Last month, our team was able to attend The Organization for Donation and Transplant Professionals’ (NATCO) annual meeting. We are proud to highlight the incredible dedication, expertise and passion demonstrated by them as they represented our mission on a national stage. Their leadership, lived experiences and voices continue to elevate conversations around donation, transplantation and the partnerships that make our life saving work possible.
First, our Chief Operating Officer (COO), Elizabeth Shaller, led a powerful panel discussion exploring allocation and acceptance practices along with the challenges faced across the donation and transplant continuum. She was joined by our very own Director of Organ Services, Jaclyn Russe, offering valuable insight from the organ services perspective.
Second, Nevada Donor Network Advocate for Life and heroic donor mother, Courtney Kaplan was joined by her son Mikey’s double lung recipient, Harold Peck. They were a part of a panel moderated by our very own Manager of Quality Regulatory Affairs, Angela Borror. Their deeply personal connection between donation and transplantation brought tears to all. The panel helped weave together these diverse perspectives into an inspiring and meaningful conversation. Angela was also on the planning committee for NATCO.
Third, Nevada Donor Network Hospital Partner and Director of Quality at Henderson Hospital, Krystle Coffman, shared her experience in, “Cultivating Donation Champions in a Non-Transplant Hospital.” Moderated by Nevada Donor Network Director of Donation Development, Heather Osipowicz, this session highlighted how consistent education, engagement and relationship building can spark true culture change, even in facilities without transplant programs. Heather was also a part of the planning committee as well! She presented during two conference sessions which included ‘Improving Together: Tools for Change and Compassionate Collaboration: Hospice & Coroner/Medical Examiner Partnerships’ and ‘Unifying Referring Partnerships: Enhancing Efficiency and Outcomes Through Strategic Realignment.’
Fourth, Nevada Donor Network Donation Development Liaison III, Christy Bridwell, delivered a heartfelt and energizing session called the ‘The Power of Nurses.’ It emphasized the compassionate, essential and life changing role nurses play in championing donation and supporting heroic donor families. Additionally, Nevada Donor Network Manager of Family Services, Madi Valtierra led two impactful sessions called ‘Get to Yes – Every Donor, Every Time’ and ‘Finding the Yes: How Structured Authorization Huddles Are Transforming Family Conversations and Saving More Lives.’ Madi’s presentations demonstrated how compassionate communication, team alignment and thoughtful structure can meaningfully increase opportunities for donation.
Lastly, in the leadership track, Nevada Donor Network Manager of Clinical Resources, Amy Sanchez, presented ‘No More ‘How’s It Going?’ – Making One on Ones Matter in OPO Leadership. Amy’s session provided leaders with practical approaches to strengthen accountability, connection and engagement within their teams. Additionally, Nevada Donor Network Procurement Transplant Coordinator II Rebecca Brahma, CPTC, offered a compelling presentation titled ‘Vital Signs, Vital Questions: The Moral Tension of Looking Alive’ examining the communication challenges, ethical complexities and perceptions that can arise during donor management and end of life care with focus on Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD). Finally, Nevada Donor Network Senior Clinical Educator of Organ and Surgical Services Angelica Elliott was unable to attend in person, but she contributed to a poster titled ‘Centralized Training: Building Strength Through Collaboration.’ Angelica’s submission highlighted how a centralized and unified training approach fosters enhanced consistency, improved communication and stronger teamwork across teams!
We are simply blown away by every team member who inspired, presented and/or supported these sessions. Their commitment, compassion and expertise continue to advance our mission and elevate Nevada Donor Network on a national level. They represent our organization with excellence, and the impact of their work resonates far beyond the room. We are beyond grateful to everyone for your hard work.
Would you like to join our team? Apply here!