Introduction: Nurses are of decisive importance in the detection of suicidal behaviours, as well as in their prevention.The Objectives of this study were to: a) Analyse the conceptions and knowledge of Nurses from Diamantine, Brazil, about suicidal behaviours and their prevention.b) Verify if, and how, individuals with suicidal behaviours are being taken care of by these same nurses.Methods: An analysis of in-depth interviews with 11 nurses was undertaken.All nurses worked in Diamantine, Brazil, but in different capacities: Primary Health Care, Emergency Room Care and Intensive Care.The project was evaluated and approved by the University Research Ethics Committee.Results and discussion: The first noticeable result was the difficulty of some nurses in dealing with the subject.Some of the interviewees considered suicides and suicide attempts thoughtless acts, while others defined them as well-planned acts.Such behaviours were considered a way to escape from ones problems, a lack of self-control, and an absence of perspective or related to the individuals inability to find a solution to his or her problems ("the only solution is death").Other aspects that were cited included suicide attempts "to call attention" and as a "cry for "help" (both, in fact, refer basically to the same situation).Other causes of suicidal behaviour mentioned were: family problems, especially "family pressure", financial difficulties, and mental disorders such as depression, alcoholism and psychosis.It was noted that not only emotional, but also biological factors can be involved.One interviewee stated that it is "impossible to know what goes on in the head of a suicidal individual".With regard to the periods of life when suicide can happen, the interview subjects showed unfamiliarity with the fact that elderly people are a high-risk group ("suicidal individuals do not become old").However, they correctly cited adolescents as a group at risk.Only one nurse said she had never taken care of individuals with suicidal behaviours.Another said she got scared the first time, but later saw "that this is common".Some cases ended in death.All of the interviewees stated that they believe prevention is possible, although one stressed that prevention is not possible in every case.While some emphasized the importance of psychological support, of improving patients self-esteem, and even of precocious prevention ("children who grow up in a healthy environment know how to deal with problems"), most of the nurses stated that heavy workloads prevent health professionals from acting preventatively.Furthermore, they said they preferred not to become involved in the psychological aspects of the patients.Conclusion: To make it possible for nurses to work more effectively in suicide prevention, they need to undergo an educational intervention in this subject, as their knowledge is incomplete and, in some aspects, incorrect.Also, ways to reduce their work overload must be discussed.