The aim of this study was to critically reflect on the experiences of duty nurses. The objectives were: to learn how duty nurses described and interpreted their knowledge and experiences about this reality; and to reflect about possible ways to overcome the identified problems. This is a qualitative study using the focal-group technique. The group consisted of thirteen duty nurses. The methodological framework was that of the Collective Subject's Discourse. Important difficulties were identified for both collective and solitary work: incomprehension among staff members; between nursing staff and other professionals working in the hospital; lack or inadequacy of materials for care provision; and perceived absence of support, among others. The relevance of creating opportunities for communication and reflection with the purpose of strengthening collective professional practice and reducing duty nurses' afflictions in the workplace was observed.