Investigating the Relationship Between Job Anxiety Level and Work Experience in Nurses in Intensive Care Units of Ilam Teaching Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Shokri, Somayeh; Shafiei, Elham

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Volume 34, Issue 4 (9-2026)

Journal of Ilam University of Medical Sciences 2026, 34(4): 140-154

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Investigating the Relationship Between Job Anxiety Level and Work Experience in Nurses in Intensive Care Units of Ilam Teaching Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Somayeh Shokri¹

, Elham Shafiei ^*²

1- Dept of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
2- Psychosocial Trauma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran , eshafiei1524@gmail.com

Abstract: (244 Views)

Introduction: Intensive care unit nurses face a serious challenge of anxiety due to high-stress work conditions, which affects their performance and mental health. Work experience has been identified as a key factor in managing this anxiety. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the level of job anxiety and work experience in intensive care unit nurses in Ilam teaching hospitals in 2025.
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive-correlation study, 150 nurses working in intensive care units in Ilam teaching hospitals were selected using a stratified convenience sampling method. Data were collected using two demographic questionnaires and the Spielberger Anxiety Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27 software and ANOVA and Pearson and Kruskal-Wallis correlation coefficient statistical tests.
Results: The participating nurses had a mean age of 7.32±32.01 years, and 66% had less than 20 years of experience. The results of the ANOVA test showed that work experience did not have a significant effect on overt anxiety. (p=0.126) However, in latent anxiety, the results showed a significant difference between the groups. (p=0.012).
Conclusion: The results of the study show that the risk level in intensive care unit nurses is in the moderate to severe range. More work experience is associated with a decrease in the level of concealment, but not in the level of energy. This indicates the role of experience in the development of coping strategies. Therefore, the implementation of organizational interventions and support programs for all nurses Therefore, all nurses need organizational interventions and support programs.

Keywords: Anxiety, Nurses, Work Experience, Intensive care unit

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Editorial Note: Research | Subject: nurse
Received: 2025/11/8 | Accepted: 2026/08/18 | Published: 2026/09/27

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Shokri S, Shafiei E. Investigating the Relationship Between Job Anxiety Level and Work Experience in Nurses in Intensive Care Units of Ilam Teaching Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study. J. Ilam Uni. Med. Sci. 2026; 34 (4) :140-154
URL: http://sjimu.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-8824-en.html

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