Effect of Nursing Intervention on Emotional Intelligence, Self-esteem and Empathy of Nursing Students Undergoing Clinical Experience in Paediatric Units-Pilot Study (Part-2)

Background: Nurses working in paediatric settings face a number of challenges. Nurses can be emotionally drained while they see their young patients suffer. Therefore, nurses need to be emotionally intelligent.

Objectives: The effect of nursing intervention on emotional intelligence (EI), self-esteem and empathy of baccalaureate nursing students undergoing clinical experience in paediatric units.

Materials and Methods: The present study adopted a quasi experimental repeated measures time series design in which 60 third year baccalaureate nursing students undergoing clinical experience in paediatric units were assigned to either the experimental or control groups. Pre testing of emotional intelligence, self-esteem and empathy was done using the EI (Pc-Sc) scale, Rosenberg self-esteem scale and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, respectively. The study intervention included a nursing intervention programme offered in 5 two-hour sessions for 5 days. Post-test was conducted on the 30th and 60th day.

Statistical Analysis: Two factor repeated measures ANOVA was used for comparison within the group and between the groups.

Results: In the experimental group, the mean and standard deviation of the different areas of EI and overall EI score, self-esteem and empathy at post test 2 were higher than the mean and standard deviation at pretest. There was a significant change in the EI, self-esteem and empathy scores in the follow ups in the experimental group, indicating that the nursing intervention was effective in enhancing the EI, self-esteem and empathy of baccalaureate nursing students.

Conclusion: Courses to train the emotional intelligence skills, self-esteem and empathy should be included in the nursing curriculum so as to improve nursing standards of both students and nurses in providing quality care to the patients.