Abstract: Objective: To explore the pressure source, the inner experience process and coping styles of the nurses experienced medical disputes involving dead patients through phenomenological research. Methods: Objective sampling method was performed. Eight nurses were selected for semi-structured interview. The data were analyzed by Giorgi analysis method of phenomenological study. Results: Four themes were extracted. Theme 1: the main source of pressure for nurses involved in medical disputes of patients with death. The sub-themes included family incomprehension, hospital blame and colleagues' disrespect. Theme 2: the forms of stress of nurses involved in the dispute of patients with death. The sub-themes are misfortune and grievance, fear and confusion, and different views on nursing careers. Theme 3: dealing with the pressure of nurses in the dispute of patients with death. Theme 4: nurses' suggestions to hospitals and managers. Nurses should not be allowed to directly face patients' family members. The hospitals should provide the nurses with psychological support, and time for emotional adjustment. Conclusion: The administration department of the hospital and the nursing managers should provide psychological and emotional supports to the nurses involving in medical disputes. Nursing staff should adjust themselves and increase professional identity as well.

Key words: dead patients; medical disputes; stress of nurses; psychological experiences