Lisa Coscia, RN, BSN, CCTC
Specialty:
Transplant Nursing - Research
Graduated From:
University of MI with a BSN
Current Position:
Senior Registry Research Coordinator
Current Projects:
Transplant Pregnancy Registry International (TPRI)
What made you decide to work in transplantation?:
I worked as a nursing assistant on the postabdominal transplant floor while I was in school. I helped the nurses with vital signs and basic patient care. I used to take the vital signs while kidney recipients received OKT3 for rejection. The side effects were brutal, but recipients were so brave and did not want to go back on dialysis. That started my love for transplantation and how it could save and improve the quality of life for so many. The entire transplant process fascinated me. When I graduated I worked on a kidney-pancreas transplant unit as a staff nurse, then became a kidney-pancreas transplant coordinator, and since 1997 have worked at the TPRI. I have been in the field of transplantation my entire career.
What do you find to be the most valuable aspect of your work?:
Helping transplant recipients get current data about parenthood after transplantation to help them realize that parenthood might be a possibility. One of the goals of transplantation is to improve quality of life of recipients and for some that may include parenthood. It is so important for recipients to receive the up-to-date information, so in conjunction with their healthcare team, they can make an informed decision about parenthood. I also love to present TPRI data at any venue, especially at transplant conferences.
How have you served AST?:
I have been a member of AST since 2008. I joined the Allied Health Community of Practice and served as chair. Unfortunately the COP did not make it which was very disappointing. I had to make the difficult decision to dismantle the COP, however, several other successful COPs branched off of the AHCOP, including the pharmacy COP, Psychosocial andEthics Community of Practice (PSECOP), Transplant Administration and QualityManagement Community of Practice (TxAQM COP), and Advanced Practice ProvidersCommunity of Practice (APP COP). Since that time I put my efforts towards the WHCOP and have enjoyed the networking and educational opportunities it has afforded me. I have been able to present T3 webinars and present at journal club. I also was on the TIRN grant committee for a couple years and found that to be fascinating. Dr. Wiseman was the chair and I learned so much from his leadership and dedication while serving on that committee. I look forward to continuing to serve as the chair of WHCOP next year. I think that AST does provide all transplant professionals the opportunity to become involved and help to shape the organization. No matter what your role in the transplant process there are opportunities for everyone to participate and it provides opportunities to serve the transplant community.
Fun Facts:
I lived in Japan for 2 years and graduated high school from Canadian Academy in Kobe, Japan.