Emotional intelligence (EI), equally referred to as emotional quotient (EQ), refers to an individual’s ability to identify, control, and assess their emotions in themselves or other people. Emotional intelligence is a trait that can either the inborn or learned along the way (Swarnalatha, & Sekar, 2017). Emotional intelligence is a key aspect of the development and day-to-day life of an individual. EI determines how people develop and maintain interpersonal relationships. Low emotional intelligence can manifest in a person through several indications. People with low EI tend to be very argumentative. These individuals refute every suggestion that does not coincide with theirs, even when provided with proof. Individuals with low EI and it hard to agree with others’ points of view as they perceive theirs as the best option. People with low emotional intelligence are oblivious to other emotions except their own. They expect others to know what they are feeling and do not make efforts to understand others. Low emotional intelligence makes people feel less accountable for their actions. These individuals find something or someone else to blame when something goes wrong. People with low emotional intelligence tend to have frequent emotional outbursts and cannot deal with emotionally charged situations. As a result, people with this feature find it hard to maintain relationships.
The nursing profession requires high emotional intelligence to help deal with different patients and avoid reflecting one’s emotions on to others. There, however, are ways that individuals can use to increase their emotional intelligence. Learning how to communicate assertively ensures that one is not perceived as too aggressive in a way that assures respect (Gkonou & Mercer, 2017). Communicating one’s opinions while still maintaining respect for others is a sign of EI. Emotional intelligent people also know how to react during situations of arguments and conflicts. This behavior mainly involves staying calm during tense situations (Ackley, 2016). The nursing profession is known to have many situations that induce stress among the staff and patients. Nurses who maintain their composure during stressful situations help calm down the patient and members concerned. People with high EQ have active listening skills. These individuals make sure to listen to others and understand their points of view before presenting their opinions (Ackley, 2016). This aspect individualizes one of the nursing ethics that ensures autonomy is respected.
A positive attitude is a key feature in any demanding job, especially nursing. Maintaining a positive attitude means that an individual has to guard their attitudes accordingly (Peköz & Gürşimşek, 2020). These people know what it takes to maintain an optimistic attitude throughout, whether through self-care or other means. Self-awareness means that individuals have knowledge of their emotions and how they affect those around them (Stanley & Bhuvaneswari, 2016). Nurses’ attitude about a situation, especially their patient’s condition, can affect their health in the wrong run. Empathy is one of the crucial elements that a nurse is supposed to cultivate in their line of work. Empathy helps nurses relate with their patients and those concerned on a human level to cultivate understanding and respect between people. Emotional intelligent people are also approachable due to the positive feeling they reflect(Stanley & Bhuvaneswari, 2016). This feature is important for a nurse. Approachable nurses make patients comfortable and open in a way that contributes to their wellness. Nurses also face moments that patients and their families ridicule their way of operation. Emotional intelligence helps these nurses take such critiques well in a way that does not interfere with the performance of their duties.
References
Ackley, D. (2016). Emotional intelligence: A practical review of models, measures, and applications. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 68(4), 269-286. https://doi.org/10.1037/cpb0000070
Gkonou, C., & Mercer, S. (2017). understanding emotional and social intelligence among English language teachers. http://repository.essex.ac.uk/id/eprint/19060
Peköz, Ç., & Gürşimşek, A. I. (2020). Multicultural attitudes and cultural intelligence of preschool teachers. Journal for Multicultural Education, 14(1), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1108/jme-05-2019-0043
Stanley, S., & Bhuvaneswari, G. M. (2016). Reflective ability, empathy, and emotional intelligence in undergraduate social work students: A cross-sectional study from India. Social Work Education, 35(5), 560-575. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2016.1172563
Swarnalatha, V., & Sekar, S. (2017). A relationship between emotional intelligence and work-life balance professionals – A conceptual perspective. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development, Volume-2(Issue-1), 107-110. https://doi.org/10.31142/ijtsrd5887
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