"It's not a job; it's a lifestyle": the experience of being a donation coordinator

Lifesaving organ transplantations cannot be performed without the donation of organs from another human being. The donation coordinator in an organ procurement organization has the responsibility of coordinating this "gift of life"--a highly stressful, but inherently rewarding occupation. Although numerous studies have examined the medical and social implications of organ donation, little has been written about the experiences of donation coordinators. This qualitative study examines the experiences of donation coordinators at a large metropolitan organ procurement organization, to understand how they perform under stress, the ways that they cope with this stress, and the meaning that they attribute to their roles. Implications for organ procurement organizations are discussed to assist such organizations in recruiting donation coordinators and in developing supportive interventions for current employees. Suggestions to help donation coordinators maintain good mental health are also offered.