Immediate psychological impact on nurses working at 42 government-designated hospitals during COVID-19 outbreak in China: A cross-sectional study

•A multicenter, cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the immediate psychological impact of COVID-19 on frontline nurses.•Psychological morbidities as depression, anxiety, somatization, as well as suicidal ideation were measured.•The risk and protective factors of the psychological morbidities and suicidal ideation were identified. Effective risk communication and mental health interventions for targeted segments should be implemented since the initial phase of the outbreak.