Emotional intelligence and work performance in nurses: A cross-sectional study conducted in three hospitals in Mount Lebanon

Introduction: Emotional intelligence (EI) has been shown to be an important predictor of nurses’ effective performance in health care settings, enabling them to acquire new EI-related skills that are necessary for performing their professional tasks. This study examines the relationship between the dimensions of EI and the professional performance of Lebanese nurses.

Methods: A convenience sample of 100 nurses was selected. Nurses completed the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) and the 6-SDNP, which assesses performance. Results: Statistically significant moderate and high positive correlations were observed between the EI dimensions and the various dimensions of professional performance. Discussion: Emotionally competent nurses are able to self-regulate and manage their emotions, recognize their own emotional state and that of others, and react quickly in an appropriate and balanced manner. These emotional skills enable them to provide empathic care and high-quality support to patients, families, and colleagues. These aspects of EI are considered key components that should be addressed in the training of health care professionals.