The role of nurses in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation units

Introduction: nurses working at the hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (HSCT) unit execute very specialized activities since transplantation is more than just being complex but involves a set of procedural techniques. Objective: describe activities completed by nurses working at HSCT units and classify them according to the frame of reference of a Brazilian HSTC unit. Method: A qualitative descriptive research was carried out in May 2011 with 12 nurses using systematic observation techniques of their daily activities for a total of 77 hours. Results: staff nurses principally carry out care-giving activities and education whereas those related to cooperation, coordination and supervision are mainly executed by the nurse manager and visiting nurses. Conclusion: nurses carry out all functions. They take charge of all transplant patients treatments and services. In some way, nurses exceed the scope of the profession.