The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence, Moral distress and Work Engagement as perceived by critical care Nurses

Abstract

Nurses are crucial players in the provision of healthcare, within this milieu, critical care nurses faces many stressors, conflicts, and ethical dilemmas escalating moral distress which require great ability of emotional intelligence that strengthen nurses coping and exalt work engagement. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence, moral distress, and work engagement among critical care nurses. Methods: A descriptive correlational research design was utilized. The current study was carried out in three University Hospitals at Alexandria. The participants in this study encompassed all critical care nurses (n= 250) who were working in critical care units at previous mentioned settings. Three tools were utilized in this study namely; Moral Distress Scale Revised (MDS-R), Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. The validity of data collection tools was done and reliability was found out using Cronbach's alpha correlation coefficient method. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaire. Study data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and support with the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 20. The main finding shows low level of emotional intelligence, high degree of moral distress, moderate work engagement among nurses. There is a highly statistical significant negative correlation between moral distress and overall emotional intelligence as well as its sub dimensions. Also, there is a highly statistical significant negative correlation between moral distress and overall work engagement and its sub dimension. In addition to, highly significant positive correlation between overall emotional intelligence and work engagement as well as their sub dimensions. The study recommended that top authority should provide positive, supportive and resourceful work environments, storytelling and group gatherings to share and discuss ethical and clinical situations, develop in-service training on emotional intelligence.