Emotional Intelligence, Perceived Stress, Coping Strategies and Burnout in High Stress Nursing Job Types

This quantitative, correlative study examined the relationships between emotional intelligence (EI), burnout, perceived stress, coping strategy approaches, and dimensions of burnout in nurses According to many in the healthcare industry, the U.S. is facing a potential nursing crisis by 2030. Research has indicated that inadequate staffing leads to heavier workloads that contribute to higher rates of injuries, medical errors, absenteeism, financial loss, stress, and job burnout in nurses. Studies have also indicated that emotional intelligence can alleviate perceived stress and burnout in nurses that reduce nursing injuries, medical errors, absenteeism that manifests as financial losses for the overall healthcare industry. This study examined these variables utilizing the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Brief COPE Inventory. The sample consisted of 98 licensed nurses employed in seven high-stress job types in the Los Angeles County area. Bivariate analyses revealed a significant correlation between emotional intelligence and overall burnout r (96) = -.68, p <.001, perceived stress r (96) = -.31, p =.002. There was no relationship between coping strategy approaches. Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed that emotional intelligence could lower the burnout dimensions of emotional exhaustion r (96) = -.63, p <.001 and personal achievement r (96) = -.59, p <.001 levels. Emotional intelligence did not predict depersonalization levels. This researcher recommends that emotional intelligence training be implemented throughout the nursing community.