Background Key predictors of distress for healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic include working long hours, lack of support, feelings of vulnerability or loss of control, and concerns about health of oneself and one’s family. In this Scandinavian study we explore psychosocial work environment in geriatric, medicine, surgery, oncology and intensive care units at hospitals, palliative care units and nursing homes with focus on end-of-life care. The aim was to explore how relocation during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted on self-reported psychosocial work environment among registered nurses and assistant nurses in Sweden and Norway when caring for seriously ill patients.

Methods This is a part of a survey study during autumn 2021 regarding healthcare professionals’ (n=808) psychosocial work environment, occupational self-efficacy, own health and palliative care quality. We will present results from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire III by univariate analyzes of variance and t-tests.

Results Out of 743 nurses were 111 relocated. Relocation impacted negatively (statistically significant) on the subscales social support from managers, social support from colleagues and insecurity of working conditions, as well as self-rated health and stress. This was most prominent common among registered nurses. Compared to Swedish reference values the participants scored statistically significant lower values within these subscales.

Conclusions This study highlight the importance of a health care organisation where managers take responsibility and support the employees’ psychosocial work environment. This is especially important during extraordinary event such as a pandemic to prevent burnout and achieve high-quality palliative care.