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What Does a Transplant Nurse Do?

As a transplant nurse, you are responsible for assessing the organ donor by checking vitals, administering medications, and answering general questions. You also prepare the organ recipient by communicating the details of recovery, administering antibiotics, and attending to the family. In some cases, the transplant nurse handles technical responsibilities such as catheter placement. An organ transplant is often highly emotional and time-sensitive, and a nurse in the field must remain focused.

Typically, a transplant nurse works in a hospital setting, but positions are also available with outreach programs and home-care facilities.

Education & Training Required to Become a Transplant Nurse

Just as a surgeon must first be a doctor, transplant nurses needs to be registered nurses. Once that goal is accomplished, there are options for achieving a specialized education in transplant nursing:

The American Board for Transplant Certification (ABTC) offers exams that can lead to certifications in transplant nursing. These certifications are:

• Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator
• Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator
• Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse

The ABTC also offers a self-assessment exam online for those interested in testing their expertise in the field.

While there are no specific transplant nursing degree programs, certification and online continuing education classes can help you specialize.

Typical Characteristics of a Transplant Nurse

Transplant nurses often deal with patients and their families during life or death situations. A nurse considering a career in transplant nursing should be the following:

• Cool under pressure: A transplant nurse must react to a high-pressure environment with resolve and confidence.
• Sensitive but separated: Transplant nurses often communicate with patients and their families. It is important to be sensitive, but also to remain professional during these emotional times.
• Ready to hustle: If an organ needs to be transported, a transplant nurse often facilitates the move.

High Demand for Transplant Nurses

Nursing is the largest profession in health care, with registered nurses holding about 3 million positions. With demand this strong, maybe degree programs in transplant nursing will be available soon.

Employment opportunities for nurses are expected to grow by 22 percent in the next 8 to 10 years, so now is a great time to consider such a strong field. The median annual wage for RNs was $62,450 in 2008.