The present study assumes that death is a significant phenomenon for those who stay, especially the nursing professional who has devoted itself to provide assistance and care for the individual who has died. It is unavoidable for the nurse- whilst a human being – not to create bonds with patients, especially if it has the duty to provide assistance and care, the care for others requires empathy. The study intended to verify what reaction the nurses would display facing the process of death and death itself of their own patients, to understand the meaning of death for the nurses and describe the feelings provoked by the phenomenon of death. In relation to the methodological aspects, it is a qualitative, of exploratory characteristics and multiple case study. Seventeen nurses have participated in the study with a six-month minimum of intensive care and emergency units experience. For data collecting it has been used a semi-structured interview and an anxiety evaluation instrument. All ethical procedures were adopted. The study has demonstrated the use of denial and rationalization as psychological defenses. It was evident the anguish in the communication of the patient’s death and the necessity of psychological services support. It was suggested improvements in the nursing schools and the creation of therapeutic environments.