Emotionally intelligent nurse leadership: a literature review study.
OBJECTIVE
To establish a synthesis of the literature on the theoretical and empirical basis of emotional intelligence and it's linkage to nurse leadership, focusing on subjective well-being and professional development.


BACKGROUND
Emotional intelligence has been acknowledged in the literature as supporting nurse leadership that fosters a healthy work environment, creating inspiring relationships based on mutual trust. Nurse leaders who exhibit characteristics of emotional intelligence enhance organizational, staff and patient outcomes.


METHODS
A literature search was undertaken using international data bases covering the period January 1997 to December 2007. Eighteen articles were included in this integrative review and were thoroughly reviewed by both authors.


RESULTS
Emotional intelligence was associated with positive empowerment processes as well as positive organizational outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Emotionally intelligent nurse leadership characterized by self-awareness and supervisory skills highlights positive empowerment processes, creating a favourable work climate characterized by resilience, innovation and change.


CONCLUSIONS
Emotional intelligence cannot be considered a general panacea, but it may offer new ways of thinking and being for nurse leaders, as it takes the intelligence of feelings more seriously by continually reflecting, evaluating and improving leadership and supervisory skills.
Department of Health Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway. kristin.akerjordet@uis.no
Kristin
K
Akerjordet
Elisabeth
E
Severinsson
D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D007857:Leadership; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D014481:United States