Over the past few years, emotional intelligence (EI) has become one of the most popular career paths for professionals in various fields. Companies are investing time and money in education programs that teach EI as a way to help employees gain self-awareness and understanding of their emotions.

For example, an employee with low levels of empathy may feel uncomfortable when trying to relate to people who experience grief or loss, which can be a challenge at times while working. An organization with limited communication channels may suffer from silence due to fear of being judged or criticized.

To thrive at work, you need to understand your colleagues’ emotions and how they affect those around them. The same goes for your superiors and peers. In fact, adequate EQ is a necessary quality for professional success.

There are several reasons why having high levels of EI is important for nurses.