Aim of this interpretative hermeneutic study is to develop a well-founded vocabulary with which the meaning and value of the phenomenon of presence can be effectively communicated. The research questions are: 1. What is presence in the relationship between the very vulnerable chronically ill patient and nurse? 2. When is in the day-to-day direct care by nurses their presence experienced by the very vulnerable chronically ill patient? 3. Which meaning does presence have for the very vulnerable chronically ill patient in day-to-day care by nurses?