A cross-sectional study of emotional intelligence in baccalaureate nursing students

Emotional intelligence (EI) has been identified as a set of competencies necessary for workplace success. EI is deemed essential for effective nursing practice, yet little research has been done in nursing. The purpose of this study was to describe the EI scores of baccalaureate nursing students and to determine if there was a difference among the students across the four years of the program. A cross-sectional design was used to examine the EI scores of 100 female nursing students (25 in each of the four years). Students completed the BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory Short (EQ-i:S), a 51-item self-report questionnaire that includes scores for a total EQ and 5 subscales. Undergraduate nursing students in each of the four years of the program had EI scores within the emotionally and socially effective functioning capacity, identifying them as being able to establish satisfying interpersonal relationships, and work well under pressure. The difference in total EQ scores between students in Year 1 and Year 4 was statistically significant (p= or <.05) as were the scores in the interpersonal and the stress management subscales (p= or <.05) with students in Year 4 scoring higher than those in Year 1. Implications for nursing education are discussed.