Coronavirus infection has reached Brazil, what now? Nurses' emotions

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the nurse's emotions about coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Method: We conducted a qualitative study with 58 nurses, students of the postgraduate course in Nursing of a higher education institution in Fortaleza, State of Ceará, Brazil. We obtained data through questionnaires with a sociodemographic approach and reflections on the emotions/perceptions of nurses, as well as a synchronous meeting to discuss strategies for worker health during the pandemic. We organized the results on the IRaMuTeQ software with a presentation in figures and speeches. Results: The speeches revealed emotions such as anxiety, tiredness, fear, insecurity, distress, and emotional pain. However, the occurrence of words such as "tranquility" and "well-being" emphasize comfort, overcoming, and hope. Final considerations: The Master's degree students showed concern for family members, fear, and anxiety, with requests for actions by people management to promote strategies to minimize and control such emotions.