Physical activity and personal factors associated with nurse resilience in intensive care units.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess intensive care nurses' resilience, and identify associated personal factors and physical activity behaviours using a job demands-recovery framework. BACKGROUND: Currently, there is inconsistent evidence as to whether nurse resilience is associated with personal factors, or with physical activity at work or during leisure-time. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted with nurses from four intensive care units in Auckland, New Zealand. METHODS: An online survey was conducted to collect nurses' personal information and assess their resilience levels using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 25. Participants were nurses working at least 32 hours fortnightly and providing direct patient care. Physical activity was objectively measured using a pair of accelerometers worn on the back and thigh over four consecutive days (two workdays followed by two non-workdays). Bivariable and multivariable regression were used to identify personal factors and physical activity behaviours associated with resilience. (Followed the STROBE checklist) RESULTS: A total of 93 nurses were included in the study. The participants' average resilience level was low. Resilience was positively associated with the objectively measured physical job demand factors: occupational physical activity, moderate to vigorous physical activity at work, and dynamic standing at work. Resilience was negatively associated with one objectively measured recovery factor: sleep during leisure-time. In multivariable modelling, being married and moderate to vigorous physical activity at work were positively associated with resilience, while not having religious beliefs and sleep during leisure-time were negatively associated with resilience. CONCLUSIONS: Resilient nurses have a greater tolerance to high physical activity at work and lower sleep duration during leisure-time. Strategies are needed to improve intensive care nurses' resilience levels. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Results may help managers gain a better understanding of the ICU nurses' characteristics associated with resilience, leading them to develop strategies for improving ICU nurse resilience.