Health care has been identified as one of the most violent workplaces globally, and emergency departments is one of the most vulnerable areas for such violence. In this context, nurses have been identified as the largest risk group. The purpose of this study was to describe nurses' experiences of patient-related violence in emergency departments. A literature-based study with ten qualitative articles was conducted. The result revealed a number of experiences among nurses regarding patient-related violence. Feelings of frustration, vulnerability, a desire to reach out to the patient and a sense of lack of trust were themes that emerged. In connection with the emergency department where patients are treated for a variety of diseases and conditions, it is unlikely that patient-related violence can be completely eliminated. However, it is possible to improve the prevention and management regarding threats and violence in the workplace. Further research is required to identify risks and thereby be able to offer suggestions to the prevention regarding patient-related violence in the emergency departments.