The Blood Matters Blog ·

    I'm a Nurse — Here's Why I Donate at OBI

    After 12 years, a nurse returns to donate platelets — and rediscovers his purpose. Read his heartfelt story and learn how you can help save lives with Our Blood Institute.

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    Jason Guenther is a Registered Nurse in the Central Arkansas area currently working as a Senior Billing Compliance Specialist for Transplant services. He has over 12 years of experience in a variety of hospital and clinical settings. Jason holds a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This is why he donates.

    Twelve years is a long time to go without donating blood. As a Registered Nurse, I understand the importance of blood donation — how it saves lives, supports patients in crisis, and strengthens our communities. But like many people, life just kept getting in the way.

    Recently, I decided it was time to change that. I scheduled an appointment at one of Our Blood Institute's donation centers to give platelets, and I'm so glad I did.

    From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed. The staff greeted me with warm smiles and helped me get settled. Their professionalism was clear, but what stood out even more was their genuine kindness. They weren't just doing a job — they truly cared, and they spoke highly of the work they do. As someone who also works in healthcare, I notice those little things.

    They asked thoughtful questions, explained the process clearly, and made time to answer mine. That personal attention made a big difference.

    What to Expect When You Donate at OBI

    • Medical Screening

      Before you can donate, we'll ask some questions to make sure you can do so safely. These questions – which can be answered in advance on the same day of your donation through Donor EXPRESS – will examine your health history, behaviors and recent travel, which could affect the safety of your blood. We'll also check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin level before clearing you to donate.

    • Donation

      Once we know that it's safe for you to give, it's time for the donation itself. We will need access to your inner elbow area, which we will clean before using a small needle to begin the donation.

      The actual blood donation takes about 15-20 minutes.

    • Canteen

      After you donate, we will ask you to spend 10-15 minutes in the canteen area, enjoying free snacks and drinks. Enjoy it!

      This time will ensure you're feeling well after your donation. In total, the full experience will take about an hour, from start to finish.

    A Poster That Changed My Perspective

    As I surveyed the room from my donor chair, I was struck by how thoughtfully the center had designed the space to educate and empower donors. Posters, brochures and TV monitor messages quietly emphasized something I already knew from my work in healthcare — that there's more than one way to make a difference.

    Platelet donations, like the one I was giving, support cancer patients whose treatments lower their blood counts. Plasma is used to help trauma patients, burn victims and people with clotting disorders. And Power Red donations, which focus on red blood cells, can be lifesaving for surgery patients or individuals with chronic anemia.

    I also noticed a poster on the wall that mentioned an aspect of blood donation I wasn't aware of: if you know a patient in need, you can direct your platelet donation to them. That detail struck me. It added a powerful layer of connection to the process.

    Even for those of us with a medical background, seeing those messages in a donor setting reinforces the impact behind each type of donation. It's a reminder that every form of giving plays a vital role — and that donors have options to match the way they want to help with the kind of support patients need most.

    RELATED: See Which Type of Donation Is Best for Your Blood Type

    My Platelet Donation Experience

    Platelet donation takes longer than donating whole blood — the whole process took me about two and a half hours total — but the time flew by.

    The technician who inserted my IV was fantastic. She gave a clear warning before the stick, explained each step and made sure I wasn't left feeling anxious. Once I was connected to the machine, they offered a blanket and let me pick a movie. Before I knew it, I was halfway through a film and completely relaxed.

    The entire process felt less like a medical procedure and more like a moment to pause and do something meaningful.

    After the donation, I felt a little lightheaded. I let the staff know, and they immediately responded with care and attentiveness. They had me sit back down, monitored me closely and never once rushed me. It reminded me why I became a nurse — to be a steady, reassuring presence when someone feels vulnerable. Being on the receiving end of that care was humbling.

    Once I was feeling better, they took a photo to commemorate my first platelet donation. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot. I felt proud! Proud to have taken action, proud to have helped someone else.

    They then directed me to the snack station and walked me through post-donation instructions — everything from hydration to avoiding strenuous activity.

    Why I'll Keep Donating

    For me, this wasn't just about restarting something I hadn't done in a while. It was about reconnecting with the reasons I went into healthcare in the first place.

    This experience reminded me that there are many ways to help: by donating, being present, and encouraging others to do the same.

    If you’ve been thinking about giving blood or supporting those who do, I hope you'll take the first step. Every effort matters.

    Schedule Your Donation

    Not able to donate right now? You can still get involved. Our Blood Institute's volunteer page offers opportunities to make a difference beyond the donor chair.