Background: To illuminate parts that describe emergency departments, the triage's approach and how patient's experiences of long waiting times can contribute to patient's satisfaction. Importance of the environment and treatments from nurses can affect patient's experience of feeling dignity and safety.

Aim: The purpose of this literature study was to illustrate patients' experiences of the treatment in emergency departments when the waiting time was long.

Method: From patient's perspective was an integrated compilation of 12 qualitative studies made, where the results from the articles were analyzed and meaning units were brought out, and two themes with seven subthemes were found.

Results: Patients experienced frustration and anxiety when waiting. Patients endeavor and desire to feel safe, to be able to communicate in the care meeting with the nurse, receive information even if it's minimal, providing an understanding and manageability towards patients, which contributed to preserving patients' dignity while staying in the emergency department.

Conclusion: This literature study showed that communication and information were the most valuable factors to patients and their sense of dignity.