Meet the Staff: Transplant Patient, Now Nurse

Susana Rivera, RN, BSN, an operating room nurse for the USC Transplant Institute, part of Keck Medicine of USC, was once a transplant patient herself. Today, she cares for kidney and liver recipients during their surgeries.

What was your experience of receiving a liver transplant?

I was 20, the mom of a 2-year-old. I had just graduated from a licensed vocational nursing program and was planning to be a registered nurse. I had acute autoimmune hepatitis. In November 2012, after losing consciousness, I was rushed to the emergency room and transferred for a liver transplant. My condition was so extreme that I was only on the waitlist for two days.

What are your responsibilities as a transplant nurse?

I’m responsible for preparing the operating room, ensuring the surgeon has everything they need, supporting the anesthesiologist, maintaining sterility, documenting processes and handling pathological specimens. I make sure the patient understands what we’re going to do. I keep them safe and in proper positioning before and during surgery.

How has being an organ recipient helped you support other transplant patients?

I understand their fears and take their care to heart. In the OR, I reassure them that I will do my utmost to give them the best care. I feel so blessed to have been able to come full circle. I have four children now and a husband who is a cardiac ICU nurse with Keck Medicine. I see my transplant as a second chance at life. Every transplant is a miracle, and I feel so grateful to be able to support other patients.

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