Overcoming Workplace Struggles: The Mediating Role of Trauma‐Informed Climate on Psychological Well‐Being, Emotional Resilience and Job Performance Among Critical Care Nurses

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Critical care nurses face persistent high‐stress conditions that can compromise their mental health and job performance. In response, there is growing recognition of the value of a Trauma‐Informed Climate (TIC), which provides a framework that promotes psychological safety by acknowledging the impact of trauma and fostering supportive practices to enhance emotional resilience, well‐being and job functioning in this demanding field. Aim This study aimed to examine the mediating role of emotional resilience in the relationship between trauma‐informed climate, psychological well‐being and job performance among critical care nurses. Study Design A cross‐sectional descriptive design was employed in Egypt, adhering to the STROBE checklist. Results A total of 368 registered critical care nurses completed the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC), the Swedish version of Ryff‘s Psychological Well‐Being Scale, the Job Performance Scale and the Trauma‐Informed Climate Scale. Data were analysed using SPSS and AMOS version 24.0. The mean scores were 43.11 ± 9.29 for emotional resilience, 76.41 ± 8.54 for psychological well‐being, 47.40 ± 5.12 for job performance and 29.58 ± 4.68 for trauma‐informed climate. Emotional resilience showed significant positive correlations with psychological well‐being ( r = 0.432, p < 0.001), job performance ( r = 0.413, p < 0.001) and trauma‐informed climate ( r = 0.195, p < 0.001). Path analysis revealed that emotional resilience mediated the relationship between trauma‐informed climate and both job performance ( β = 0.159, p < 0.001) and psychological well‐being ( β = 0.319, p < 0.001). Trauma‐informed climate had a significant direct effect on job performance ( β = 0.162, p = 0.003) and psychological well‐being ( β = 0.662, p < 0.001), with total effects of β = −0.321 and β = −0.981, respectively ( p < 0.001). Conclusions Emotional resilience significantly mediates the effect of trauma‐informed climate on psychological well‐being and job performance among critical care nurses. Promoting a trauma‐informed work climate and resilience‐building strategies may enhance nurses' well‐being and professional outcomes. Relevance to Clinical Practice This study underscores the importance of fostering trauma‐informed climates and resilience development in clinical settings. By equipping critical care nurses with emotional resilience and creating psychologically safe environments, healthcare institutions can support improved mental health and performance outcomes. These efforts can lead to better patient care, lower staff burnout and enhanced workforce sustainability.