33519 Role of the Donation Recovery Specialist/ Tissue Donation

Course overview

Discussion of the role of a donation recovery specialist (DRS) in organ and tissue donations including standard timelines and processes in regards to the process, uses for organs and tissues that are able to be donated, and the responsibilities of the DRS in the organ and tissue recovery process. Donated tissue, such as heart valves, skin, corneas, and bone, can have a profound impact on the quality of life for the recipients. Tissue donation has the ability to heal and save lives, and can be used for patients with severe burns, torn ligaments or tendons, or impaired eyesight. Approximately 1.75 million tissue transplants are performed annually, and strict guidelines and processes must be followed to ensure an ethically sound donation process, as well as the integrity of the donated tissues. Nurses who work for and with members of the organ procurement organization (OPO) need to be aware of the processes that take place when a patient is being considered for organ or tissue donation, as well as the specific roles of each team member in order to ensure best outcomes for all parties involved in the transplant process, including the family. This program discusses the tissue donation process and the role of the DRS in tissue and organ recovery.