Relationship of Emotional Intelligence and Passion to Decision-making in Surgical Nurses

Abstract

Purpose: This original study aimed to examine the relationship of emotional intelligence and passion to decision-making in surgical nurses. Design: It is a descriptive, relational study. Methods: This study was conducted with 166 surgical nurses. Data for the study were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, Passion Scale, Emotional Intelligence Scale, and Nurse Decision-Making Scale. Findings: The decision-making level of 85.6% of the surgical nurses was found to be at the third level. There was a 0.265 U increase in decision-making score for a 1 U increase in nursing experience. A 1 U increase in the standard deviation of the Emotional Intelligence Scale increased the standard deviation of the Nursing Decision-Making Scale by 0.322 U, and a 1 U increase in the standard deviation of the Passion Scale increased the standard deviation of the Nursing Decision-Making Scale by 0.268 U. Conclusions: Surgical nurses' passion, emotional intelligence, and decision-making levels were found to be high. A positive relationship was also found between the passion and emotional intelligence levels of surgical nurses and their decision-making. Decision-making is crucial in nursing, particularly in the surgical setting where passion and emotional intelligence play a significant role. This study highlights how passion, associated with professional growth and emotional intelligence and empathy and situational awareness, influence surgical nurses' decision-making processes. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.