Emotional intelligence in the critical care unit

Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and use emotions in oneself and others to enhance communication, empathy, conflict management, and social interactions. Originally introduced by Salovey and Mayer in 1990, the fundamental principles of EI were further developed by Goleman and expanded to include the following five key components: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills that can be learned, measured, and further developed. This article explores the application of EI in the critical care nursing environment, highlighting its potential to influence wellness, communication, collaboration, and safety, thereby supporting resilience, empathy, and professional excellence in high-pressure settings.