The registered nurse worked in intensive care and emergency departments before taking up the role in late 2009.

In the course of her nursing career, she's learned how to talk to families "who are in the worst possible situation they could be in," she said.

But "I don't see it as difficult. I see it as giving them an opportunity to talk about their loved one and whether I can help them make a decision their loved one would have been happy with.

"It's not about whether it's yes or no; it's about being able to talk to them and help them through that end-of-life stage."

Organ donation is raised as an option after end-of-life care is decided, which is when the hospital and family have agreed that nothing more can be done, she said.

Once that agreement is reached, organ donation is offered where the donor is a suitable candidate. The donor nurses spend "as long as it takes with the family for them to come to a decision".

The donation process takes about two days, and the donor nurses remain available throughout that time and following the donation. Follow-ups include letting families know how the transplants progressed, and support materials. A psychologist is also available for as long as the family requires help, she said.

Organs are transplanted within hours of being donated, but tissue - including skin, bone and corneas - can be stored for up to five years.

Also:

'Do A Jamie': Talk about organ donation this week

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Previously:

Jamie's legacy lives on