Workplace Violence and Emotional Intelligence among Nursing Professionals at a National Hospital in Northern Peru

Abstract

Introduction: Workplace violence is identified as a growing challenge in the healthcare sector, negatively impacting both nursing professionals and the quality of patient care. In this context, emotional intelligence emerges as a key tool for mitigating the effects of workplace violence, facilitating effective stress management, and enhancing interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Method: The study employed a quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 183 nurses from a National Hospital in Chiclayo, Peru, selected through probabilistic sampling. Two instruments were used: the EVP-health questionnaire to assess workplace violence and the TMMS-24 scale to measure emotional intelligence. Results: Findings indicate that 45.3% of respondents experienced a high level of workplace violence, while 61.8% showed a low level of emotional intelligence. Additionally, a negative correlation between workplace violence and emotional intelligence was found, demonstrating that high levels of violence are associated with low levels of emotional intelligence. Conclusions: The study concludes that enhancing emotional intelligence in nurses could be crucial in reducing workplace violence in healthcare settings. The implementation of emotional intelligence training programs for healthcare staff is suggested, not only to improve the work environment but also to enhance the quality of care provided to patients. The research highlights the need to address these aspects to promote a safer and more efficient work environment in the healthcare sector.