Earlier this year, Spain took center stage in the emerging health crisis due to the
SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. On 14 March 2020, a state of alarm was declared to manage this health crisis.
The contribution of nursing professionals to sustainability of the system during this health crisis has
been vital, not only in specialized care but, in a more understated way, in primary care. The objective
of the present study was to describe the perceptions and lived experiences of primary care nurses
during the COVID-19 health emergency. A qualitative study taking a phenomenological approach
was carried out, triangulating data collected through non-participant observations, eight in-depth
interviews, and two discussion groups with community nurses and case managers. A total sample
of 20 key informants was obtained during the month of May, 2020. The key informants expressed
strong positive perceptions of the recognition received from service users and satisfaction when
acknowledging that they have been an important source of emotional support. Informants identify
the importance of their work in sustaining the system, particularly outlining team cohesion and
communication, whilst also evaluating the empowering position in which service users and society
itself has put them.