Proceso de muerte por COVID-19 en pacientes de terapia intensiva: visibilidad del profesional de enfermería

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a high mortality rate in ICU patients, causing an emotional and psychological impact on nursing professionals working in these units. This study aimed to analyze the perception of nursing professionals towards the process of patient death due to COVID-19 in the ICU. The methodology used has a qualitative approach of descriptive method and phenomenological approach; 10 nursing professionals were interviewed through a non-probabilistic sampling by convenience. As a result, six categories were obtained: the perception of nursing professionals towards the dying process, the humanized attention to the patient during the dying process, the need for training of nursing professionals during the pandemic and the uncertainty about the social distancing of patients with COVID-19. The lack of experience in managing patients with COVID-19 has led to vulnerability in the psychological and emotional state of nursing professionals. We conclude by highlighting the need for adequate training, protocols and support for nursing professionals working in the units to improve patient care and the well-being of healthcare personnel.