Abstract: Objective: To investigate the psychological states of ICU nurses who participated in the treatment of COVID-19 at different stages. Methods: Purpose sampling method was applied. Twelve ICU nurses who participated in the treatment of COVID-19 were interviewed using semi structured interview. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Nurses showed excitement, nervousness and self-confidence when receiving the task to Wuhan. From arriving at the task area to the first four weeks of work, they felt fear, anxiety, helplessness and difficulties. From the fifth week of performing the task, they expressed homesickness, fatigue, indifference, confidence, emotion and gratitude. Conclusion: The psychological states of ICU nurses participated in the treatment of COVID-19 are different at different stages. Nursing managers should provide enough support to ICU nurses during public health emergencies. It is important to assist nurses to actively respond to the challenges in order to improve the quality of life of the patients.

Key words: COVID-19; Intencive Care Unit; nurse; different stages; psychological state