Background: Children in a palliative stage must be cared for based on their individual needs. The nurse must have the ability to prevent suffering, treat the guardians and child with respect, compassion and be able to meet their needs. For the nurse to be able to give the best care, the four cornerstones in palliative care are a fitting guide. These being communication, supporting relatives, relieving symptoms and being able to work in teams.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe nurses' experiences of caring for children in a palliative stage.

Method: This study was literature based on an inductive approach. Ten studies were analyzed using Friberg´s five steps.

Results: After the analysis two new categories and six subcategories emerged. The main themes were the caring relationship between the child and the guardians and professional challenges in palliative care of children. The nurses perceived the importance of being able to communicate with the guardians and child, as well as being able to cope with their own emotions. Several nurses expressed lack of education.

Conclusion: The nurses experience shows that they have a tough job with different challenges and tasks. The work is giving but straining and changes need to be made to make it sustainable for the nurses. Better conditions are needed, for example increased education in communication. With the right support, education and coping strategies the ability to provide the right care for the child and guardians is possible