"We try to save lives and our own lives": nursing work in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To understand the implications of working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic for Nursing professionals.

Method: Qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study conducted in four hospitals in southern Brazil. A total of 349 records made by nurses and nursing technicians/assistants through an electronic form were selected and submitted to content analysis. Ethical aspects were respected, and the participants consented to the Free and Informed Consent Form.

Results: The increase in work demands and exhaustion were evidenced; the lack of hospital institutional support in assisting infected workers and in view of the need for further testing; and the impacts of the devaluation of Nursing, expressed by feelings of vulnerability and lack of recognition.

Final considerations: The pandemic increased the wear and tear of Nursing with a projection of the lack of structure for crises situations. It is suggested to invest in the emotional and managerial resources of health care teams to better cope with similar health crises in the future.