Objective <p>This study evaluated resilience levels and their key predictors among nurses working in hospital and primary healthcare settings in Eastern Saudi Arabia.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 479 nurses using the validated Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25). Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of resilience based on demographic and occupational variables, including years of experience, education, job position, and work setting.</p> Results <p>Hospital nurses demonstrated significantly higher resilience levels compared to primary care nurses. Resilience was positively associated with longer work experience and higher educational attainment. Nurses in supervisory or quality-related roles exhibited higher resilience than staff nurses.</p> Conclusion <p>The findings underscore the importance of institutional and educational support in fostering resilience among nurses. Tailored interventions, especially within primary healthcare settings, are essential to strengthen coping capacities and promote psychological well-being in the nursing workforce.</p> Clinical trial registration number <p>Not applicable.</p>