Organ donation: comparison of nurses' participation in two states.

BACKGROUND

The number of organs available for transplantation in the United States is insufficient, and the donor rate in New Jersey is particularly low.

OBJECTIVES

To explore reasons nurses do or do not refer organ donors and to identify factors that contribute to differences in referral rates in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

METHODS

Registered nurses (N = 976) in 57 nongovernmental acute care hospitals, primarily in emergency departments and intensive care units, completed a questionnaire that focused on their knowledge and participation in the organ procurement process.

RESULTS

Two-thirds of the subjects said they had participated in organ procurement. Pennsylvania nurses had a significantly higher involvement rate than New Jersey nurses. Pennsylvania nurses were also slightly more knowledgeable about the process. A higher proportion of nurses in both states who attended continuing education programs participated.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses need more inservice education regarding policies and procedures for organ donation.