The aim of this study was to review the scientific literature on burnout syndrome among intensive care unit nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This narrative review considered publications on the current pandemic, as well as studies on worker health and burnout, focusing on intensive care unit nurses. The literature was organized into two thematic categories: (1) emotional distress in the daily work of intensive care unit nurses; (2) preventing burnout in these professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the literature on burnout is expressive, there is a need to transmit data produced during the pandemic and follow these professionals longitudinally, which could lead to the development of specific prevention and health promotion strategies. Changes in the emotional and working conditions of these professionals must become a permanent part of worker health research and practice, rather than a temporary measure during the pandemic.
Keywords: coronavirus infections; intensive care units; nurses; professional exhaustion.