Medical workers, in comparison with specialists in other fields, are more susceptible to the negative impact of the current situation of the spread of coronavirus infection. The new working conditions pose a threat to the mental and psychological well-being of healthcare workers of all levels. The article presents the results of an empirical study of anxiety and motivation of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to their assessment of the quality of life. The research was carried out based on GAUZ SO SOKB No. 1, Yekaterinburg. The sample consisted of nursing staff of the department of anaesthesiology and intensive care; the number of participants — 62 people, including 6 men and 54 women aged from 23 to 65 years. Research methods: Scale of Reactive (Situational) and Personal Anxiety” (Ch.D. Spielberger, Yu.L. Khanin); Motivation of Professional Activity (K. Zamfir, modification by A. A. Rean); the short questionnaire for the assessment of quality of life (WHOQOL). The results showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, increased indicators of quality of life characterized nurses. It was also confirmed (but not for all indicators) that an increased level of motivation to work and a reduced level of anxiety characterize participants during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a positive assessment of the quality of life. The results obtained can be used in organizing a system of psychological support and accompanying medical workers in the process of performing professional activities in a situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.