The transplant coordinator has an enormous role in your transplant surgery. This person usually is a registered nurse and works closely with you before the surgery. This person is responsible for overseeing the entire organ transplant process. This may include:

• Scheduling pre-transplant testing.
• Coordinating with you and your dialysis unit to be sure your testing is complete.
• Evaluating the medical status of any potential living donors.
• Consulting with surgeons, physicians and dialysis center and hospital staff on a regular basis.
• Contacting you with instructions when an organ becomes available.
• It is essential to communicate well with your transplant coordinator. This individual can help with many questions that come up and help guide you through the transplant process.

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This article originally appeared in the January 2008 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.