What defines "emotional intelligence" in the nursing profession?

Emotional intelligence in the nursing profession is primarily defined as the capacity to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This skill is crucial for nurses because it enables them to build strong relationships with patients, understand their emotional needs, and respond effectively to their situations. Managing one’s emotions helps nurses maintain professionalism in stressful environments, communicate empathetically, and provide holistic care that addresses both physical and emotional health.

Understanding and regulating emotions allows nurses to navigate challenging interactions, de-escalate tense situations, and provide support to patients and their families, fostering a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. This aspect of emotional intelligence contributes to better patient outcomes, increased job satisfaction, and improved teamwork in healthcare settings.

The other options focus on unrelated skills or mindsets that do not align with the core principle of emotional intelligence. Memorizing clinical guidelines pertains to cognitive skills required for clinical practice but does not inherently address emotional awareness. Prioritizing tasks at the expense of patient relationships indicates a lack of emotional engagement, which is counterproductive in nursing. Lastly, being resistant to feedback signifies an inability or unwillingness to reflect on one’s emotions and behaviors, which is contrary to the growth that comes with high emotional intelligence.