Background: The aging population are increasing around the world, and along comes an increasing need of care. To be able to take proper and good care of a person and it's next of kins in end of life, requires great responsibility, knowledge and experience of the nurse. Increasing demands and participation from patients and next of kins, communication among healthcare providers, are also matters to consider. The stress and ethical dilemmas the nurse can find him/herself in this context is a big challenge to tackle, so that the patient's last time in life can be as good as possible.

Aim: The aim of this study was to illuminate nurses' experiences of ethical dilemmas in palliative care.

Method: A method to contribute to evidence-based nursing with ground in analysis of qualitative research was performed to get a better understanding of nurses' experiences.

Results: The results of the analysis are presented in three main categories: In a powerless position, Attempts to protect the patient's self-determination and The patient is affected by negative consequences.

Conclusion: To manage the ethical dilemmas that occur in the best possible way, the nurses experience, knowledge and education matters. If those key elements are passed on and educated to new nurses the tools for managing and coping theses situations increases. In the end it makes difference for the patient and it's next of kins that are in need of care and comfort.