Implications of transplantation surgery for theatre nurses: 2

In the first part of this article (Vol 5(7): 400-3), potential difficulties for theatre staff in relation to organ retrieval for transplantation were explored. This second part examines how the death of patients can be a major cause of stress for nurses. It focuses on work which suggests that lack of peer support among nurses and the perception that nurses should always appear to be 'coping' are common features which can prevent nurses from asking for, and receiving, support. Possible mechanisms are explored for ameliorating some of the stress that staff experience in association with this work. These include the role of managers and transplant coordinators in supporting nurses involved in transplantation work, reiterating (to staff) the benefits of transplantation surgery for recipients, and the possibility of debriefing staff after surgery. It recommends that more thought should be put into preparing and supporting theatre staff involved in transplant work.