The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Job Burnout and Quality of Life in Operating Room Nurses

Emotional intelligence is a type of emotional information processing that includes the correct evaluation of self and others emotions, proper expression of emotions and adaptive regulation that leads to an improved flow of life. Burnout is a syndrome consisting of physical and emotional fatigue that leads to a negative self-image, a negative attitude towards the profession and a feeling of lack of connection with the client when providing care. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and burnout and quality of life in operating room nurses working in hospitals in Sanandaj.

This cross-sectional study was a descriptive correlational study. The participants included all operating room nurses in Sanandaj hospitals (100 people) who were selected by census. The Shearing Emotional Intelligence Test and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire - Short Form were used. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance using SPSS software version 21.

There is a significant relationship between quality of life and burnout and emotional intelligence. (P≤0.005). Moreover, the relationship between burnout and emotional intelligence was significant (P = 0.002).

Due to the direct relationship between emotional intelligence and quality of life and job burnout, more attention is needed by officials to hold classes and workshops periodically for operating room technologists to increase quality of life and reduce job burnout and consequently increase emotional intelligence.