Evaluation of executive nurses within the framework of emotional intelligence and leadership competence model: A mixed method study

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of nurse managers regarding emotional intelligence and the importance of emotional intelligence in nurse manager leadership. Method: Mixed design was used in the study. The qualitative dimension was carried out with the "Semi-Structured Form" in phenomenological design with individual in-depth interviews with executive nurses. In the quantitative dimension, nurses were asked to fill out the "Emotional Intelligence Assessment Scale". The data were collected with volunteer first-level executive nurses (n=20) and nurses (n=207) working at Kütahya Evliya Çelebi Training and Research Hospital between January 2023 and April 2023. The qualitative data of the study were based on inductive and deductive analysis in the MAXQDA 2022 program, and number, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used in the analysis of quantitative data. Findings: The findings obtained in the qualitative phase; four main themes were identified under the titles of "definition of emotional intelligence", "emotional intelligence and leadership competencies of nurse managers", "contributions of using emotional intelligence" and "development of emotional intelligence". In the quantitative stage, it was found that the emotional intelligence score (147.34±22.12) perceived by the nurses in the nurse managers was normal. Conclusion: In this study, it was found that nurse managers tried to provide a positive working environment by using their emotional intelligence and leadership competencies. These competencies can be used in creating the content of training programs for nurse managers, determining selection criteria and performance evaluation. Key words: Nurse manager, nurse, emotional intelligence, mixed design, competence, leadership