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The aim of this study is to describe nurse perceptions of nurse leaders' internal crisis communication during the COVID-19 pandemic.Internal communication is a vital part of nurse leaders' work, even more so during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.This is a cross-sectional study design. The data were collected from 204 Finnish nurses in February 2021. A questionnaire developed in this study consisted of 29 items measuring internal crisis communication and seven demographic variables. The relationships between the variables were examined with cross-tabulation, a chi-squared test and non-parametric tests. Factor structure was evaluated with exploratory factor analysis and reliability with Cronbach's alpha.Nurses perceived the timeliness of communication highest and interaction the lowest. Nurses from intensive care, acute care and operative rooms gave highest evaluations for the content of communication and timeliness. Nurses working with COVID-19 patients daily or weekly evaluated the highest level of false communication.Nurse leaders' internal crisis communication was timely, especially in the most critical units dealing with the pandemic. The study highlighted the importance of considering a unit's special needs for internal crisis communication. Interaction between nurse leaders and nursing staff during periods of crisis needs improvement.Nurse leaders' successful and emphatic communication is important in supporting nurses in managing a crisis.

To explore nurse leaders' resilience and their role in supporting nurses' resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged health care systems on a global level. Nurse leaders are tasked with ensuring high-quality care, even during crises, which requires active problem-solving and confidence in the future-resilience from leaders.A scoping review was conducted using inductive thematic analysis and the PCC (Participants, Concept, Context) framework. The PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases, as well additional studies and grey literature, were searched from December 2019 to June 2021.The review included 12 studies. Nurse leaders' self-awareness, self-reflection, and coping strategies described their resilience during the pandemic. A relational leadership style, supportive and safe work environment, and adequate communication were found to support nurses' resilience.There is scarce research concerning nurse leaders' resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research needs to address nurse leaders' personal resilience due to the link with nurses' resilience.A healthy work environment is essential for nurses' resilience. During crises, nurse leaders should adopt relational leadership styles and actively interact with nursing staff.