant process and recovery.
• Prepare patients for discharge by ensuring they understand home care instructions, including medication regimens, infection prevention strategies, and when to seek medical help.

Monitoring and Management:

• Monitor transplant patients for signs of complications, such as infection, rejection, or organ dysfunction, and respond to changes in patient condition.
• Regularly assess lab results (e.g., kidney or liver function tests, biopsy results) and make adjustments to care plans as needed.
• Perform routine checks on transplanted organs to ensure proper function, including monitoring vital signs, organ-specific parameters (e.g., urine output for kidney transplants), and laboratory values.
• Document and track patient progress, including transplant surgery outcomes, recovery milestones, and any issues requiring intervention.

Collaboration with the Transplant Team:

• Work closely with the transplant surgeons, nephrologists, hepatologists, and other specialists to develop and adjust treatment plans for transplant recipients.
• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds to provide input on patient care and treatment plans.
• Communicate effectively with the transplant team regarding changes in patient condition, treatment responses, and patient progress.

Follow-up Care and Long-Term Management:

• Ensure that transplant patients attend necessary follow-up appointments to monitor the success of the transplant and address any potential complications.
• Coordinate long-term care for transplant recipients, including routine lab work, imaging studies, and biopsies, to monitor for signs of rejection or complications.
• Assist in managing chronic conditions post-transplant, such as diabetes, hypertension, or infections, that may affect the transplant or overall health.

Quality and Safety:

• Ensure adherence to transplant protocols, safety standards, and guidelines set by regulatory agencies, including the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the Joint Commission.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing transplant patient outcomes and reducing complications.
• Ensure infection control practices are strictly followed, particularly during invasive procedures, to reduce the risk of infections in immunocompromised patients.

Research and Continuing Education:

• Stay current with advances in transplant medicine, including new medications, technologies, and treatment protocols.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to organ transplantation.
• Assist in research initiatives related to transplant care, outcomes, and new treatments to improve patient care.