The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Nurse–Nurse Collaboration

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and nurse–nurse collaboration among registered nurses in Jordan.DesignThis study used a cross‐sectional, quantitative survey design to query 342 nurses who worked in two hospitals in Jordan.MethodsWe used Arabic versions of valid, reliable instruments to measure emotional intelligence and nurse–nurse communication.FindingsA total of 311 questionnaires were returned (91% response rate). Nurses’ emotional intelligence was positively and significantly correlated with the nurse–nurse collaboration subscales. The results also indicated a statistically significant mean difference in communication subscale scores by gender and nursing unit.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that nurse–nurse collaboration is linked to benefits for nurses in terms of improved job satisfaction, better nurse retention, improved quality of patient care, and enhanced healthcare efficiency and productivity. This suggests that improving nurse–nurse collaboration may have spillover effects of benefits, not only for nurses but for patients, organizations, and the overall healthcare system.Clinical RelevanceBuilding an environment that encourages collaboration among nurses can greatly impact the performance of nurses and its benefit to nurses. Encouraging employees to participate in activities and to collaborate in making this an integral part of their evaluation will contribute to improving the teamwork in patient care.