Working in Transplantation: A Nurse’s Perspective
David Hume, philosopher and historian once said, “It’s when we start working together that the real healing takes place.” This statement rings true throughout our practices in the clinical healthcare setting, as well as in our storytelling.
It is imperative that we share powerful stories about our transplant recipients and their families leading up to our 50th anniversary in transplantation; and, it is just as important to acknowledge the inspirational stories provided by our care team members and clinical experts.
Becky Hardy, RN, transplant coordinator at UC Health, shares her story:
“My drive for transplantation stems from both personal and professional experiences.
In 2001, after a loss of a loved one, I found a love for caring for very sick patients. This love grew and transitioned into a love for transplantation. In 2001, there was interpretation of a law discouraging [organ donation] under certain circumstances. This law and the interpretation of the law has since changed which allows loved ones wishing to [donate an organ] under these circumstances be provided that opportunity. Having lost a loved one, I am grateful for this change.
This year, I celebrated 10 years of nursing, all 10 years can be tied to transplant nursing. I have been a transplant coordinator for 4.5 years and now serve in many specialty areas of transplant. I have an intense desire to always learn and grow. This makes working at an academic medical center very humbling and a marvelous opportunity of which I am very grateful for.
As UCMC’s Sensitized Patient Program Coordinator, I work with our world-renown Chair in Surgery and Director of Solid Organ Transplant, Dr. Steve Woodle. Dr. Woodle’s drive and passion for transplant and research is admirable and unrelenting.
Our Sensitized Patient Program combines innovative and ground-breaking research with practical implementation to ultimately get the “impossible to match” patients transplanted and improve their graft survival post-transplant. Patients often come to our clinic from 3-4 hours away seeking help after being told they are likely never going to get transplanted at another center.
We combine hope, encouragement, medical expertise, and resources to get these patients transplanted and decrease their waitlist mortality. We have innovative and world-recognized monitoring systems post-transplant to help detect and treat rejection sooner which may help these patients stay off dialysis longer and may help provide a better quality of life. Ultimately, as a coordinator, my goal is to help facilitate transplantation and decrease patient mortality.”
-Becky Hardy RN, BSN, CCTC, CNIII
Now We Join in Celebration
As we celebrate 50 years of providing excellence in transplantation, breakthrough treatments and compassionate coordination of care to the region, we invite you to join us in a 50-day countdown to the anniversary of the first surgery that launched Cincinnati’s most comprehensive transplant program.
Celebrate with us by sharing our stories of transplantation with your social media network using #UCHealthTransplant via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
For more information about UC Health transplant services, please visit uchealth.com/transplant.
