Background <p>Resilience is the ability to adapt and implement effective actions to maintain mental health during adversity, benefiting patients when exhibited by nurses. It encompasses personal and environmental factors. However, few studies have explored their combined impact on nurses’ resilience.</p> Aims <p>This study investigated the mediating role of coping style in the relationships between life events and resilience among Chinese nurses.</p> Methods <p>This study employed a cross-sectional correlational design and followed the STROBE guidelines. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 1,068 clinical nurses from government hospitals in China. Data were collected online using three validated self-reported questionnaires between March and April 2022. Pearson’s correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were utilized for data analysis.</p> Results <p>Significant relationships were found between education level, hospital level, professional title, and resilience, as well as between life events, coping style, and resilience. Life events directly and negatively influenced resilience and coping style. Coping style mediated the relationship between life events and resilience.</p> Conclusions <p>Nursing managers should provide training to enhance nurses’ understanding of mental coping strategies for managing challenges. This will help mitigate the emotional impact of stress, thereby improving nurses’ ability to adapt to and implement strategies that promote mental well-being in challenging circumstances.</p>