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NTI

A Quality Improvement Initiative:Leveraging Virtual ICU for Proactive Timely Organ Donation Referral

Facilitator(s): Maria Buquicchio, RN, PCCN,CCRN-K; Lori J Lean, MSN, RN, CPPS

Supported by: Tele-critical Care Nursing Learning Center

CERP C 0.50
San Diego Conference
Date Wednesday 5/20/2026
Time 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM PT
Booth 739

Session Summary

Northwell Health's high critical care acuity led to an 18% missed organ donation referral rate (2023). A Virtual ICU initiative empowered Virtual ICU RNs to proactively refer ventilated patients to LiveOnNY using clinical indicators. This collaboration cut the missed referral rate by 56% (from 18% to 8%). Referral rates rose from 82% to 92%, and donors from Virtual ICU hospitals increased 50% (28 to 42). Teamwork and technology thus optimized end-of-life care, boosting organ donation.

Objectives

  • Describe how leveraging Virtual ICU RNs and clinical indicators facilitates timely organ donation referrals.
  • Explain how interdisciplinary collaboration & technology reduces missed organ donation opportunities in critical care.
Topics TeleHealth, Quality Improvement
Population Adult

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Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation to be awarded contact hours AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, {{contactHoursCalc}} contact hours.

Disclosure

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity.

Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion. 

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.