ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nurses are at the forefront of handling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have a significant risk in handling the disease. The rapid transmission of the virus causes nurses to experience various mental health problems and stigma in performing their duties. AIM: This study explored mental health conditions and the stigma of nurses at the forefront of handling the COVID-19. METHODS: This research was a qualitative study with 17 nurses serving in hospitals and health centers in various provinces in Indonesia. The data analysis of this research employed a descriptive analysis technique. RESULTS: The data analysis revealed four themes: Nurses carrying out their duties as a professional call, psychological and physical responses as a reaction to work stress, stigma due to running a profession, and social support as a reinforcement for carrying out their duties. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that nurses require protection and guarantees for the work risk and the stigma consequences from the community.