OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the relationship between occupational stress and mental health among clinical nurses, focusing on the mediating role of coping strategies. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 600 clinical nurses from tertiary hospitals in Hangzhou, China. Data were collected using the Chinese Nurses' Work Pressure Source Questionnaire, the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), and the Coping Strategies Scale. Mediation analysis was performed using Bootstrap to test the hypothesized mediating effects. RESULTS: The results showed that occupational stress was positively associated with mental health issues (β = 0.42, CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that positive coping strategies can mitigate the adverse effects of occupational stress on mental health. Interventions targeting coping skills training may improve nurses' well-being and reduce burnout.