Organ donation and the critical care nurse.

Abstract

CACCN supports the process of organ donation. Nurses working in critical care are in a privileged position to positively influence organ donation success; however, the process can be emotionally very difficult. Facility commitment, agency culture and medical practice are also crucial to the process of organ donation. Despite our commitment to support organ donation as an option, the critical care nurse's primary responsibility is to the potential donor and their family. Throughout the process, the critical care nurse must remain non-judgmental and supportive of the family, regardless of their decision. Ultimately, the nurse must balance organ donation with the needs of the family who is experiencing the tragic and untimely loss of a loved one. Finding this balance is never an easy task.