ObjectiveTo explore the effect of closed-loop group nursing model on the makeshift intensive care unit (ICU) in a hospital specialized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsSeveral fever wards had been shifted into ICUs and ran by the first medical team from Sichuan Province from January 30th to March 19th, 2020. Closed-loop group nursing model was utilized. The nursing model activated the nurses in management by empowerment and nursing group establishment. To ensure standard of care, measures were carried out in this model, namely, improving the physical work environment, nurse training, optimizing composition of nursing manpower, fine and standardized management of medical resources, “double-chain” medical supply system, “3S” management on first aid kit, protecting patient safety and dignity, and developing emergency nursing workforce deployment plan.ResultsThe implementation of closed-loop group nursing model showed good results in treating severe to critically ill COVID-19 patients regardless of shortages in nursing workforce and facilities. The rescue work was carried out successfully in the makeshift ICUs. All the nurses showed great teamwork and were really involved in the management of the wards. ConclusionsAs the current ICUs were not adequate for the increasing number of critically ill patients during the epidemic, it was unavoidable to transform other wards into ICUs. Closed-loop group nursing model was utilized to break the hierarchy. As a result, all nurses were empowered to participate in nursing management and their potential was fully inspired. Furthermore, this working model presented a clear working framework in multidisciplinary teamwork in a limited time, which also provided patients with dignity and safety.