Emotional Intelligence, Caring, and Generational Differences in Nurses

Abstract

Evidence that nurses’ interactions with hospitalized patients lack expressive caring invites questions about the workforce providing care and the specific skill sets required to provide emotional care effectively. As discussion of care protocols and other means to evaluate caring outcomes are developed, specific skills that support such outcomes need to be identified. This study examined the multigenerational nature of the current nursing workforce by exploring one set of abilities essential for caring, those of emotional intelligence. Despite stereotypes to the contrary, study findings indicated no difference in measured emotional intelligence abilities among the study generational cohorts.

Emotional intelligence levels in baccalaureate-prepared early career registered nurses

“…The present study findings were supported by findings of similar studies that found no association between EI and years of professional nursing practice[3738] and in contrast to findings by Benson et al . [39] who reported EI was associated with years of professional nursing experience.…”

“…[444546] In contrast, no significant differences were found between male and female nurses in a study of EI in 98 mental health nurses[47] and in a study on EI, caring, and generational differences in 442 clinical nurses employed on various units in acute care. [37]…”

Workplace‐related generational characteristics of nurses: A mixed‐method systematic review

“…The response rate in the quantitative studies ranged from 20% (Brunetto, Farr‐Wharton, & Shacklock, ) to 68% (Santos & Cox, ): 16 reported a response rate <50%, while six did not indicate the response rate (Codier, Freel, Kamikawa, & Morrison, ; Santos & Cox, ; Santos et al., ; Sparks, ; Thompson, ; Wakim, ).…”

Certified Nursing Assistants’ Perceptions And Generational Differences

“…Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, are frequently referred to as "latch-key kids," as their parents were the workaholics. Gen Xers are thought to refrain from giving respect based on cultural symbols such as titles, age or seniority; respect must be earned by demonstrated expertise (Codier et al, 2011). Millennials, born between 1980 and 2000, grew up in a world with massive information at their fingertips.…”