Background Intimate partner violence is a major global public health issue. One third of all women are exposed to violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime. These women will probably sometime come in contact with the healthcare, nurses then have an important role in identifying and caring for these women. Nurses report that they often encounter problems when meeting with battered women. It is therefore important to highlight the nurse’s experience of caring for women exposed to intimate partner violence. Aim The aim of this study was to illustrate nurses experiences of meeting women who have been exposed to intimate partner violence. Method A literature review made by analysis of nine qualitative and quantitative articles was carried out. Results Nurses reacted emotionally when they met women exposed to intimate partner violence and experienced a lack of knowledge in how to deal with the situation. This study resulted in six themes: to have prejudices, to identify violence as a cause, to ask the question, to proceed with the answer, to become emotionally engaged and to handle the emotions. Conclusion Nurses are in need of education, formal guidelines and support from colleagues and organization in order to feel confident meeting women exposed to intimate partner violence.