Organ and Tissue Donation

Organ and tissue donation is a legally and ethically regulated process. The PN must understand the referral process, the PN's specific role (which does not include initiating donation discussions with families), brain death criteria, and the documentation requirements. Types of donation: - Cadaveric (deceased) donation: organs donated after brain death or cardiac death - Living donation: kidney, partial liver lobe — donor is alive and consents - Tissue donation: corneas, skin, bone, heart valves — broader eligibility than organ donation Organ Procurement Organization (OPO): - Federally mandated — all hospitals must refer potential donors to their designated OPO - OPO staff (not nurses or physicians) approach families about donation - This separation protects families from perceived pressure and protects staff from conflict of interest