emotional intelligence, nursing students, relationship, geriatric patients

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and control one´s own emotions as well as emotions of other people. Emotional intelligence usage is currently being understood as a fundamental requirement of nursing in care provision to patients. In a research conducted with a group of nursing students (n = 86), we were examining emotional intelligence as an ability and as a trait. We used SIT-EMO (Situational Test of Emotional Understanding) scales in order to find out emotional intelligence as an ability, and SEIS (Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale), measuring emotional intelligence as a trait. In the context of nursing, we were finding out emotional self-efficacy in relation to geriatric patients (ESE-GP). We found out lower levels in social awareness, emotional management and stress management dimensions of the nursing students. Emotional intelligence as an ability of the nursing students can be enhanced through psychological and social trainings.