Bridging Health Promotion with Emotional Intelligence : A Nursing Perspective

Abstract

Emotional intelligence is in the spotlight as attention from theorists relate the importance of utilizing these soft skills within the Healthcare and Welfare sector. The main aim of this study is to examine the impact of emotional intelligence as it relates to the wellbeing of nurses in the workplace and explore the means through which nurses can continue to develop their emotional intelligence. The study is a literature review of thirty-two articles. The Health Promotion Model was chosen as the theoreticalframeworkfor this study. Results from this study indicate that emotional intelligence among nurses does influence wellbeing at work. Specifically, physical, mental, emotional, and social health are reported to be positively affected among those who exercise emotional intelligence at work.Performance at work,adaptability to manage a stressful environment, satisfaction with the job and the enhancement of leadership skills are all associated with emotional intelligence. Training related to self-awareness, interpersonal sensitivity and influence help nurses to identify their level of emotional intelligence. Taking time for personal reflection, keeping a journal, requesting peer feedback, skill building, expressive writing, and working with a mentor or a coach, as well as implementing coping strategies and resources at work are all thought to be helpful in the development of emotional intelligence.