Background: Psychiatric care has through the history been facing a negative reputation as well as the view of mental health. Personnel working in psychiatric care are also often negatively described and are far from flattering. Psychiatric nursing is not considered to be an attractive choice for nurses or nursing students, as previous research shows. Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe nursing staff i.e. nurses and assistant nurses experiences of working in psychiatric care. Method: The study was based on individual semi-structured interviews with 14 nursing staff in psychiatric inpatient care. Qualitative content analysis was conducted as analytical method. Results: The result showed that the nursing staff looked at their work as a unique workplace. Teamwork was emphasized as valuable and important factor for them staying. Furthermore, work was described as an ongoing learning. The result also showed that they faced multifaceted challenges to handle in their work. Where prejudices and ideas from the surrounding caused reactions. Difficulties in the work were described, such as consequences of time and resource shortages. Also difficulties with collaboration with care neighbors and municipalities that created frustration. Conclusion: It was clear that the gap between psychiatric care and society is felt to be too big. Increased cooperation between different actors is required to provide good care on equal terms. Another important conclusion is the need for more psychiatric content in nursing education. Due to that mental illness occurs everywhere in health care, but also in order to promote the recruitment of nurses to psychiatric care.