Nursing Leaders' Emotional Intelligence and Nursing Practice Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly recognized as a vital nursing leadership competency, significantly impacting staff well-being and patient safety. However, empirical evidence quantifying this dynamic in Mardan District, Pakistan, remains limited. Aims: This study investigated the relationship between nursing leaders' EI and key practice outcomes—specifically job satisfaction, burnout, medication errors, and clinical adherence—across public and private hospitals in Mardan District. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational design was utilized. The sample comprised 235 participants (39 nursing leaders and 196 staff nurses) across six hospitals. Assessments included the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale (MMSS), Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), and a custom clinical outcomes tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and stepwise multiple linear regression, via SPSS Version 26. Results: Nursing leaders demonstrated a high average EI (M = 4.35, SD = 0.85). Leader EI correlated positively with staff job satisfaction (r = .42, p < .01) and clinical adherence (r = .35, p < .01), while correlating negatively with burnout (r = −.38, p < .01) and medication errors (r = −.31, p < .01). Furthermore, units managed by high-EI leaders reported significantly fewer medication errors and superior hand hygiene compliance (p < .001). Empathy (β = .31) and self-regulation (β = .27) emerged as the strongest predictors of clinical adherence (R² = .38). Conclusion: Elevated nursing leader EI is significantly associated with improved staff outcomes and patient safety. Implementing targeted EI training programs for nursing leadership in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing empathy and emotional regulation, is strongly recommended.