ABSTRACT
Background: Every year, 30,000 people in Sweden suffer from stroke. The disease leads to disability and patients with stroke are in need of recovery process. Previous research highlighted patients 'and relatives' experiences after stroke. The accumulated knowledge clarifies which nursing measures nurses use to support patients' recovery process. Purpose: to describe the nurse's experience in supporting the patient's recovery after a stroke. Method: Systematic literature study with descriptive synthesis. Results: It emerged that seeing the patient as unique was significant, and to have a functioning recovery process, patients must be given sufficient time and be well informed. Showing honesty also resulted in nurses being able to build trust with patients and relatives. The nurses' support in the form of guidance and individually adapted information as well as physical, emotional, social support was important for patients. A positive communication between patients and nurses contributed to a good care relationship that resulted in success in the recovery process, thus relatives were a resource for patients' recovery process. Conclusion: Patients suffering from stroke may suffer and experience pain after the life change. Patients can also experience well-being in their health, this by having a well-functioning recovery process. Nurses with their unique role and professional knowledge can support the recovery process.