This study aimed to review existing literature on the psychological burden, including ethical dilemmas, and the quality of care experienced by nurses working in palliative care wards under various restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, to elucidate their characteristics, and to identify implications for the future direction of nursing practice. Literature searches were conducted using the Ichushi-Web (Japan Medical Abstracts Society) and PubMed, and four domestic studies and one international study published since 2019 were included in the analysis. The findings revealed that nurses faced significant work-related and psychological burdens, such as difficulties in building relationships with patients’ families, increased responsibility for information provision, and role conflicts under visitation restrictions. Conversely, despite these constraints, care practices aimed at maintaining patient dignity and preserving connections between patients and their families were implemented, suggesting that the essence and quality of palliative care were sustained in modified forms.