摘要
objective: to assess the current level of nurses%26apos; knowledge and scientific publication regarding transfusion therapy. methods: an integrative review of literature for the years 2005 - 2009 was conducted using lilacs, scielo and medline databases. the study sample included nine studies that addressed nursing activities with blood donors and recipients. results: the results show that nurses play a key role in transfusion safety, and that they require education to safely undertake this responsibility. conclusion: there was a small volume of scientific output, which can be justified because this is a relatively new specialty within brazilian nursing