Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare professionals globally, with nurses facing diverse challenges at the forefront. Despite their resilience, nurses are experiencing emotional burdens, which have contributed to a growing intention to abandon the profession. Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing the global nursing shortage. Methods. A qualitative descriptive approach was utilized for this study. Nurses who were actively working during the last waves of the pandemic in Catalonia, Spain, were intentionally recruited through social media and personal contacts, and data were collected through online semistructured interviews until data saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarkes thematic analysis method. Results. Fourteen nurses, with an average of 22.8years of work experience, were interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: (1) the impact of COVID-19 on health, (2) factors influencing the decision to stay, and (3) recommendations to improve crisis management. Conclusion. Nurses faced significant emotional impacts but demonstrated dedication and resilience. Their decision to persevere was influenced by factors such as responsibility, guilt, and economic stability. Urgent measures are necessary to provide tailored mental health support and recognize emotional challenges in crisis preparedness.

Introduction: The relationship between nurses' mental well‐being and intention to leave the profession remains a pressing issue.Aim: To determine the mental health status and the intention to leave the profession of nurses employed across diverse healthcare sectors in Catalonia, Spain.Methods: This cross‐sectional study included 1051 Registered Nurses in Catalonia, Spain, using convenience sampling through social media platforms and personal contacts. Participants completed four standardised instruments online to measure anxiety, insomnia, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, along with an ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire. The methodology of this study was guided by the STROBE checklist.Results: The analysis revealed that a significant proportion of participants exhibited mental health issues: 44% showed moderate to severe anxiety, 31% experienced moderate to severe insomnia, 40% suffered from moderate to severe depression and 42% had moderate to severe posttraumatic stress disorder. Participants who had worked in COVID hospital units were 1.38 times more likely to experience poor mental health status. Although not all associations were statistically significant, nurses working in primary healthcare, intensive care units and nursing homes had increased odds of poor mental health. Additionally, 53% of participants had reconsidered their working status, with 69% of them expressing an intention to leave the nursing profession.Limitations: The evolving nature of the pandemic and the adaptation of healthcare workers to the new scenario may have influenced their experiences during data collection.Implications: Highlights the increase in mental health‐related needs and high rates of psychiatric symptoms among nurses nowadays.Recommendations: Addressing mental health needs is crucial to mitigate the intention of nurses to abandon the profession.