The Relationship between Mental Workload and Job Performance among Nurses in Farouk Hospital, Sulaymaniyah

This study examined the relationship between mental workload and job performance among nurses at Farouk Hospital, Sulaymaniyah. Excessive cognitive and emotional demands in nursing have been linked to reduced performance, efficiency, and quality of patient care. A cross-sectional, quantitative design was employed from December 2024 to May 2025, involving the total population of 100 nurses, including both senior and junior staff. Data were collected using a 26-item structured questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS. Results indicated that nurses experienced moderate levels of mental workload, with cognitive and emotional demands being particularly prominent. Task and contextual performance were generally moderate, while counterproductive work behaviours were also observed at moderate levels. Spearman correlation revealed strong negative relationships between mental workload and both task and contextual performance, and a strong positive relationship with counterproductive work behaviours. These findings emphasize the importance of managing mental workload, fostering emotionally supportive work environments, and promoting both individual skill development and organizational improvements to enhance nursing performance and patient care outcomes.