Transplant Nursing

FU1-21Figure:

Prince Tenoso

Transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage organ disease. Over the years, the field has evolved to improve all stages of the transplant process. I transitioned to transplant nursing to expand my practice as a certified nephrology nurse. In my 11 years in dialysis, I've worked in chronic and acute settings, and in administration. My passion has always been nephrology. Both my grandparents were on dialysis and two of my uncles have end-stage renal disease. One was fortunate enough to receive a transplant.

What we do. The role of a transplant nurse varies depending on the type of organ, phase, location, and volume of the transplant center. Significant phases include pretransplant or posttransplant and procurement or allocation. The key elements of transplant nursing are providing patient education, coordination of required testing, and collaboration with other departments. Consulting with members of the interdisciplinary transplant team is also essential because they are the key decision makers in whether a patient is a suitable transplant candidate. My current role is on the pretransplant side as a kidney and pancreas transplant evaluation coordinator. I assist patients during the evaluation phase until the transplant team decides on their candidacy.

Inspiration. I am drawn to this specialty because it challenges me to expand and improve my ability to manage this complex patient population. We sometimes encounter patients with multiple comorbidities, such as congenital disorders, malignancies, and cardiovascular disease. Psychosocial issues can range from lack of posttransplant support to mental health, financial, or substance issues. It's important to have a full understanding of these factors because they impact a patient's overall candidacy and posttransplant outcome. Taking a holistic approach helps to assess and develop an individualized plan of care for each patient.

The aspects of my work that inspire me the most are our patients' resilience, our donors' altruistic generosity, and the caregivers' unconditional support. Last year, I participated in the World Transplant Games 5K AnyWay, where transplant surgeons, donors, and recipient families from 39 countries gathered to share their experiences. The most memorable part was sharing my perspective as a health care provider and listening to the many inspiring stories of how transplantation has touched people's lives.

Challenges. One of the biggest problems faced by our specialty is the ongoing organ shortage. To date, there are over 100,000 Americans waiting for a transplant. Approximately 17 people die waiting each day. As transplant professionals, we must continuously provide education, raise awareness to increase organ donation, and battle misinformation. One donor can provide organs to up to eight people and impact many more as a tissue donor.

Career goals. One way to get into transplant nursing is by having relevant experience in a field involved in organ transplantation, such as nephrology, cardiology, or pulmonology. Most transplant centers encourage having a transplant nursing certification. The American Board for Transplant Certification provides four types: certified procurement transplant coordinator (CPTC), certified clinical transplant coordinator (CCTC), certified clinical transplant nurse (CCTN), and certified transplant preservationist (CTP).

Connecting with colleagues. When I started in this position, my main goals were to be proficient in the field of transplantation and to serve the transplant community. This became possible through the International Transplant Nurses Society (ITNS; www.itns.org), where I serve as a cofacilitator for ITNS Central (ITNS's online forum) and chair of the Young Professionals Committee. The ITNS is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide relevant evidence-based education, research, and advocacy to ensure excellence in patient care worldwide.

Transplantation continues to evolve along with advances in medicine and to meet the ongoing demand. I'm excited to see recent breakthroughs in the field, such as the development of the artificial kidney, stem cell–based transplantation, and xenotransplantation. Working in a profession that improves peoples' lives and is at the cutting edge of innovation is truly a great privilege.

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