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A reflective framework to foster emotionally intelligent leadership in nursing
Author(s) -
Heckemann Birgit,
Schols Jos M.G.A,
Halfens Ruud J.G.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/jonm.12204
Subject(s) - emotional intelligence , psychology , cinahl , context (archaeology) , nursing management , nursing , feeling , nursing literature , interpersonal communication , applied psychology , medicine , social psychology , psychological intervention , paleontology , alternative medicine , pathology , biology
Aim To propose a reflective framework based on the perspective of emotional intelligence ( EI ) in nurse leadership literature. Background Emotional intelligence is a self‐development construct aimed at enhancing the management of feelings and interpersonal relationships, which has become increasingly popular in nurse leadership. Reflection is an established means to foster learning. Integrating those aspects of emotional intelligence pertinent to nurse leadership into a reflective framework might support the development of nurse leadership in a practical context. Method A sample of 22 articles, retrieved via electronic databases ( O vid/ M edline, BNI , psyc A rticles, Z etoc and CINAHL ) and published between J anuary 1996 and A pril 2009, was analysed in a qualitative descriptive content analysis. Result Three dimensions that characterise emotional intelligence leadership in the context of nursing – the nurse leader as a ‘socio‐cultural architect’, as a ‘responsive carer’ and as a ‘strategic visionary’ – emerged from the analysis. To enable practical application, these dimensions were contextualised into a reflective framework. Conclusion Emotional intelligence skills are regarded as essential for establishing empowering work environments in nursing. A reflective framework might aid the translation of emotional intelligence into a real‐world context. Implications for nursing practice The proposed framework may supplement learning about emotional intelligence skills and aid the integration of emotional intelligence in a clinical environment.