Transplantation is the last way out in case with organ failure where all treatment is insufficient. The lack of organ is a problem and the long waiting period causes suffering for those patients who need a new organ. Today over 800 people waiting for at least one organ in Sweden and on average, one person dies from the waiting list each week. The aim of this study was to describe patients' experiences of waiting for an organ transplant. A method to contribute to evidence-based nursing based on analysis of qualitative research was performed. Twelve scientific articles from the databases Cinahl and Pubmed were analyzed.

The study resulted in three categories; life stuck in standby, the importance of support and information and obstacles in everyday life. As a conclusion, patients feel anxiety, stress and concern under the time of waiting. They have difficult emotional dilemmas, thoughts of life and death. Many finds hope through being on the waiting list and some finds hope through God. The biggest support and encouragement come from family and health professionals and is an important part of waiting under the waiting period. Some felt that they had no support from health professionals. This shows the importance of nurses working with person-centred care and being supporting. Nurses need to understand how patients feel under the waiting period in order to improve the patients care.