The mental health of nursing professionals in the intensive care unit after the covid-19 pandemic in Valença City (RJ)

Abstract

Introduction: In December 2019, humanity faced the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. This severe, transmissible, and aggressive disease leads to various complications, causing the majority of those infected to require intensive care to restore their health. In this context, the role of ICU nursing professionals is of great importance. Objective: analyze the mental health profile of ICU nursing professionals after the pandemic period to gather information about their emotional state. This analysis aims to identify areas needing attention to ensure the efficiency and continuity of these professional’s performance. Materials and Methods: This is an exploratory quantitative-qualitative study that used data collection through the application of a questionnaire to the nursing professionals who worked in the Intensive Care Unit at the Valença Teaching Hospital. Results and Discussion: 87.5% of the professionals reported feeling afraid while working with COVID-19 positive patients. Additionally, about 41.67% reported feeling anguish due to the increase in the number of deaths, reflecting anxiety about the risk of contracting the virus and the significant emotional impact of the pandemic on these professionals' psychological well-being. Conclusion: The present study confirms that the emotional health of these professionals has deteriorated. Thus, adopting a more humanized psychological approach is necessary to establish more effective strategies for coping with future health crises.