Technical-scientific experience in times of Covid-19: the challenges faced by nursing technicians9: the challenges of nursing technicians:

Highlights The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the fragility of the health system due to a lack of skilled healthcare professionals, resulting in the hiring of inexperienced professionals in the area, ultimately impacting the quality of care provided. Although essential, personal protective equipment (PPE) was insufficient to ensure a sense of safety, instead causing physical discomfort and negatively impacting professionals' performance. Nurse technicians experienced significant work overburden and emotional challenges while dealing with the high demand for critical care during the pandemic. Participation in specific training and courses offered by hospitals was crucial for professionals to feel prepared to provide the necessary care to Covid-19 patients. Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic has posed a significant challenge to public health worldwide, leading to the collapse of healthcare institutions and professionals, particularly nursing technicians, who provide direct patient care. Objective: To investigate nursing technicians' perceptions of their technical-scientific experiences while caring for Covid-19 patients. Materials and Methods: An exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach was conducted in a university hospital. The Iramuteq software was used to analyze the data, applying the Descending Hierarchical Classification Method alongside Bardin's Content Analysis Technique. Results: It was identified that the participants' technical-scientific skills are associated with previous ICU experience and active participation in training sessions, both facilitating factors for performing the procedures. Additionally, the negative effects of care practices were observed, leading to physical and mental exhaustion. Discussion: Work overburden, fear of contagion, high mortality rates, and social isolation were identified as causes of stress and mental exhaustion among professionals, making resilience a crucial factor in adapting to these adversities. Conclusions: Identifying the nursing professionals' prior knowledge is an important tool for assessing the quality of care provided and the professionals' safety in care delivery. Moreover, implementing health policies that offer psychological support for health professionals is essential. How to cite this article: Souza, Jordana da Silva; Silva, Mariana Crissângila Trigueiro da; Vasconcelos, Wilma Tatiane Freire; Silva, João André Tavares Álvares da; Vasconcelos, Josilene de Melo Buriti; Silva, Ana Cristina de Oliveira e; Ferreira, Jocelly de Araújo. A vivência técnico-científica em tempos de Covid-19: os desafios dos técnicos de enfermagem. Revista Cuidarte. 2025; 16(1): e4337. https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.4337