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Why is emotional intelligence just as important as clinical skills in nursing, and how can I start developing it now? #Spring25

I used to think nursing was all about knowing the right procedures, but the more I learn, the more I realize it's the emotional moments that define the job, the moments when a patient is terrified, a family feels hopeless, or a child just needs someone to hold their hand. Clinical skills can heal a body, but emotional intelligence can heal a heart. I don't want to walk into my career only half-prepared; I want to be ready for the human side of nursing, the side no textbook can teach. That’s why I’m asking this specific question because every patient deserves a nurse who sees them, not just their chart.

nursing spring25 healthcare registered-nurses hospital-and-health-care healing
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Dianna’s Answer

As much as it is important to be knowledgeable in medical field, having emotional intelligence is having the ability to understand a patient’s needs without coming across as a robot, or rude. Sometimes being book smart isn’t enough. You have to be able know when something applies to book situation and when something is an out of the box situation. Not everything is going to be easy, which is why you have to ask a lot of questions to see what applies and what doesn’t apply. Even to look into if the details of a diagnosis actually applies, or if it was a misdiagnosis by the doctor. That will help save a lot of patients. Which is why using both intelligence is important.
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Otilia’s Answer

Emotional Intelligence is important in any job and relationship. I invested a lot of time and learning to improve my EI and would continue investing all my life if needed. The results are impressive: It helped me to become a better leader, a better friend and partner, a better mother and wife. The best part is that I am teaching everyone around to value EI, learn and practice it. No doubts it's a game changer.
I am not a medical specialist, however from a patient perspective can tell that I always appreciated empathic nurses and doctors. The reality in my country is that it's difficult to find one and once found, he/she becomes your trusted specialist. I think EI for nurses means to be in control of the situation by offering emotional support, empathy, by being active listener, ensure effective communication and lower the stress level. Start with using any opportunity to learn about EI and practice it daily.
Some links and webinars to help you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj3LVTYUFrQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKFOVWBTAAM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5l4LFy1OSo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oftwCbgf2Jc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF3TDhaGYj0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6_J7FfgWVc
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Evangeline’s Answer

This is actually the same reason so many ethics, philosophy, and psychology classes are recommended for premeds and other healthcare fields. You could take a class, but you're right that theory and application are very different. To practice empathy, try volunteering. You can also add this to your applications when applying for jobs and nursing school. A nursing home could be a good option to get experience with people who have actual health issues and may need the kind of help you'll need to do in a clinical setting. You could also try tutoring or helping young kids with homework. This will get you used to dealing with kids who, let's be honest, if you have no experience with them, can be surprising when you start working with them. Another option is to go straight to the source and volunteer at an actual hospital. This is probably your best bet and will look amazing on your applications. It could lead to letters of recommendation. and it will give you the emotional skill practice that you desire.
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