Emotional Intelligence toward Nurse Managers Competency; A Systematic Review

Abstract

Emotional intelligence is increasingly recognized as a vital competency in healthcare leadership, especially for nurse managers operating in emotionally complex clinical environments. These professionals must balance clinical duties, staff supervision, organizational demands, and patient-centered care tasks that require strong emotional regulation and interpersonal skills. Despite growing attention to emotional intelligence in nursing leadership, existing evidence on its determinants and influence on managerial competency remains fragmented. This systematic review aimed to synthesize empirical research on the prevalence, determinants, and outcomes of emotional intelligence among nurse managers, with a focus on its impact on leadership effectiveness, managerial competency, and organizational outcomes. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, peer-reviewed studies were identified across multiple databases. Eligible studies included various research designs that examined emotional intelligence in relation to leadership performance, job outcomes, organizational factors, or professional well-being. Due to methodological diversity, findings were synthesized narratively. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria. Emotional intelligence levels among nurse managers were generally moderate to high and were shaped by individual, organizational, and contextual factors. A consistent positive association was found between emotional intelligence and leadership competency, communication, job performance, organizational commitment, and reduced burnout. Key determinants included leadership experience, organizational culture, and emotional intelligence training. Additionally, emotionally intelligent nurse managers demonstrated better decision-making, staff engagement, and care quality. The review concludes that emotional intelligence is a foundational element of effective nurse management. It enhances leadership capacity, promotes workforce stability, and improves organizational effectiveness. Integrating emotional intelligence into leadership development, performance evaluations, and policy frameworks is essential for advancing sustainable, high-quality healthcare delivery.