Background: Intimate partner violence is a global public health issue with severe consequences for women's physical and mental health. Many affected women seek healthcare services, where nurses play a crucial role in identifying victims, building trust, and providing support. Lack of resources and other challenges can hinder the ability to deliver adequate care and prevent violence.

Aim: The aim was to describe nurses' experiences in encountering women exposed to intimate partner violence.

Method: A general literature review of qualitative research with an inductive approach. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method.

Results: Two main themes were identified: Nurses’ emotional encounters with women exposed to violence and Insufficient support for women experiencing violence, with subtheme 1; Preconceptions and Personal commitment, subtheme 2; The impact of one’s own emotions, subtheme 3; The Insecurity to lack in knowledge, subtheme 4; Organizational challenges.

Conclusion: Clearer guidelines, increased resources, enhanced knowledge, and access to emotional support can strengthen nurses' confidence and ability to provide adequate care. Further research is needed to develop strategies that facilitate nurses' work with women affected by intimate partner violence and improve healthcare conditions.