Effect of Emotional Intelligence Skills Training Program on Psychiatric Nurses' Professional Competence

Abstract

Background: Enhancing emotional intelligence (EI) among nurses who work
with mentally ill patients is vital in their practice, it may improve their
professional competence.
Objective: to assess whether the emotional intelligence skills training could
improve psychiatric nurses' professional competence.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study assessed the effect of emotional
intelligence Skills Training Program (EISTP) on psychiatric nurses'
professional competence at El Mamouraa Mental Health Hospital. 40 nurses
were involved as one intervention group. Pre- and post-training assessments
measured EI and competence using validated tools. The program, delivered
over 10 weeks, included workshops, role-playing, and discussions.
Results: EISTP significantly improved EI and professional competence among
40 female psychiatric nurses. Post-training, significant increases were observed
in emotional perception, management, and utilization, as well as in knowledge,
skills, ethics, and attitudes. A positive correlation between EI and competence
highlights EI's role in enhancing nursing practice. Higher education levels
were associated with greater competence improvements.
Conclusions: EISTP could improve the competence levels of nurses who work
with mentally ill patients. In-service training programs focused on EI should be
developed for nurses to enhance their ability to control and regulate emotions,
reduce burnout, and improve performance levels.