Personality hardiness: an essential attribute for the ICU nurse?

Staff turnover has been a persistent problem in critical care units, magnified by stress and burn-out in nurses. Researchers studying the concept of personality hardiness over the past 20 years have suggested that it may play a protective role against stress and burn-out. Those who are able to effectively cope with stress and adapt to the uncertain environment of the ICU are less likely to leave it prematurely. The concept of personality hardiness is explored as it relates to adaptation of nurses to the ICU. Suggestions for development of hardiness are based on a review of relevant literature.