MENTAL HEALTH OF NURSING PROFESSIONALS WHO WORK TO COMBAT COVID- 19

Abstract

The Acute Respiratory Syndrome caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the etiologic agent of the Covid-19 disease, has been responsible for a scenario of great tension in the last 2 years.  Therefore, the psychological effects of the new coronavirus pandemic emerged, especially among nursing professionals, which are the focus of this research.  This study aims to analyze the main factors related to psychological exhaustion and the means to support these  professionals' mental health.  For this, an integrative review was carried out based on 13 articles found in the SciELO database and Google Scholar platforms, Ministry of Health and Federal Council of Nursing.  It was identified that the main side effects resulting from the pandemic are anxiety, stress, feeling of impotence and fear, which has a great influence on mental health, making psychological assistance that adapt to the pandemic environment extremely necessary.  In this sense, it is possible to see that Covid-19 compromises much more than the physical health of those who face it, it is also related to emotional issues.  Therefore, it is essential to promote access to psychological support networks, in addition to improvements in the work environment.