Background: Kidney transplantation is often seen as the best form of treatment for patients with chronic renal failure. For patients without a living donor, the waiting time for a deceased donor kidney transplant can be several years. The supply of deceased donor kidneys does not meet the demand, so many patients face an unknown period of waiting.

Aim: The aim of this literature study was to explore the experiences of patients with chronic renal failure while awaiting kidney transplantation.

Method: A systematic literature search of Cinahl and PubMed databases sought peer-reviewed, qualitative journal articles from the last ten years. Reference lists were also searched. Studies were then assessed for quality and eleven international studies were selected.

Results: Two themes and six subthemes were identified. 1) Living without living: Trapped in dialysis, Day-to-day, Support and strength, and 2) Gambling with the future: The challenges of waiting, Turbulent emotions, Living in hope.

Conclusion: Patients with chronic renal failure requiring dialysis and awaiting a deceased donor kidney transplant face many constraints. Support from family, friends, other patients and the healthcare team is important. Uncertainty regarding the transplantation process, the waiting time and the possible outcome post transplant, results in patients feeling anxious and frustrated. Transplantation offers hope of restored normality, but the longer the wait, hopelessness grows. The emotional and educational needs of patients awaiting a kidney transplant could be better addressed by healthcare providers.