Purpose: This study aimed to identify the correlation between occupational stress and professional quality of life (Pro-QOL) among community nurses during the pandemic COVID-19. Design: This study was conducted with a correlational design of 120 community health nurses. The research sample was obtained using a nonprobability purposive sampling technique following the research inclusion criteria. Expanded Nursing Stress Scale and Pro-QOL were used in this study. The research hypothesis: there is a correlation between occupational stress and the Pro-QOL of community health nurses. Methods: Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between occupational stress and Pro-QOL. Findings: The results of correlation analysis showed that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between occupational stress and Pro-QOL. Despite being in a difficult situation due to the pandemic and vulnerable to occupational stress, nurses significantly had high compassion satisfaction. Conclusions: Occupational stress affects nurses’ Pro-QOL, it can be considered for public healthcare organizations to promote healthcare workers’ well-being. Mobilizing the existing workforce, changing work patterns, support from colleagues and supervisors, clear communication of directives, and precautionary measures can reduce psychiatric symptoms. © The Author(s) 2023.