Examining the Relationship Between Psychological Hardiness and Fear of Death among Nurses Working in Intensive Care and Emergency Wards

Background Psychological hardiness positively impacts the nursing profession by improving nurses' overall well-being and enhancing their ability to cope with existential challenges in patient care, such as the fear of death. Aim This study aimed to determine the relationship between psychological hardiness and fear of death in nurses working in intensive care and emergency departments. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted through a census method involving 370 nurses employed in intensive care and emergency departments of hospitals in Birjand City in 2024. Data were collected using the Ahvaz Psychological Hardiness Questionnaire and the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The mean scores for psychological hardiness and fear of death among the studied nurses were 46.81 ± 6.60 and 84.42 ± 12.09, respectively. A significant negative correlation was found between psychological hardiness and fear of death overall and across its components in nurses ( p < 0.001). Significant relationships were observed between psychological hardiness and variables such as gender, marital status, department of service, age, work experience, and the number of patients cared for per shift ( p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between gender, department of service, the number of patients cared for at the end of life, direct participation in resuscitation efforts, and the observation of patient deaths with fear of death in nurses ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Enhancing psychological hardiness in nurses may help them better cope with the emotions and fears associated with their work. Educational and supportive programs to strengthen nurses' psychological hardiness are recommended.