Introduction: Epidemics and pandemics represent a major problem and at the same time a
threat to the health of the entire population. The disease COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has caused infections around the entire world due to its ability to spread rapidly, and has
also caused a high level of mortality and suffering. Pandemic represents a major challenge
for healthcare workers. Due to the insufficient capacity of the health system, many healthcare
workers are working longer hours than usual and under different, more difficult working
conditions. Nurses, who quantitatively represent the majority of healthcare workers and
provide medical care to patients, face a greater risk of mental health problems during the
pandemic. Purpose: The aim of this thesis was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on the mental health of nurses. Methods: When writing the thesis, we used a
descriptive method of work, which was used to review domestic and foreign literature. The
literature review was performed in the databases COBIB.si, CINAHL, Medline,
ScienceDirect and browsers PubMed and Google Scholar. The literature search took place
from December 2021 to the end of June 2022. Literature published after year 2015 was
included. Results: During the pandemic, nurses were facing many problems and changes at
work. Health care system suffered from lack of staff, premises, and adequate equipment.
Nurses experienced heavy workloads, pressures and feelings of fatigue, helplessness, and
anxiety. Some suffered from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and problems related
to poor sleep quality. They also faced stigmatization and burnout at the workplace.
Discussion and conclusion: Nursing is a physically and emotionally demanding profession,
but very valuable to all humanity. Early identification of risk factors for poor mental health
would be important to prepare for and manage possible future waves of COVID-19, as well
as the quality of work done by nurses.
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