The mediating effect of resilience and job satisfaction on the relationship between critical care nurses' stress-and task performance: findings to improve nursing care.

Background: Critical care nurses (CCNs) are exposed to stress, which may affect their performance. Resilience and job satisfaction are important factors in improving adaptation and work performance.

Aims: This study aimed to ascertain the mediating effect of resilience and job satisfaction on the relationship between critical care nurses' stressand task performance among CCNs in Hail City, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was used in critical and intensive care units in all governmental hospitals in Hail City, Saudi Arabia, from March to May 2024 for the 352 CCNs using a convenience sample selection method. Data were collected using the Global Satisfaction Scale, the Brief Nursing Stress Scale, the Task Performance Scale, and the Brief Resilience Scale. Multiple linear regression was used to identify key variables affecting nurses' task performance and job satisfaction. Path analysis was performed using AMOS 23.0, to ascertain the direct and indirect impacts of CCNs' task performance.

Results: The results indicated that those who were non-Saudi, held bachelor's degrees, were registered nurses or supervisors, had less stress, and had more resilience were significant factors of higher task performance scores, whereas irregular shift duration was a factor of lower task performance scores (p < .05). Stress had an indirect negative impact on task performance through resilience and job satisfaction (β=-0.052, p < .001 and β=-0.115, p < .001, respectively). Furthermore, stress had a significant negative direct effect on task performance (β=-280, p < .001), with a total effect of (β=-0.447, p < .001).

Conclusion: Nurses' stress, resilience, job satisfaction, and task performance were intertwined with critical care nursing. Strategies are needed to implement effective programs for improving nurse resilience and well-being satisfaction, and to examine the multifaceted elements that impact nursing work in the harsh nursing critical care environment.

Nursing implications: The results highlight the importance of organizational support, such as training and resources for resilience building, in alleviating stress and enhancing critical care nurses' overall satisfaction and performance.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.