Emotional Intelligence for Nurses and Midwives

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Intelligence is not limited to the knowledge of facts and the ability to think with sound logic. It also includes our capacity to recognize our own emotions and those of others. We should be able to differentiate between various feelings and manage our emotions to adapt to our environment. Once we master ourselves, we can get into a better position to achieve our goals. This mastery is referred to as Emotional Intelligence or EI. The measure of it is called Emotional Intelligence Quotient or EQ. These terms are often used interchangeably.

How EQ Manifests in the Healthcare Environment

Emotional intelligence can be seen at work in various situations within health care environments. After all, hospitals can be a place of great stress. Emotions can run high. For instance, you can see it in the interactions between the staff and the patients. It is also apparent when difficult news needs to be delivered to patients and their families. Members of a team often have to control their emotions and work together to achieve their goals. Doctors, nurses, and lab technicians have to handle the stress of their jobs and avoid making serious mistakes. They have to juggle all their responsibilities without burning out.

EQ and Patient Outcomes

According to research, EQ is one of the things that separate the most successful medical organizations from the rest. Good emotional intelligence can have several positive effects on the physician-patient relationship. The two can work together better towards rapid recovery. Doctors look for creative solutions and patients adhere to all the directions given to them.

There is also increased empathy among all parties. Individuals can appreciate the difficulties being faced by those around them so they exercise more patience and understanding. It’s a less stressful environment, as people are nicer towards one another. Even when some aren’t being agreeable, feelings are controlled so it doesn’t affect them.

The value of effective communication is understood as well. With higher EQ comes increased communication, which ensures that all the parties are on the same page throughout the treatment process. Nagging questions are answered right away. They don’t fester or leave any doubts.

Leaders are effective in their roles. They are able to say what their teams need to hear so that everyone can move with purpose. Any hurdles faced are quickly discussed to find solutions. As a result, physicians and nurses are happy with their careers. They like coming to work and it shows in the way that they conduct themselves.

What’s in it for you?

• Understand the social neuroscience of emotions and EQ.
• Expand your knowledge of emotional patterns in yourself and others.
• Learn how to read body language and facial expressions.
• Understand how different cultures respond to and display emotions.
• Build more effective relationships with and outside of the workplace.
• Know how to influence others and become an inspiring leader.
• Learn tools to lead and motivate others to create a high performing team.
• Manage stress, overcome challenging situations and defuse conflict.

The 5 Components of Emotional Intelligence

Being a professional is not just meeting deadlines and spreadsheets. Building a cohesive team or acquiring that next client requires a human element. To go that extra step, you need the emotional intelligence to back you up. If we were to make things simple for you and sum up emotional intelligence to five components it would be:

1.Self-awareness

It’s to be aware of yourself and understanding what shortcomings you have as a person. You are able to recognise the effect you have on others and you are open to constructive criticism.

2. Self-regulation

Having the ability to express your emotions and control how you express them is underrated. Self-regulation means you can identify your emotions and communicate them constructively. You are calm in chaotic situations and can influence others positively.

3. Motivation

Emotionally intelligent people are naturally self-motivated, and have a higher threshold for disappointments and failure.

4. Empathy

It’s knowing the difference between listening to another’s story and actually putting yourself in their shoes to feel compassionate.

5. Social Skills

Emotional intelligence is key to good interaction with other people. People with high EQ exhibit great interpersonal skills and find it easy to maintain strong relationships.

These five components are essential to emotional intelligence and without empathy for others, you are still at a loss with your company in the long-run.

When does the course run?

As soon as you buy the access, you can start right away. With the course being 100% online, you can access the lessons whenever and wherever you want. You will have one month to complete the full course (approx. 8 hrs), so you can learn at your own pace.