Performance of the intensivist nurse in the context of brain death

Abstract

Objective: To understand the perception of intensive care nurses about their performance during health care, with the patient in the process of brain death and as a potential organ donor. Methods: The research was descriptive, with a qualitative approach, developed with 13 intensive care nurses, captured by the “snowball” strategy. It comprised the months of December 2019 to March 2020. The instrument used for data collection was done through semi-structured questionnaires for interviews, with the testimonies recorded and later transcribed in full. Results: It was found that the nurse is aware of the care and assistance that must be performed to maintain the stability of the potential organ donor. However, it did not bring information about the other duties of this professional. Conclusion: The importance of nurses in the whole process is noted, therefore, training must be carried out for an integral and assertive performance throughout the brain death process.