Emotional intelligence in nursing - Assignment Example

Emotional intelligence in nursing By Lecturer and number Emotional intelligence allows a nurse to monitor his/her own emotions as well as the emotions of the patients. For a mental health nurse, emotional intelligence plays an important role. First, it allows the nurse understand the emotions of the patient, thereby facilitating the building of a good relationship with the patient (McQueen, 2004 p. 105). This allows the nurse and the patient exchange information, making it possible for the nurse to provide the necessary support to the patient.

For a mental health nurse, there is the need to build a trusting relationship with the patient quickly. Secondly, emotional intelligence is associated with calm disposition, an important trait in dealing with mentally unstable people. Through emotional intelligence, a nurse is able to maintain relative calmness and steadiness of the mind thereby offering the necessary help to the patient. Finally, through emotional intelligence, nurses are able to work well in teams with fellow nurses and other healthcare professionals (McQueen, 2004 p. 105). Through such collaboration, nurses are able to provide relevant help to the patients by obtaining relevant help from other professionals.

A mental health nurse can improve his/her emotional intelligence by reducing his/her negative emotions so that they do not end up overwhelming him (McQueen, 2004 p. 106). This aspect of self-regulation becomes an important skill when dealing with patients. Secondly, students need to connect with others emotionally at all times, socially through non-verbal communication. This is one strategy of trying to understand others thereby building lasting relationships with them. Thirdly, students need to remain connected with others in situations that might appear challenging (McQueen, 2004 p. 106). For instance, a student might use humor to maintain relationships with others in situations that are challenging.

Finally, students need to exercise peaceful problem solving without hurting the other party. This also involves airing ones views and expressing emotions in a controlled manner. Bibliography McQueen, A. (2004). Emotional intelligence in nursing work. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 47(1), pp.101-108.