Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Quality of Nursing Care in Nurses Working in Covid-19 Care Units

Background and Objective: The Covid-19 pandemic is a serious threat to the physical and mental health of people, especially nurses who are responsible for caring for Covid-19 patients. Since emotional intelligence is the most important factor for individual performance, it can reduce the negative effects of stress among nurses. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of emotional intelligence in the quality of nursing care in nurses working in Covid-19 care units. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 nursing personnel in Covid-19 care units working in Jahrom Hospital in 1400, who were selected through the census method. Data were collected by administering the Bar-on emotional intelligence scale, the quality of care nursing scale, and the demographic characteristics questionnaire. Research data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests and inferential statistics in the SPSS software (version 21). Results: The quality of nursing care was at an average level in (50%) of the nurses and at a good level in the other half (49.2%). The average score (315.91±37.09) showed a high level of emotional intelligence in nurses working in the Covid-19 care units. Additionally, the results of this study showed a significant direct relationship between emotional intelligence and the quality of nursing care (r=0.52, P<0.0001). Conclusion: Promotion and improvement of emotional intelligence can help to maintain the mental health of workers in controlling this disease and finally improve the quality of nursing care.