From Crisis to Care: The evolution of Nurses’ Work Environments Post-Pandemic: Nurses’ work situation and health before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

There is a knowledge gap regarding what contributes to staff well-being in extreme work situations. Nurses play a critical role in healthcare, but face high workloads, risk of burnout and lack of resources. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the important role of nurses and the challenges they face, highlighting the need to manage work-related stress and promote self-care. A good work environment, characterized by safety, support and balance, is crucial for both patient care and the well-being of the nursing staff. This thesis examines how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the nurses' work situation and health and what measures are needed in similar scenarios. To achieve this aim, both
questionnaires and interviews were used. The SwAge model was used as the theoretical framework throughout the research process. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses faced increased workloads, lack of control, and ethical dilemmas, leading to stress and moral distress. They experienced physical and mental health issues due to inadequate resources and support. Despite these challenges, some found satisfaction in their roles, professional growth, and teamwork. The pandemic highlighted the need for better workload management, support systems, and organizational responses to improve nurses' well-being and resilience, transforming stress into strength through a salutogenic approach. In conclusion, the pandemic has shown the need to empower nurses by giving them more control over their duties and responsibilities, both as individuals and as a group. This increases job satisfaction, productivity and psychological resilience. The insights from this research are essential for designing healthy and sustainable workplaces in the future, especially with a focus on nurses' work environment. This knowledge could contribute to reduce sickness absence, prevent nurses leaving the profession, promote health and increase the opportunities for longer careers, in line with the UN's sustainability goals in Agenda 2030.