A cross-sectional study was conducted on 456 nurses aged between 18 and 60 years, who were divided into two groups. The first group included 228 nurses who were directly exposed to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, while the second group included 228 nurses with less exposure to these cases. Data was collected through personal interviews using the PHQ-9 questionnaire to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. We found a statistically higher prevalence of depressive symptoms among nurses directly exposed to COVID-19 patients (66.8%) compared to the less exposed group (46.1%). The score on the SCAS (COVID-19 Specific Stressors Associated Scale) was also statistically higher among nurses directly exposed to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases compared to the less exposed group. Furthermore, the PHQ-9 score was statistically higher in the directly exposed group compared to the less exposed group. Moderate and severe depressive symptoms were present in 22.2% and 22.2% of the directly exposed group, respectively, while the rates were 7.5% and 9.6%, respectively, in the less exposed group. Through linear regression analysis, all of the following variables were found to be independently and statistically associated with increased severity of depressive symptoms among nurses exposed to COVID-19: physical isolation, restrictions on touching others even after work hours, exposure to a new COVID-19 patient, development of COVID-19-like symptoms, colleagues developing COVID-19-like symptoms, knowing that the COVID-19 mortality rate exceeds that of influenza, potential separation from family, anxiety about family members, and fear of transmitting the disease to patients, relatives, and friends. The study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic has serious effects on the psychological well-being of nurses exposed to COVID-19 patients, which necessitates providing them with the necessary care and support during the pandemic.