How can nurses build emotional intelligence when working with physicians?

1 Identify your emotions

The first step to building your EI is to recognize and label your own emotions. This can help you regulate them and avoid reacting impulsively or defensively. For example, if you feel frustrated or angry with a physician's decision or behavior, you can acknowledge your feelings and calm yourself down before responding. You can also use your emotions as a source of information and motivation. For example, if you feel anxious or nervous about a complex procedure, you can use your feelings to prepare yourself and ask for guidance or support.

2 Empathize with physicians

The second step to building your EI is to empathize with physicians and try to understand their perspectives, feelings, and needs. This can help you build rapport, respect, and collaboration with them. For example, you can show interest and curiosity in their opinions and expertise, listen actively and attentively to their concerns and feedback, and acknowledge their challenges and achievements. You can also use empathy to anticipate and prevent potential conflicts or misunderstandings. For example, you can consider how your actions or words might affect them and choose the most appropriate and respectful way to communicate.

3 Express yourself clearly

The third step to building your EI is to express yourself clearly and assertively with physicians. This can help you share your ideas, opinions, and suggestions, as well as your feelings and needs, in a constructive and respectful way. For example, you can use "I" statements to describe your observations and experiences, avoid blaming or criticizing, and focus on solutions and outcomes. You can also use positive and supportive language to praise and appreciate their work, as well as to give and receive feedback.

4 Manage conflicts effectively

The fourth step to building your EI is to manage conflicts effectively with physicians. This can help you resolve issues and problems, as well as maintain positive and professional relationships. For example, you can approach conflicts as opportunities for learning and improvement, rather than as personal attacks or threats. You can also use respectful and non-judgmental language to express your views and concerns, listen to their side of the story, and seek common ground and mutual agreement. You can also use humor and apology to defuse tension and restore trust.

5 Seek feedback and improvement

The fifth step to building your EI is to seek feedback and improvement from physicians and other sources. This can help you enhance your skills and performance, as well as your self-awareness and self-confidence. For example, you can ask for constructive feedback from physicians on your communication, collaboration, and clinical practice, and use it to identify your strengths and areas for development. You can also seek feedback from your peers, mentors, and supervisors, as well as from self-assessment tools and resources. You can also set goals and action plans to work on your EI and monitor your progress and achievements.

6 Practice self-care and resilience

The sixth and final step to building your EI is to practice self-care and resilience. This can help you cope with stress and challenges, as well as prevent burnout and compassion fatigue. For example, you can take care of your physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition, as well as by engaging in relaxing and enjoyable activities. You can also seek and offer support from your colleagues, friends, and family, as well as from professional services if needed. You can also cultivate a positive and optimistic attitude, as well as a growth and learning mindset, to overcome difficulties and setbacks.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?