Cent Eur J Nurs Midw 2025, 16(1):2127-2144 | DOI: 10.15452/cejnm.2025.16.0007

Insights into the role of emotional intelligence in nursing leadership

Rosana Svetic Cisic1, Fataneh Ghadirian2, Foroozan Atashzadeh-Shoorideh2, Boris Miethlich3, Snjezana Gacina4
1 Consultecca, Independent Researcher, Zagreb, Croatia
2 Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Management, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences School of Medicine, Teheran, Iran
3 Department of Business Studies, IIC University of Technology, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
4 Vuk Vrhovac University Clinic for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia

Aim: Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly recognized as an essential competency in nursing leadership. This study explores how EI shapes the fundamental components of nursing leadership and its impact on healthcare outcomes.

Design: The study is classified as qualitative research.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed using databases including EBSCO, Google Scholar, OVID, and Web of Science. Studies published in English between 2017 and 2022 were screened against predefined inclusion criteria. Thirty-three peer-reviewed articles were selected and subjected to contextual and thematic analysis. This qualitative approach allowed synthesis of recurring themes and insights into the influence of EI on nursing leadership and practice.

Results: Emotional intelligence significantly impacts nursing leadership by improving patient outcomes, fostering teamwork, enhancing communication, and supporting quality care. Nurses with high EI nurses exhibit empathy, resilience, and positivity, contributing to stronger team dynamics, reduced turnover, and increased cohesion. Leaders with elevated EI levels earn trust, build respectful relationships, and inspire commitment. Moreover, EI reduces burnout, enhances job satisfaction, and ensures consistent quality control in nursing management.

Conclusion:  Emotional intelligence is fundamental to effective nursing leadership and has a positive impact on staff retention, satisfaction, and quality of care. Incorporating EI training into nursing education and recruitment is vital for sustaining nursing leadership excellence and optimizing healthcare outcomes.

Keywords: emotional intelligence, leadership, nursing

Received: June 14, 2024; Revised: February 16, 2025; Accepted: February 16, 2025; Published: March 6, 2025  Show citation

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Svetic Cisic R, Ghadirian F, Atashzadeh-Shoorideh F, Miethlich B, Gacina S. Insights into the role of emotional intelligence in nursing leadership. Central European Journal of Nursing and Midwifery. 2025;16(1):2127-2144. doi: 10.15452/cejnm.2025.16.0007.
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