Emotional intelligence and wellness among employees working in the nursing environment

Abstract

This study’s sought to establish the relationship of emotional intelligence, job characteristics and wellness within the nursing environment. A cross-sectional survey design was used. A random probability sample (N=511; females =96.70%; white =77.10%) was taken from hospitals in three South African provinces. Nurses (enrolled auxiliary (20.50%), enrolled staff (12.30%), registered (49.30%)), unit managers (7.60%), process managers (0.60%) and paramedics (0.20%) were included in the study. They completed the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS), Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and Work Evaluation Scale (WES). The statistical analysis on the variables was conducted by the use of the SPSS and AMOS programs. Descriptive statistics and the Cronbach alpha coefficients for each variables were computed. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) for the variables of emotional intelligence, job characteristics and wellness were conducted. The proposed structural model shows that there are clear paths between job demands and job resources; job demands, emotional intelligence and work wellness; job resources, emotional intelligence and work wellness. The study showed a clear indication that there is a relationship between emotional intelligence, job characteristics and work wellness within a nursing environment.