Perceptions and feelings of nursing professionals in a hospital in Northern Brazil in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on nursing care processes in hospitals, due to the high transmissibility of the virus and the congestion of health care networks. This study sought to assess the perception and feelings of the nursing team in relation to coping with the covid-19 pandemic in a rear hospital in Boa Vista, Roraima, between March 2020 and March 2021. a sample of employees who worked in the care ward for patients with covid-19, using semi-structured questionnaires. The results showed that nursing professionals faced negative and challenging feelings at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic, such as insecurity, fear, sadness and uncertainty. The lack of favorable investments in nursing care, especially PPE, was a major reported problem. It was found that the hospital's infrastructure and the underestimation of the risk of contagion by the new virus permeated the feelings of the evaluated employees. It is concluded that it is of vital importance to guarantee the safety and well-being of nursing professionals, through investments in protective equipment and adequate hospital infrastructure, thus offering greater quality in the assistance and protection of health workers. In addition, it is necessary to take care of workers' health in all circumstances, recognizing their importance in society and ensuring that they are prepared to face future challenges.