A Cross-Sectional Study Examining the Factors that Influence the Perception of Stress Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses in Jordan

Background Intensive care units are characterized by high levels of responsibility and exposure to psychological stress. This study aimed to explore the relationship between perceived stress, psychological resilience, and sociodemographic variables of intensive care unit registered nurses in Jordan, as well as the predictors of perceived stress. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 5th and February 20th, 2025, and included 200 participants (88 males and 112 females) aged 23–51, from selected public and government hospitals located in Amman and Madaba, Jordan. Nurses’ sociodemographic characteristics were obtained, and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 were administered. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. Results A significant inverse relationship was observed between perceived stress and psychological resilience. Bivariate analysis indicated that nurses’ age and experience had a significant positive relationship with perceived stress. Nurses who were female, single, of other marital status, worked a 16-hour shift system, worked extra hours, had an uncomfortable work environment, and experienced equipment shortages reported significantly higher perceived stress. Multiple linear regression indicated that working extra hours, working in an uncomfortable work environment, shift work, and being single or of other marital status collectively explained 40.4% of the variance in perceived stress scores. The strongest predictor was working extra hours, which was associated with an average increase of 2.80 units and explained 8.35% of the variance. Furthermore, working in uncomfortable workplaces was associated with an average increase of 2.116 units in perceived stress scores, accounting for 4.28% of the variance. The multiple linear regression model accurately predicted perceived stress scores 95.0% of the time, with up to 85.0% sensitivity and 78.0% specificity. Conclusion The findings indicate an inverse relationship between perceived stress and psychological resilience. However, workload, shift length, extra working hours, and workplace environment conditions contributed significantly to ICU nurses’ levels of stress.