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Goal: To provide an overview of the experiences and feelings of patients immediately following a first-time kidney transplant.

Objectives:

Explain the conflicting emotions patients may feel after receiving a first-time kidney transplant.
Discuss the "honeymoon phase" of a kidney transplant.
Describe the benefits and drawbacks of kidney transplantation as expressed by patients on dialysis waiting for a kidney donor.

Authors' Note: This article is a secondary publication of a German paper published with permission by Hans Huber (Bern, Swiss): Wiederhold, D., Langer, G., & Landenberger, M. (2009). "What can I still do, what may I still don" - Ambivalent lived experiences and instruction need of patients in the early period after renal transplantation. Pflege, 22(5), 329-339.

Statement of Disclosure: The authors reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education activity.

Margarete Landenberger

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