Attitudes and knowledge of nurses regarding organ procurement

The purpose of this study was to examine nurses' attitudes and knowledge regarding organ procurement. Nurses in critical care areas completed a questionnaire designed to elicit their attitudes toward and knowledge of organ donation. Differences were found between the unit in which nurses worked and the extent to which they would participate in care of a patient for organ donation. Significant relationships were found between the fact that a nurse had previously cared for donors and the degree of comfort felt in obtaining consent, extent to which the nurse would participate in care, and knowledge of organ procurement procedures. The nurses' feelings regarding donation and their degree of comfort in obtaining consent were correlated positively with higher knowledge scores. Knowledge deficits were identified in all areas. Results indicated that although most nurses were supportive of organ procurement, there were aspects with which they were uncomfortable and others in which they lacked knowledge. The study revealed the need for additional awareness and education of nurses in all areas of the organ donation process.