Organ and Tissue Donation and Recovery
The gift of organ donation is the gift of life. However, the gap between those who need an organ or tissue donation and the number of donations available is wide and growing. Health care providers need to understand the issues surrounding organ and tissue donation and recovery so they can effectively support the needs of donor families and donor recipients.
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Describe the scope of the problem of organ and tissue procurement in the United States.
- Identify guidelines related to global organ procurement.
- Differentiate which organs can be transplanted from deceased versus living donors.
- Discuss common myths and misperceptions about organ and tissue donation.
- Compare and contrast the perspectives on transplantation among various religious or faith groups.
- Explain the process for organ donation for deceased donors.
- Identify barriers to donor recruitment and methods of overcoming the barriers.
- Identify contraindications to organ donation.
- Discuss methods of providing family support during the organ donation process.
The decision to become an organ and tissue donor is a profound one. Organ and tissue donation and transplantation provide a second chance at life for thousands of people every year. Deciding to be a donor gives someone else the gift of life (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services [DHHS], 2017).
According to Patthi et al. (2015), organ and tissue donation (OTD) is defined as the surgical removal of an organ or tissues from one person (the donor) and placing it in another person (the recipient). Most donated organs and tissues are received from people who have died. Organ and tissue donations save the lives of patients affected by terminal organ failure and improve their quality of life (Patthi et al., 2015).
Individuals of all ages, races, and ethnicities can save and enhance lives by donating their organs and tissues. In general, individuals of most races and ethnicities in the United States donate in proportion to their representation in the population. However, some groups need more donations than other groups because of a higher incidence of health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, both of which can lead to a greater need for a kidney transplant. For example, African Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics/Latinos are three times more likely than Caucasians to suffer from end-stage kidney disease and require a transplant (DHHS, 2017).
No one is too old or young to donate. Both newborns and senior citizens have been organ and tissue donors. What is most important is the condition of the organs at the time of donation. For example, someone who is 30 years old with a history of alcohol abuse may have a liver that is in worse condition than someone who is 60 years old who has never consumed alcohol. If someone under the age of 18 years wishes to donate an organ or tissue, the person may need the permission of a parent or guardian (DHHS, 2017).
Complete the course post exam (CE Test) with a score of 80% or greater. Complete all fields of the course evaluation form. Certificate of Completion is provided once the course post exam is passed per criteria above.
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American Board of Managed Care NursingThe American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).
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ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing CenterALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Centers Commission on Accreditation.
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AOTA - American Occupational Therapy AssociationALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC, is an approved provider of continuing education for occupational therapists by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Approved Provider # 3166
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ASWB - Association of Social Work BoardsThis course is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to be offered by ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC as an individual course. Individual courses, not providers, are approved at the course level. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. ACE course approval period: 04/22/2018-04/22/2021. Social workers completing this course receive the specified distance learning continuing education credits.
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California Board of Registered NursingALLEGRA Learning Solutions is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # CEP 14693 for the number of hours stated.
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California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification SectionThe California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.
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District of Columbia Board of NursingALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE BROKER after successful completion.
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Florida Board of NursingALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of nursing (CE Provider # 50-12076). Courses are automatically submitted to CE Broker.
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Florida Board of Nursing - Certified Nursing AssistantsALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Broker Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE Broker after successful completion.
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Florida Board of Respiratory CareALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of Respiratory Care
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Florida Council of Dietetics and NutritionALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Council of Dietetitics and Nutrition
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Florida Council of Licensed MidwiferyALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Council of Licensed Midwifery
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NAADAC - The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse CounselorsThis course has been approved by ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #813, ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is responsible for all aspects of their programming.
May 13, 2021
- Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-BC
- Caroline Young, MPH
Continuing education (CE) licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction, are not well defined, and may change. These CE requirements may vary in terms of the number of hours required to the types of courses that must be taken. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC recommends you contact your licensing board or accrediting organization for the latest continuing education requirements of your state or territory. Compliance with CE requirements is the responsibility of the individual health care provider. Health care providers must understand the CE requirements in their jurisdictions, and be sure they are up-to-date on any rule changes that affect their license. For further information, please see our Accreditation Information.
Every effort will be made to accommodate your special needs. To request accommodations, please contact us.
The authors/planning committee members have no conflicts of interests or relevant financial relationships to declare relevant to this activity.
No commercial support has been received for this activity.
Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC approval or endorsement of any commercial product.
None of the authors intend to discuss off-label uses of drugs, mechanical devices, biologics, or diagnostics not approved by the FDA for use in the United States.
