Background The care relationship is central for psychiatric nursing. People with a psychosis diagnosis encounter symptoms that result in difficulties for the interpersonal communication. Stigma and previous experiences of compulsory care are obstacles that hinder or complicate the patient's participation in their care. A person-centered caring relationship increases adherence and the patient's possibility to be a part of their recovery. Therefore it is important for the psychiatric nurse to gain a deeper understanding of what specific strategies and practices the nurse uses to enhance the potential of the care relationship and provide a person-centered care.

Aim The aim of the study is to describe the nurse´s experience of the care relationship with people who have a psychosis diagnosis.

Method The study was conducted at two outpatient facilitations in Sweden. Eight nurses were asked about their experiences of the care relationship during individual semi-structured interviews. The data was analyzed by using a qualitative content analysis.

Results The result was presented in three categories; Trust - essential for a supportive care relationship, Careful perception of the person's boundaries and conditions and Structural possibilities and limitations. The three categories consisted of six subcategories that emphasized the importance of the nurse creating trust and an equal meeting. The care relationship was related to getting to know the person’s history by using the nurse’s personal characteristics and how the nurse handled challenging conditions. Difficulties in creating such a relationship could be demands from the organization or the power dynamics within the health care facilitation.

Conclusion By creating trust and an equal meeting the nurse is able to get to know the person’s history and thereby provide a person-centered care for people with psychosis diagnosis.