Aim

Brain stem death represents a key criterion for determining death, allowing the patient to be kept alive by means of organ function support therapy for transplantation purposes. The care of a potential donor, provided by nursing staff – encompassing among others securing vital organ functions, monitoring clinical – requires continuous professional skills and knowledge development to ensure the highest quality of care and the effectiveness of donation procedures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess of the specific nature of nursing care provided to patients with confirmed brain stem death – eligible as organ donors.

Material and methods

The specialized diagnostic questionnaire of own design was developed as the leading research tool. The subject of the study was nursing staff performing professional activities within the Clinical Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Management at the Mazovian Specialist Hospital.

Results

The specialist staff included in the research protocol had, for the most part, advanced (76%) professional knowledge in the field of nursing care offered to patients with confirmed brain stem death (organ donors). The length of service and the practical experience gained determined the scope of knowledge represented by the specialist staff included in the research protocol.

Conclusions

Obtaining a master's degree and, respectively, a specialist title, supported by performing professional activities in the intensive care unit, determined - in a highly beneficial way - the scope of practical skills necessary for the provision of nursing care to patients with confirmed brain stem death (organ donors).