Background: In order for relatives of patients who are cared for at the end of life to experience good treatment from nurses, good communication, presence and responsiveness to their needs are needed, among other things. If this is lacking, obstacles are created in the treatment, which means that the relatives can feel increased anxiety, alienation, and mistrust of the nurses. Purpose: The purpose was to describe nurses' experience of dealing with relatives of patients at the end of life. Method: A literature study with descriptive synthesis based on eleven qualitative articles. Results: Nurses describe that treating relative well includes having competence, having a clear and open approach and being able to create a trusting relationship. Obstacles to good treatment are described as having a lack of knowledge and communication. Conclusion: Nurses already need to develop knowledge and competence in end-of-life care during their basic education so that they can provide good treatment to relatives. Healthcare needs more resources to meet the support needs of relatives.
Keywords: Competence, Literature study, Meeting, Nurses, Qualitative, Relatives.