Background The nurses are at the forefront of patient care during an infectious disease pandemic, and play a key role in treating and preventing the upward trend. Hence, it is crucial to consider their experiences in designing action plans to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since there is not enough data in this regard, the current study aimed to investigate the nurses' experiences in caring for patients with COVID-19 in Iran. Methods Taking a conventional content analysis approach,

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... this qualitative research included 20 nurses working in the public hospitals affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. To collect data, semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using MAXQDA10 software. Results Data analysis revealed four main themes including 'duality in the form of care', 'bewilderment and ambiguity in care planning', 'workload', and 'positive image with social isolation'. Conclusion Findings indicated that the nurses provide nursing care in stressful conditions while confronting various paradoxes. The results could lead to a clear understanding among the country's healthcare managers and policymakers to take appropriate measures to support the nurses and improve nursing care quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.