Abstract

At the forefront of the battle against the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic, nurses worldwide assumed a controversial role by caring not only for the population affected by the SARS-Cov-2 but also by playing an important part in the infection prevention, assuming more responsibilities, new techniques, and competences related with the new situation. Since then, the nursing workforce worldwide has faced the health challenges of populations that ensued from the pandemic situation, especially in relation to mental health, isolation, family issues, and other physical sequalae, all with negative effects for themselves in terms of health, well-being, and professional motivation. Research has stressed that these professionals were exposed to high levels of stress, anxiety, and physical and emotional exhaustion due to the unknown situation they were facing, though it was not something new for them belonging to one of the most stressful professions over the years. Work overload, inadequate resources, personal infection fears, and constant pressure represented a few of the experiences faced by nurses not only during the pandemic but even before. All this could account for the continuing increase in nursing intention to leave the profession, which subsequently contributes to an increasing nursing shortage worldwide and health organizations’ difficulties to provide professional quality and safe care. Our study aimed at exploring whether nurses are provided with coping strategies and educational resources to maintain their well-being during their training at higher education institutions and in continuing professional development to overcome the emotional and psychological burden and fatigue impacting on their own well-being. A descriptive qualitative method was selected toward exploring the nurses’ voices in Spain and other Latin American countries, which revealed that nurses’ well-being necessitates an investment in strategies and skills during their training to overcome these situations.