Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) are treatments used with increasing frequency for a growing number of cancers. As technology develops, so, too, does the complexity of nursing care. In addition, as the number of patients who receive BMT or PBSCT increases, more and more nurses will be involved in their care. Knowledge of what problems to anticipate, comprehensive assessment, clear patient and family education, and strong emotional support provide the key to successful patient management.