[The dying patient--a challenge to health care personnel]

What are doctors and nurses experiences in their work with dying patients? Interviews with six nurses and four doctors from Norway, Sweden and Denmark were analysed using Grounded Theory as the qualitative method. A model is presented consisting of basic trust divided into two main categories--internal and external trust. Internal trust is characterised by confidence, competence and personal growth. External trust is based on communication, time for care, continuity in care and rituals. The two categories are dependent on each other, meaning that a good caring organisation can make it possible for even an insecure person to do their job. To work with dying patients gives an opportunity of personal growth.