ABSTRACT
The levels of burnout nurses experience continue to increase with resultant negative impacts on the nursing work environment, patient outcomes, and the retention of qualified nurses. Nurse leaders are essential in developing and fostering positive work environments that retain an empowered and motivated workforce. Research indicates that positive and relational leadership styles can improve nurses' job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and retention while concurrently reducing emotional exhaustion and burnout.
Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , Nursing Staff, Hospital , Burnout, Professional/prevention & control , Humans , Job Satisfaction , Leadership , Nursing Staff, Hospital/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Workplace/psychologyABSTRACT
AIMS: The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between emotional intelligence (EI) and preferred conflict-handling styles of registered nurses. BACKGROUND: Conflict cannot be eliminated from the workplace therefore learning appropriate conflict-handling skills is important. METHODS: Ninety-four registered nurses working in three south Mississippi healthcare facilities participated in this quantitative study. Ninety-two valid sets of data instruments were collected for this study. RESULTS: Higher levels of EI positively correlated with collaborating and negatively with accommodating. CONCLUSIONS: The issue of occupational stress and conflict among nurses is a major concern. It is imperative nurses learn how to effectively handle conflict in the work environment. Developing the competencies of EI and understanding how to effectively handle conflict is necessary for nurses working in a highly stressful occupation. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Effective leadership management includes conflict management and collaboration. The art of relationship management is necessary when handling other people's emotions. When conflict is approached with high levels of EI, it creates an opportunity for learning effective interpersonal skills. Understanding how EI levels and conflict skills correlate can be used to improve interpersonal relationships in a healthcare facility.
