IMPACTS ON NURSES' MENTAL HEALTH AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Introduction: In December 2019, the WHO identified SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, which spread rapidly worldwide, becoming a pandemic. The disease presents with respiratory and digestive symptoms that can range from mild to severe, with up to 5% of cases resulting in death. In Brazil, the strain on healthcare systems was exacerbated by resource scarcity and insufficient infrastructure. Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, faced significant challenges, such as a lack of PPE and inadequate working conditions, as well as heightened stress and anxiety due to the risk of contamination and the emotional pressure of the workplace. Objective: To identify the main impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses' mental health. Methodology: This study adopted an integrative literature review as its methodology, guided by the following guiding question: "What were the main impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses' mental health, and how did this affect their professional practice?" The data search was conducted between August and October 2025 in two main sources: the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and the United States National Library of Medicine (PUBMED), using the following databases: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE). Based on the guiding question, descriptors registered in the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) portal were used, combined with the Boolean operator "AND": Mental Health; COVID-19; Nursing. The inclusion criteria included articles published between 2020 and 2025, in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, available in full, and addressing the proposed topic. Studies that did not address the topic or that did not fit within the established time frame, as well as theses and monographs, were excluded. The results were organized into a table containing the publication data, which were subsequently discussed in light of the relevant literature. Results and discussion: Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, experienced increased anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional exhaustion. Associated factors include excessive workload, risk of contagion, constant use of PPE, institutional changes, and lack of psychological support. The pandemic had a profound impact on the mental health of nursing staff, highlighting coronavirus phobia, psychological vulnerability, emotional exhaustion, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Coping strategies involved peer support, self-care, and the need for institutional interventions. CONCLUSION: Nurses faced multidimensional challenges, requiring ongoing psycho-emotional support policies, professional development, and transformation of working conditions to ensure well-being, safety, and maintenance of quality care.