Background: Globally around 703 000 individuals die due to suicide every year and in Sweden the estimated number is 1500 individuals. Stigma in the society towards suicide and mental illness can lead to discrimination in healthcare. Previous research has shown that nurses play an important role in suicide prevention and care, yet little is known about nurses experiences of caring for suicidal patients.

Aim: The aim of this literature study was to highlight nurse’s experiences of caring for suicidal patients.

Method: A literature study based on eight qualitative scientific articles was performed. The analysis process was conducted by a five-step model and resulted in two main categories and five subcategories.

Results: The two main categories were: Emotions in caring and deficiency in the care units. Nurses experienced various emotions when caring for suicidal patients. The nurses were emotionally affected and had various attitudes regarding suicide. They experienced a lack of education and did not feel supported by the hospital management. The patient safety was also inadequate.

Conclusion: Nurses need to be self-aware of how caring for suicidal patients affects them emotionally both professionally and personally to be able to provide the best possible care. The hospital environment was unsafe for suicidal patients which could lead to nurses being held responsible and penalized.