Background Experiencing hurtful situations can cause various emotions, such as sadness, offence and anger. When such feelings are unresolved this may cause depression, anxiety, spiritual distress and physical health issues, while also adversely affecting the work environment.

Aim To explore nurses’ experiences and perceptions of hurtful situations and how forgiveness may be beneficial in reducing the negative emotions and effects that can result from such situations.

Method This was a qualitative study that used volunteer sampling from 12,000 nurses in the state of Virginia, US. A total of 97 nurses completed a questionnaire that asked about a hurtful situation they had experienced in their personal or professional life. Data were analysed and themes were identified.

Findings The three major themes identified from the data analysis were: interpersonal conflicts and communication breakdown; workplace stress; and personal mental health challenges.

Conclusion Hurtful situations had significant effects on nurses’ personal and professional lives. Training for nurses on the concepts of forgiveness and how to apply these may improve their mental health and the work environment.