Surgical Preservation Coordinator / Surgical Technologist

Job Description

Do you have surgical experience and a passion for organ and tissue donation? If so, Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA) invites you to apply for this unique opportunity to join our dedicated team as a Surgical Preservation Coordinator.

The Surgical Preservation Coordinator (SPC) plays a pivotal role in the organ recovery process by performing perfusion of recovered organs and coordinating the activities of the operating room on organ donor cases. This position works closely with surgeons, organ coordinators, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate organ recovery and perfusion. This position involves significant regional travel throughout the donation service area and participates in fly outs for local transplant centers.

This position requires substantial travel in the designated service area. Must have active driver's license and reliable transportation to report on-site within a reasonable time frame (30 to 45 minutes) to the Louisville, KY office. Participates in fly outs via charter planes for local transplant centers.

Some responsibilities include:

Organ Recovery Operating Room Assistance: Serves as the point of contact and coordinator for activities within the operating room during organ recovery procedures. Liaises with recovery surgeons, organ coordinators, and operating room staff to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to protocols. Reviews donor information in the UNOS system. Assists with organ recoveries in both local and non-local cases. Prepares patient for organ recovery procedures, including shaving, draping, retracting, and positioning. Prepares and maintains surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies. Documents procedure notes and uploads required attachments in donor electronic medical record. Consults with the Surgical Preservation Operations Supervisor and AOC when indicated and collaborates with external agencies to assist with import organs. Ensures sensitivity and compassion in interactions with donor families and maintains composure and professionalism.

Perfusion: Oversees the perfusion process of donated kidneys and other organs to maintain their viability and functionality during transportation. Performs pulsatile perfusion of kidneys and other organs as approved by KODA protocols. Operates and maintains pulsatile perfusion equipment and supplies. Completes appropriate pump and cleaning logs. Communicates pump numbers and transportation needs with transplant surgeons and/or programs. Packages organs utilizing TransNet based on transportation arrangements and arranges for courier pick up, as needed, and signs them out following established KODA protocols. Maintains accurate and detailed records of perfusion activities in compliance with regulatory standards. Responds promptly and effectively to any perfusion-related emergencies or complications, employing appropriate interventions to mitigate risks and preserve organ viability.

Quality & Other Duties: Maintains strict adherence to quality and safety standards throughout the organ recovery process, including proper sterile technique, documentation of procedures, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Provides education and support to hospital staff involved in organ recovery procedures. Participates in regularly scheduled in-person and virtual team, departmental, and company-wide meetings. Accepts on call responsibilities as scheduled. Participates in case debriefings and clinical meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Some post-secondary education required in a healthcare science or similar field of study, or completion of healthcare certification program, such as surgical technologist, EMT, LPN, nursing assistant or similar is required. Associate level or higher preferred.

Minimum of 2-3 years of healthcare experience required as a surgical technician, surgical assistant, perfusionist, EMT or similar role. Demonstrated knowledge of aseptic technique required. Experience in tissue recovery or as a tissue banking specialist preferred.

Certification as a Tissue Bank Specialist, Surgical Technologist, or Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP) preferred. CTP will be required after 1 year in this role.

About Us: Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation. We work tirelessly to provide the best possible care to our donor families, facilitate the recovery of organs and tissues, an educate the communities we serve. The dynamic field of organ and tissue donation offers exciting and rewarding employment opportunities for those who seek to make a difference in other people's lives.

In addition to being a part of a lifesaving and life-enhancing mission, KODA provides competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and generous time off. Below are a few of our benefits you can take advantage of as a team member.

Voluntary Benefits

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance Options

Short Term Disability

Voluntary Life Insurance

Dependent Care Program

Pet Insurance Discount Program

Employer Provided Benefits

Health Savings Account Assistance

Life & Accidental Insurance

Long Term Disability

Competitive 401K

Vacation, Sick, PTO, Birthday, Holidays, and Personal Days

Comprehensive Life Assistance Program

Identity Theft Monitoring Program

Education, Professional Dues, Certification Reimbursement

On The Job Training and Career Shadowing

Fleet of Vehicles and Safety Training for Drivers

Flexible Work Schedules

Subscription to the Calm Application

Onsite Exercise Facility and Meditation Room

To learn more about KODA, please visit our website at

Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a participant of E-Verify.