The near-death experience (NDE) is a subjective phenomenon reportedly experienced by many who survive clinical death. A growing body of scientific investigations documents this phenomenon. Nursing NDE literature is sparse indicating that the profession may not be knowledgeable of and therefore not addressing an event that many patients may be encountering. The purpose of this project was to expand nursing knowledge of the NDE literature, and to provide an evaluation of the scientific adequacy of research investigations. A further focus was identification of studies dealing with impact of the NDE on survivors.