Overview of the organ donation process

Organ transplantation has become a viable treatment option for end-stage organ disease. With the advent of immunosuppressive medication and vastly improved preservation practices and surgical techniques, it is now possible to transplant an increasing number and variety of organs. In their role as direct care givers to patients and their families, critical care nurses must be attuned to the need for donor organs and tissues, and to the benefits of donation for the donor family, the potential organ recipients, and to themselves as health care professionals.