Background: Mental illness is increasing globally, and suicide may feel like the only option for those affected. Stigma often prevents open discussion about mental health and suicidal thoughts. Nurses have an important role providing empathetic support while maintaining their own well-being.

Aim: This study aimed to describe the nurses’ experiences of meeting patients with suicidal behavior.

Method: A literature-based study was conducted, and eleven qualitative articles were analyzed according to Friberg’s five-step model.

Results: The results were generated in three main themes. The first theme, to be emotionally exposed, describes how meetings with patients with suicidal behavior affected nurses emotionally and psychologically, which caused feelings of anxiety, anger, worry, frustration and powerlessness. The second theme, challenges in patient-centered care, describes nurses’ lack of knowledge with meeting patients with suicidal behavior and conversation methodology. The third theme, to take responsibility for the caring relationship, describes how the nurses considered it important to be present during meetings with patients with suicidal behavior and to communicate clearly to build a caring relationship.

Conclusion: Nurses are emotionally affected when caring for patients with suicidal behavior, which negatively impacts their well-being and the quality of patient-centered care. Limited suicide knowledge, organizational barriers and challenges in communication are barriers in their efforts to provide care. Improved support from chiefs, including better work environments, guidance and training in suicide prevention are essential for nurses when caring for patients with suicidal behavior.