Stephanie Biggerstaff, RN

The Role of an IVF Coordinator

As an IVF Coordinator, I educate the patients on what to expect during their IVF cycle and provide medication education or injection teaching to them, as well as a lot of counseling as far as just trying to be there to listen to them and help them through the process. I perform ultrasounds on our patients for monitoring during their cycle, to see how they are responding to their medication, whether that be an IVF cycle or otherwise. If our lab tech is not available, I have also drawn blood for their lab work. I call patients with information on their treatment plans and try to keep them updated on what’s happening with their cycle and understand what the next steps will be.

A lot of my time is providing direct communication with them and providing the emotional support they need – which is where the counseling comes in. I serve as their advocate, so I’m their “go-to” person for questions they have during their treatment. Many patients dealing with infertility don’t have many people to talk to or just don’t feel comfortable openly discussing that aspect of their life with friends or even family. So as an IVF Coordinator, I really develop a bond with a lot of patients as I talk with them. Sometimes they just need someone to listen, because they feel like they can’t talk to anyone else. 

My best approach is to take my time with each patient, on the phone or in the office, and know that most appreciate the individualized care they get when it’s their turn. They are the reason we are here! It can get tough trying to manage everything and can be very stressful – mentally and emotionally, but it’s very rewarding!

Stephanie is a Georgia native, has two children, and is very active in her church. She says, “Between work, the kids, and church events it’s a busy life, but it’s a good one, and I love it!”