What's Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence and reflective practice are integral components of building a therapeutic relationship in nursing

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, control and analyse emotions. Some researchers suggest that emotional intelligence can be learned and bound. Reflective practice is a process by which one can stop and think about one’s practice, knowingly analyse decision making and use theory which are appropriate. The therapeutic relationship refers to the relationship between a healthcare professional and a client. This relationship is central to the client's concerned with approach to health care, and will show some of the skills that are developed by the medical practitioner, to enhance therapeutic relationship. Nursing is the art of caring, promoting, and optimizing of health and abilities, prevention of illness and suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and acts as advocator to individuals, families, communities, and populations. Thus, emotional intelligence and reflective practice are important components for building a therapeutic relationship.

Therapeutic relationship in nursing can be built through emotional intelligence which means how can nurses potential for mastering the skills of Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management translates into on-the-job success. In nursing, it is important to understand client’s emotions in order to provide the needed health care. This will help clients to open up with one’s own health issues. In all health care system the health care professionals should put one’s self in client’s shoes. This will help the nurse-patient relationship to be more effective. This will enhance the clients to provide...

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