Many patient satisfaction instruments are not based on patient perceptions, theoretically limiting their validity. This qualitative study identified good nursing care from the patient's perspective, using a convenience sample of 199 hospitalized adult patients in a public hospital in South Central United States. Content analysis yielded five themes: providing for my needs, treating me pleasantly, caring about me, being competent, and providing prompt care. Similarities and differences were found between these themes and themes identified in other qualitative studies, as well as instruments, for which item generation was based upon qualitative patient data. Implications for providers, administrators, and researchers are discussed.