The role of emotional intelligence or EI cannot be underestimated since nursing professionals are constantly in direct contact with individuals who require care and support. However, the importance of EI extends beyond the interaction between a nurse and patient because it can also be critical among nursing specialists themselves. Professional relationship development is of paramount relevance in regards to one’s emotional intelligence since the latter factor can be a key determinant of leadership dynamics and managerial activities. For example, it is stated that “nurse managers with less than 2 years of experience had statistically significant lower “using emotions” branch score and strategic EI” (Prufeta, 2017, p. 134). In addition, “nurse managers with a masters’ degree in nursing scored significantly higher in using emotions branch score than did those with a masters’ degree in a related field” (Prufeta, 2017, p. 134). In other words, a real-life example of EI being useful for the enhancement and development of professional relationships is interactions between nursing managers and nursing specialists.
On the basis of the information provided, it is safe to state that EI is useful for partially determining whether or not an individual is suitable for a nursing manager position. In other words, a person’s EI can serve as an indicator for preparedness or experience for managing and leading a group of nursing professionals. The main reason is rooted in the fact that nursing labor is comprised of emotionally draining and fatiguing elements, which can lead to performance changes. Thus, a nursing leader needs to have EI to be able to understand the general mood, emotions, and mental state of a nurse in order to make necessary changes for both patients’ safety and nurses’ well-being.
Reference
Prufeta, P. (2017). Emotional intelligence of nurse managers. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 47(3), 134–139. Web.