Effect of Emotional Intelligence Skills Training Program on Psychiatric Nurses' Professional Competence

Background: Enhancing emotional intelligence (EI) among nurses who workwith mentally ill patients is vital in their practice, it may improve theirprofessional competence.Objective: to assess whether the emotional intelligence skills training couldimprove psychiatric nurses' professional competence.Methods: This quasi-experimental study assessed the effect of emotionalintelligence Skills Training Program (EISTP) on psychiatric nurses'professional competence at El Mamouraa Mental Health Hospital. 40 nurseswere involved as one intervention group. Pre- and post-training assessmentsmeasured EI and competence using validated tools. The program, deliveredover 10 weeks, included workshops, role-playing, and discussions.Results: EISTPsignificantly improved EI and professional competence among40 female psychiatric nurses. Post-training, significant increases were observedin emotional perception, management, and utilization, as well as in knowledge,skills, ethics, and attitudes. A positive correlation between EI and competencehighlights EI's role in enhancing nursing practice. Higher education levelswere associated with greater competence improvements.Conclusions: EISTP could improve the competence levels of nurses who workwith mentally ill patients. In-service training programs focused on EI should bedeveloped for nurses to enhance their ability to control and regulate emotions,reduce burnout, and improve performance levels.