Background: The work environment of intensive care nurses characterized by creating obstacles for nurses in performing patient care tasks, therefore threatening the quality and safety of care provided by nurses. Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to determine performance obstacles among intensive care nurses, assess quality of work life (QWL) among intensive care nurses, and explore the relation between performance obstacles and quality of work life among intensive care nurses. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive design was utilized to attain the aim of the present study. The study sample included 103 staff nurses working in ICUs at Mansoura University Children Hospital (MUCH) and 27 staff nurses working in ICUs at Mansoura General Hospital (MGH). Data was collected by using the two tools: Performance obstacles questionnaire, and Quality of work life (QWL) questionnaire. Results: Performance obstacles related to Physical work environment, work organization, technology and tools, and nursing tasks were more in MGH than MUCH. Levels of satisfaction related to all domains of QWL were higher in MUCH than MGH expect team work and supervisor leadership style domains MGH was higher than MUCH. There was statistically significant relation between total performance obstacles which were reported by the studied nurses in MUCH and MGH and their quality of work life. Recommendations: Policy makers in both hospitals must develop strategy, protocol, or system to eliminate performance obstacles related to misplacement of equipment, supplies, and patient charts. In both hospitals policy makers are needed to redesign of the physical layout of the ICU to eliminate performance obstacle of inadequate workspace. Quality Circles program must be provided in both hospitals to develop a culture of participation and team work among the nurses. It also reflects the democratic set up where the management
keeps full faith in the employees and also there is a complete understanding between the management and nurses.