Fragilities and experiences of nurses in the approach to the family of the organ and tissue donor

Abstract

Objective: To unveil the weaknesses and the experience of nurses in approaching the organ and tissue donor family. Method: Qualitative research with content analysis by Bardin, carried out with seven nurses in a medium-sized hospital in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil. Results: The data obtained were grouped into three central categories: Nurses' knowledge in the context of the family approach to the potential organ and tissue donor; Weaknesses experienced by nurses in the context of communicating bad news to family members of the potential organ and tissue donor and Nurses' experiences in the face of brain death diagnosis and the determining factors for obtaining organs and tissues. Conclusion: The nurses' experiences in face of the weaknesses found and experienced in the family approach of potential organ donors, are characterized by conflicts and situations that expose the professional to an atmosphere of feelings of welcome and empathy.