Emotional Intelligence and Nursing Career

Overview

Emotional intelligence is a concept popularized by world-renowned psychologist Danial Goleman. Today, the analysis of emotional quotient (EQ) has become very popular in psychoanalytic and professional contexts.

In the field of nursing, emotional intelligence plays a more impactful role relative to other professions with limited human contact. This is why we need to pay more attention to this concept, which will improve patient care and nurses’ well-being.

This article will briefly cover the role of emotional intelligence in nursing and then cover some pillars that help nurses improve their professional output and individual health.

The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Nursing

Emotional intelligence in nursing plays a vital role in improving patient care. Conversely, many other professions do not require displaying emotions. In fact, some particular fields might see emotions as a weakness.

However, emotions in inherently part of nursing. We simply cannot provide patients with healthcare without emotions. In a study that explains this concept, the authors emphasized that caring for someone involves providing purely physical tasks. On the other hand, caring about someone implies deeper involvement.

Despite the physically-demanding aspects of a nurse’s job, this field also requires emotional labor. This is where it becomes imperative for nurses to manage their emotions to perform their job properly.

Aside from patient care, research also noted the importance of having emotionally intelligent nurses in leadership positions.

The pillars of emotional intelligence in nursing

 1. Self-Awareness

Being emotionally intelligent can help nurses identify their feelings. As a result, they become more effective at understanding when they are depressed or burnt out. This is crucial since the vast majority of workers are not able to recognize the symptoms of mental disorders.

2. Empathy

Providing care for patients demands empathy. Understanding how others feel is simply indispensable in nursing.

Avoid confusing empathy with sympathy. The latter refers to feeling sorrow for others, whereas empathy revolves around seeing from the perspective of another person. This will highlight individual differences between nurses and their patients.

3. Social Skills

Nursing is all about relationships. Forming connections with patients and colleagues is central to nursing. For instance, when caring for patients, it’s important to create an environment of trust and transparency. This will make patients more compliant and honest.

The same goes for working with other healthcare professionals. Research shows that collaboration between doctors and nurses can dramatically improve patient care.

4. Motivation

When nurses motivate themselves, they can seek more advanced roles and subspecialties in their field. This is vital to advance one’s career.

Being emotionally intelligent allows nurses to choose a role that perfectly fits their needs and expectations. They will show more passion and dedication, which ultimately enhances patients’ quality of life.

Takeaway message

Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in the field of nursing. Honing the pillars of emotional intelligence can help nurses provide better care for their patients and improve their own professional/personal lives.

We hope that this article managed to highlight the role of emotional intelligence in nursing.

If you have any questions or personal experiences with something that we covered, please do not hesitate to share your thoughts in the comment section below.