Does the level of emotional intelligence affect the degree of success in nursing studies?

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) reflects the general capacity to comprehend emotions (in ourselves and in others), to regulate emotions, and to cope effectively with emotional situations. The study program in nursing is varied, and includes theoretical and practical aspects, but teaching EI is not part of the core curriculum. We argue that teaching EI should not only be included in the curriculum, but that EI tests should be included in the admissions process. Objective: This study reviews the relationship between EI level and the degree of success in nursing studies, and its importance. Participants: A convenience sample of 110 academic nursing students was examined. Methods: Three data collection methods were employed: 1) A socio-demographic questionnaire; 2) Schutte Self-Report Inventory (SSRI); 3) Psychometric scores and grade transcripts. Results: A positive correlation between the level of EI and the degree of success in nursing studies among nursing students was found. EI levels improved during the second year of learning. Among nursing students, the annual average grade was related to emotional intelligence rather than psychometric scores at the time of admission. Conclusion: There is a need to increase the importance of EI in the terms of nursing student's admission and basic nursing curriculums.