Emotional intelligence in mental health nurses talking about practice

The aim of this study was to explore mental health nurses' experiences of emotional intelligence (EI) in their nursing practice by means of qualitative interviews. The interview questions where developed from the literature on EI. This study used a hermeneutic analysis. Four main themes emerged: relationship with the patient; the substance of supervision; motivation; and responsibility. It was concluded that EI stimulates the search for a deeper understanding of a professional mental health nursing identity. Emotional learning and maturation processes are central to professional competence, that is, personal growth and development. In addition, the moral character of the mental health nurse in relation to clinical practice is of importance. The findings imply multiple types of intelligence related to nursing science as well as further research possibilities within the area of EI.