BACKGROUND: The acute mental health challenges faced by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic have the potential to result in long-lasting psychological impacts. Promoting the mental health of nurses is crucial not only to safeguard their wellbeing but also to ensure the delivery of optimal patient care. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to ascertain the extended mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among nurses in South Africa. METHODS: Participants involved nurses working at four hospitals in the Western Cape province: Helderberg, TC Newman, Stellenbosch, and Tygerberg. A convenience sample of nurses ( RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 34.4 ( CONCLUSION: Psychological distress among nurses was exacerbated even after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Potential areas of concern are highlighted, indicating the need for targeted interventions.