Unearthing Predictors of Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, and Work Engagement Impacting Acute Care Nursing

Abstract

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI), empathy, and work engagement (WE) influence nursing performance and patient outcomes in acute care settings. This study examined EI, empathy, and WE predictors among nurses in these environments. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 264 nurses recruited from three acute care hospitals. Participants completed the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17), the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ), and the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS). Multiple linear regression analyses identified predictors for each variable. Results: Age, sex, education level, perceived empathy, and work engagement significantly predicted EI (p < .05). Work engagement, perceived EI, and hospital site were significant predictors of empathy (p < .05). Finally, EI, empathy, education level, and hospital site significantly predicted WE (p < .05). Conclusion: Emotional intelligence, empathy, and work engagement are interconnected and influenced by individual and organizational factors. Nursing leadership should develop targeted interventions to enhance these traits, promoting better clinical performance and patient care outcomes in acute care settings.