International Nurses Association

Organ donation is a very controversial subject to discuss with someone that has a loved one at the end of life, or that has recently passed.   Some family members consider it a violation of their family member, and that it is disrespectful to their loved one.   There needs to be a trained staff that can speak with the family members, and it needs to be handled in a very delicate manner.   In some cases the patient may have already made their wishes known for organ donation, and in many states this is an option on a driver's license. Nurses should be prepared to have this conversation at any given time with a family member. Related:   Get the Facts on Hospice Care If family members do opt to allow organ donation from their loved one, it's imperative to be respectful, and allow them time to compose themselves. If they need to say their goodbyes, permit some alone time.   Despite continuing efforts at public education, misconceptions and inaccuracies about donatio