Since the first successful organ transplant in 1954 performed by the surgeon Joseph Murray this procedure has become the most effective treatment of organ failure. Although the majority has a positive attitude towards organ transplantation, the supply does not meet demand. As a result of this the patients sometimes must wait years for a new organ and some of them dies while waiting.

The aim of this study was to describe patients experiences of waiting for an organ transplant and the method used was a literature study.

Result shows that these patients went through physical, psychological and financial changes during the waiting time. Patients described mixed emotions and different ways of perceiving hope. They long for a "normal" life and the waiting gets harder over time. It's essential for the patients that both they and their next of kin gets repeated and continuously information during the waiting time.