Kristina Zimmermann
HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center, USA
Title: The Relationship between Nurse Leader Emotional Intelligence and Executive Leadership Performance
Biography
Biography: Kristina Zimmermann
Abstract
Purpose/Aims: The purpose of this study will be to explore relationships between nurse leaders’ emotional intelligence, personal and professional characteristics, and executive leadership performance. Findings may be used to refine nurse leader recruitment protocols, leadership development, and succession planning within complex, culturally diverse healthcare organizations. This study aims to explore relationships between nurse leaders’ emotional intelligence, personal and professional characteristics, and executive leadership performance (employee turnover, employee engagement, and patient satisfaction). Study results may enable nurse leaders to leverage EI to decrease turnover, increase employee engagement, and increase patient satisfaction. Research Questions: (1) What are the relationships between the nurse leader personal and professional characteristics and emotional intelligence scores? (2) What are the relationships between nurse leadership performance measures and emotional intelligence scores? (3) Are there differences in nurse leader performance measures by level of emotional intelligence?Significance: Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, manage one’s emotions, and influence the emotions of others. The impact of EI on employee turnover, employee engagement, and patient satisfaction within a complex culturally diverse healthcare environment has not been examined. The extent and awareness of EI may have a significant influence on the challenges that leaders manage, including the need to retain staff, keep employees engaged, all while ensuring that patients receive the care they deserve. By becoming aware of one’s EI, nurse leaders can explore how situational awareness may lead to improved leadership performance. Methods: This study will use a descriptive cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of up to 200 nurse leaders, employed by a 5-hospital health system in Arizona, will be included.