The relationship between nurse manager competency and emotional intelligence

Abstract

Aim: This study explored the relationship between nurse manager competency and emotional intelligence.

Methods: We conducted survey research by administering questionnaires to 248 nurse managers from Eastern Japan; of these, 122 completed questionnaires were valid for analysis. We performed the analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple regression.

Results: A moderate correlation (r=0.453) was found between nurse manager's level of competency and their emotional intelligence. The group with higher level of competency also had higher emotional intelligence. In addition, there were two explanatory variables -emotional intelligence variable (situation response), master's degree- for competencies.

Discussion: Nurse managers are required to respond flexibly to various situations and efficiently administer the team of nurses. Therefore, it is thought that "situational response" influences the competence of nurse managers. It was also suggested that the competence of nurse managers may be influenced by individual attributes such as the presence or absence of a degree (master's degree in nursing) and certification as a Certified Nurse Administrator. These influential factors and their background require additional study.