WVJC Nursing Students Witness Historic Transplant Procedure at Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center

Nursing students from West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) in Morgantown recently had the extraordinary opportunity to observe a history-making transplant procedure at Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center — an experience that left a lasting impression on both the students and staff.

The case, coordinated with the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE), marked a groundbreaking moment in medical history: the first-ever international lung-only transfer. A specialized transplant team from Ontario, Canada, was flown into Morgantown and transported directly to Mon Medical Center, where the procedure was performed in the main operating room by a team of professionals from CORE and Vandalia Health.

“In my 14 years at Mon Health, I have never experienced a case such as this,” said Drew Cubic, Mon Health nursing instructor, who accompanied the students. “What made this even more meaningful was the generosity of the CORE team, who welcomed our students without hesitation. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them.”

During the procedure, WVJC nursing students were not only exposed to the surgical process but also gained insight into the legal, ethical and logistical considerations that accompany organ donation. From extensive documentation to careful coordination across national borders, the students witnessed the intricacies of transplant work up close.

“Having worked on a unit that cares for transplant recipients pre- and post-op once they are able to come out of [the Surgical Intensive Care Unit], I knew that there was an extensive process for determining whether or not an organ is a match or if the organ is even viable once the surgery begins,” said WVJC nursing student Brittany Blosser. “What I didn’t know going into observing this procedure was the amount of paperwork and policies that must be adhered to on CORE’s and the donor’s end. Being given the opportunity to see this firsthand was an experience I’ll always remember as it’s given me a whole new perspective and respect for the donors, surgeons, nurses and other health care workers who are involved in these life-changing procedures.”

One of the most moving moments of the day was the Honor Walk, where hospital staff from across departments lined the hallways in a solemn tribute to the donor and family. The multidisciplinary show of respect included security, nursing, laboratory, pharmacy, maintenance and executive leadership, reflecting the hospital’s deeply held commitment to compassionate care and dignity at every stage of the patient journey.

“The CORE case was a fantastic experience, and the surgical team did a great job letting us observe it as closely as possible. This opened my eyes to the delicacy yet efficiency of extraction and preservation of the organs,” said WVJC nursing student Tyler Hlatky.

Thanks to the efforts of CORE and Mon Medical Center, WVJC students not only witnessed a milestone in transplant medicine — they walked away with inspiration and knowledge that will shape their careers in health care for years to come.

“This moment exemplifies the power of collaboration and compassion in health care,” said Krystal Atkinson, DNP, RN, CNOR, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Nursing Officer of Mon Health Medical Center and Chief Nursing Executive of Mon Health System. “We were honored to host such an important case, and even more proud to involve the next generation of nurses. These students saw firsthand how our teams work together to deliver excellence, even in the most complex and delicate situations.”

“Organ donation is one of the most selfless gifts a person can give. During National Donate Life Month, we honor the donors, their families and the teams who make these life-saving moments possible,” said Christine Daniels, MBA, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Mon Medical Center. “At Vandalia Health, we are proud to be a part of that mission every day, and grateful that our nursing students have these opportunities to witness the incredible, lifechanging work done by CORE.”

Throughout April, Vandalia Health facilities across West Virginia are commemorating CORE’s National Donate Life Month with flag-raising ceremonies to honor organ, eye and tissue donors. These events aim to raise awareness about the critical need for organ donation and celebrate the lives saved through transplantation. This year's theme, "Let Life Sing," inspired by the songs of spring and the beauty of birds, symbolizes renewal and hope for the over 100,000 people nationwide awaiting a lifesaving gift.

Vandalia Health and West Virginia Junior College partnered to create the WVJC School of Nursing at Mon Health in 2022. The collaboration provides students with a unique blend of virtual learning and hands-on training and allows them to integrate with the Vandalia Health culture, connect with working professionals and open doors for job opportunities upon graduation.

For more information about the WVJC School of Nursing at Mon Health, visit www.WVJC.edu/wvjc-School-of-Nursing-at-Mon-Health.

For information about National Donate Life Month or how to become a donor, visit www.Core.org.