OBJECTIVE Organ transplantation is considered a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage pathologies. The knowledge and the attitude of nurses can positively influence the willingness of family members and patients to give consent to organ and conse- quently organ donation rates. To understand the critical capacity of nursing students to self- evaluate themselves on information on brain death, donation and transplantation, investi- gating scientific knowledge, predisposition and attitude related to these topics through a survey. METHODS This work is a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among conveniently selected undergraduate nursing students (n = 578) of three Universities respectively in northern, center and southern of Italy using a questionnaire formulated on the basis of the FAQs prepared by the National Transplant Center (CNT). RESULTS Most of students show an adequate level of knowledge and attitudes favorable to organ and tissue donation even if very few students have signed the donor card. Students' knowledge and perceptions are still lacking in specific areas such as legislations (only 6%). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest the need for revising the nursing curricula to improve the future nurses' skills, increase the modality to sign the donor card and favor the rate of organ donation.