FUNCTIONS OF THE COORDINATING NURSE OF LIVER TRANSPLANT

Abstract

This article deals with the functions of the nurse with regard to the coordination, follow-up and valuation of the patients who had undergone a Liver Transplant from the experiences and point of view of the author. Considering that Liver Transplant is a dynamic process which requires the combined task of many professionals and which has evolved with time, the nurse, as an active part of it, has followed this evolution and has a methodology to it, which is placed in a pattern of cares that will allow her to pay attention to each patient. In this context, nursing practice develops through a group of skills: Knowledges, Abilities and Attitudes which must be developed in order to achieve the grade of excellence that we all aspire to. The coordinating nurse at each of her functions: assistance, teaching, investigation, and management is the link between the patient, his family, and the rest of the team. Her labour will always be supported by the collaboration of the rest of the professionals who participate in this common action that is the integral care of the person who is going to undergo a Liver Transplant at each of the phases of the process: evaluation, waiting-list, transplant, and follow-up, and the different levels of attention: at the consulting room, as an out-patient and at the hospital, from his own individuality and considering environment.