She’s seen it all—deathly ill patients awaiting a new heart or lung,
disappointment when an organ is available and doesn’t match, fear, pain,
and organ rejection, as well as the successful transplantation of an organ to
save a life. Yet, Cardiothoracic Transplant Coordinator Shelley Zomak, RN, MS,
CCTC says she wouldn’t trade transplant nursing for any other specialty.
While organ transplant is a remarkable procedure saving many lives each year, the process is only the beginning of a new life journey for the transplanted patient. For every transplant that occurs, there is a nurse or transplant coordinator working in conjunction with the clinicians, administering a lifetime of care to the patient. One unsung hero to many UPMC cardiothoracic transplant recipients is Shelley Zomak who works tirelessly to help transplant patients adjust to life after transplantation and to help the patient reclaim as normal a life as quickly as possible.
Ms. Zomak graduated from Carlow College, first in 1991 with a BS in Nursing, and a minor in Psychology and again in 2000 with a Masters degree in Health Science Education. Her thesis consisted of the creation of a training manual for heart and lung transplant patients that is still used today.
After working as a floor nurse in Cardiology for seven years, it was a natural progression to move into the transplant coordinator role, where she would become a critical link in the lives of many transplant patients.
She serves as the main point of contact with patients representing the transplant team. Not only does she counsel them about their anti-rejection and other necessary medications, but also about emotional issues, life-styles and overall health. Her background in psychology has been very helpful in dealing with the patients’ lives after transplantation.
“My main role is educating people about the entire process,” she explains. Although she is inundated with daily calls and messages, she loves the work. “I find it challenging and exciting, partly because we are at the forefront of new developments.” She also likes the idea that staff and surgeons share a common goal: “There is mutual respect—the physicians and patients rely on you to sort it all out. It’s a huge responsibility but it is a rewarding one.”
Ms. Zomak is very passionate about optimizing the quality of life for patients and encourages them to strive for good health and well being. She is currently working with colleagues to develop an interactive web-based training program for Cardiothoracic transplant patients, where they will have 24-7 access to latest information and education.
Another endeavor that Ms. Zomak is heavily committed to is the U.S. Transplant Games. These Games, which are the Olympics for Organ Transplant recipients are held in various locations every other year. In 2000, Shelley along with Judi Vensak, RN (now Team Manager) were invited to a meeting that introduced her to the Games. She immediately began organizing a group of her patients to participate, and has not looked back since! For the past two years, she has had approximately 50 participants and looks to increase this number in 2006.
She sees this opportunity as a positive reinforcement for patients, demonstrating their ability and desire to return to a healthy and vibrant life after a strenuous and traumatic time in their life. During the Games, Shelley is no longer just their transplant coordinator. She becomes their friend, their coach and often like a family member. The Games are filled with emotion, each is player competitive, yet supportive of one another. Pittsburgh is on the list of potential destinations for the 2008 Games and Shelley holds out hope that they will come to Pittsburgh.
Being a transplant coordinator is not a job to Shelley, but a life commitment. She understands the demands of the job, often being on call 24 hours per day. “It is for the patients” she commented with complete sincerity.
Excited about the breakthroughs in heart devices and longevity that these technologies provide to many patients, Ms. Zomak believes transplant nurse coordinators play a vital role. Her position combines evaluations with complex postoperative management. “It’s the best of both worlds because I like doing the management and long-term follow-up,” she says.
Furthering her contribution to transplant nursing, Shelley servers on the Boards of Directors of the local chapter of the International Transplant Nurses Society and the National Kidney Foundation. She is a member of the American Board for Transplant Certification, the Transplant Recipient International Organization and Team Pittsburgh Transplant Games.
In the little spare time she has, Ms. Zomak enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and gardening.