Background: Nursing is a demanding occupation, both physically and mentally, where working conditions are an increasing problem affecting nursing care. Previous research established that organizational factors such as lack of personnel, resources and lack of support from leadership and colleagues increase the possibility of work-related stress and worsened working conditions. There is a risk that poor working conditions affect nursing care in a negative way.

Aim: To shed light on how the nurse's working conditions can affect the care of the patient. Method: Qualitative literature review based on eight articles found through systematic and nonsystematic searches in Cinahl. Articles were reviewed critically and analysed according to Friberg’s five step method.

Results: Three themes and seven subthemes were identified after analyzing the articles. The first theme identifies the cause and effect of stressful working conditions. The second theme discusses the organizational factors that play a role in nurses’working conditions and work-related stress and the third theme considers the role of colleagues and coping strategies in managing stress to improve working conditions. Conclusion: There is a clear connection between poor working conditions and nurse's perception of their ability to provide quality care.