The purpose of this study is to analyze intensive care nurses' perceptions of work environment, psychological distress and the factors that affect them. Methods: This is a descriptive study. Its sample included 320 nurses working in the adult patient intensive care units of six hospitals (three university and three state hospitals) in the provincial center of Ankara. Data were collected using the Nurse Introductory Information Form, the Work Environment Scale and the General Health Questionnaire-12. Results: The mean score of nurses who did not personally prefer to work in intensive care unit, did not feel adequate to work in intensive care unit, received inadequate support in the work environment, worked more than 40 hours a week was lower on the Work Environment Scale and higher on the General Health Questionnaire-12. As scores on the Work Environment Scale fall, scores on the General Health Questionnaire rise. Conclusion: While doing planning regarding intensive care nurses, it is necessary to consider their preference for working in intensive care units, desire to continue, competence, adequate support, and weekly work hours have effects on their work environment satisfaction and risk of mental disorder. The risk of mental problems among nurses can be reduced by increasing their work environment satisfaction.