Opportunities for emotional intelligence in the context of nursing

Abstract

Introduction: Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and control one´s own emotions as well as emotions of other people. There are two orientations in studying emotional intelligence. They differ in whether they relate abilities and personal characteristic features or not. Emotional intelligence usage is currently being understood as a fundamental requirement of nursing in care provision to patients.
Methods: In a research conducted with a group of nursing students (n = 86), we were examining emotional intelligence as an ability and as a feature. We used SIT-EMO (Situational Test of Emotional Understanding) scales in order to fi nd out emotional intelligence as an ability, and SEIS (Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale), measuring emotional intelligence as a feature. In the context of nursing, we were finding out emotional self-effi cacy in relation to geriatric patients (ESE-GP). TEIQue-SF (Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire – short form) method was used to set up our own questionnaire.
Results: We were fi nding out the extent of emotional intelligence and we were analyzing it from the viewpoint of its grasping as a feature, ability and emotional self-effi cacy in relation to geriatric patients. We found out lower levels in social awareness, emotional management and stress management dimensions of the nursing students.
Conclusion: Emotional intelligence as an ability of the nursing students can be enhanced through psychological and social trainings. Emotional intelligence has an impact on social and communication skills, which are a precondition of effective nursing care.