Hands that think and communicate: Paola Salmè, nurse and advocate for transplants

From nurse to patient and back again. This is the story of Paola Salmè, a journey that embodies resilience and the value of organ donation. After more than twenty years working in the Emergency Room, Critical Care, and Operating Room, she found herself on the other side of the hospital bed: a debilitating congenital condition put both her body and her vocation to the test. In January 2023, she underwent a liver transplant—an act that gave her life back and one she now shares with the determination of someone who knows just how much of a difference it can make.

Currently, she works in the critical care unit at the Mauriziano Hospital in Turin, specialising as a Critical Care Nurse, Anesthesia Nurse, Non-Invasive Ventilation Instructor (Faculty NIV for SIMEU nurses), and AHA BLSD Instructor. Her journey, shaped by both professional expertise and personal struggle, offers a unique perspective on the dual role of healthcare provider and patient.

Hands that think about the future

Salmè is a board member of the Italian Liver Transplant Association (AITF), actively contributing to an awareness campaign in collaboration with the National Transplant Center. After her recovery, upon returning to the Mauriziano Hospital, she was appointed a member of the hospital’s Procurement Network, playing a key role in activities related to organ donation and transplantation.

Her dedication to raising awareness and promoting organ donation earned her the 2025 “Mani che Pensano” award, a recognition given to nurses who stand out at the national level for their professional and social contributions.

Organized by the Young Consultation Board of OPI Turin in collaboration with the OPI board of directors, the initiative celebrates the professionalism, dedication, and humanity of nurses. The selected professionals, recognized nationwide, are not only nurses but also scientific communicators, content creators, and university lecturers, each with their own unique contributions, nominated by their colleagues for their ability to highlight different aspects of the profession.

Salmè: nurse and patient

The discovery of her illness happened within her family when her father, who suffered from the same condition, began showing severe symptoms. After his diagnosis, Salmè and her sister underwent tests, confirming that they, too, had the disease. Despite the increasing physical signs of her condition, Salmè continued her nursing career, striving to manage her illness until it became impossible to ignore.

«When my abdomen started to swell, I tried to hide it with my clothes, but over time, it became clear that I had to face the situation», she recalls. After years in the ER, the intense pace of her profession took a growing toll, leading her to consider a transplant.

After a period of monitoring and waiting, a sudden complication accelerated the process. «When a cyst ruptured, my condition changed drastically, and the doctors decided to place me on the transplant list», Salmè explains. The transition from nurse to patient was not easy: «Accepting that I was a patient was difficult, especially knowing firsthand what it means to undergo such a complex surgery. Having worked in emergency care for years, I had seen many difficult cases, and the fear of a negative outcome was constant».

The transplant was successful, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Salmè decided to turn her experience into an opportunity to raise awareness about organ donation, actively participating in conferences, events, and educational projects. «In hospitals and schools, I try to convey how important it is to donate. People often avoid the topic out of fear or lack of information, but it deserves more attention».

From hospital wards to public talks

One particularly high-profile moment was when her friend, comedian Luciana Littizzetto, shared her story on the television show Che Tempo Che Fa, sparking widespread public response.

«There are still many misconceptions and taboos about organ donation – Salmè emphasizes -. Many fear that organs will be removed before death is certain or that there is illegal trafficking involved. The truth is that the process is highly regulated and controlled».

Her experience is a powerful example of how surgery and medicine can redefine a patient’s future, highlighting the need for open dialogue between healthcare professionals and the public. Her journey underscores the importance of awareness, education, and advocacy in building a more informed and responsible healthcare culture.Today, Salmè continues to promote organ donation through talks and personal testimonies, dedicating herself to public awareness. «Being a transplant recipient means getting a second chance, but behind every transplant is an act of immense generosity. My goal is to help people understand how crucial it is to make a conscious decision about donation during their lifetime, so that their loved ones don’t have to bear the weight of this choice in a moment of grief».