Emotional Intelligence in Health and Social Care

As health care providers, we must possess the disciplinary-specific knowledge that allows us to expertly care for patients and families. However, clinical intelligence is no longer the only intelligence we must possess. Over the past several decades, the concept of emotional intelligence—the ability to monitor one’s own feelings as well as the feelings of others and to use this knowledge to guide one’s thinking and actions—has become increasingly applied to the health care arena. As we work to create healthier work environments, our ability to collaborate, effectively communicate, and provide authentic leadership are of paramount importance. Having a good understanding of how emotional intelligence is at the heart of many of these issues is essential. This book offers a practical approach for developing individual professionals’ competence as they strive to work more closely as a team. CCN