Nursing practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: experiences report

Abstract

Objective: To analyze and reflect on nursing practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in public and private services. Method: A descriptive, qualitative report of experiences developed based on assistential and management practices from nurses who worked in public or private health services in the State of São Paulo and Minas Gerais/Brazil. Weekly meetings were conducted in October and November, 2020, when we discussed experiences related to confronting the pandemic seeking to list the common of its nursing practices. Results: The reports were organized into three categories: Care management, involving management and assistance provided; Health education, permeating daily life with new knowledge; and Mental suffering health, the consequences on these professionals' health who are working in these health services. Conclusions: The pandemic is considered to have interfered with nursing practice, the performance of professionals and the way of producing health. We emphasize the need for continuing education to be implemented in health services.