Cardiac transplantation. Organ procurement to patient discharge

The care of the cardiac transplant patient is complex, yet rewarding. During the hospital stay, the patients, families, and nurses develop close-knit relationships that last after discharge. The cardiac transplant patients at Hershey Medical Center have formed a support group. To promote organ donation, they wear T-shirts, hats, and coats with the logo, "I got my heart at HMC," (Hershey Medical Center). This not only increases awareness of the need for organ donation, but also gives Hershey Medical Center recognition for its cardiac transplantation program.