Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Leadership Skills among Nursing Students: A Cross- Sectional Study

Emotional intelligence is essential for nurses as it allows them to manage their own emotions and those of their patients. This research aims are to examine the effect of emotional intelligence on leadership skills among nursing students at Ibn Sina College/Nablus University. A cross-sectional study design, with convenient sample consisting of nursing students (N=134) from various levels of the program. The data was gathered at 1-3-2023 till 1-4-2023 by using an online self-administered questionnaire consisted of three parts: demographic data, emotional intelligence and leadership skills. The Pearson Correlation test was used for bivariate analysis. Independent t test and ANOVA was used to compare the means of more two groups, and regression analysis was used to assess the association between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables. The average emotional intelligence and leadership skills scores of nursing students were 3.154 and 4.030, respectively. A positive and substantial correlation (r = 0.352, P = < 0.001) was discovered by correlation analysis between EI and LS, highlighting the predictive function of EI in leadership. This relationship was validated by linear regression, which showed that certain EI categories (self-control, emotionality, and sociability) predicted leadership traits. Notably, participants' scores on "Sociability" were lower and their scores on "Encourage the Heart" greater. While variances depending on age and residence were emphasized, demographic investigation did not reveal any significant differences in EI ratings based on gender or program. Nurses with high emotional intelligence and leadership abilities are better able to offer quality care to patients, manage teams, and navigate complicated healthcare systems.