Emotional intelligence, stress and turnover intentions among nurses working in Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda.

Abstract

This study investigates the relationships between emotional intelligence, stress, and turnover intentions among nurses at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. The primary objectives were to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and stress, establish the link between stress and turnover intentions, explore the connection between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions, and determine whether stress moderates the relationship between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions. A correlational survey research design was utilized, employing a quantitative approach with a standard closed-ended self-administered questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 123 nurses who were selected using a systematic sampling method. Data was analyzed using SPSS, and hypotheses were tested by Pearson correlation and regression analysis. The findings revealed that emotional intelligence and stress are not significantly related (r= - .005, p > .05). However, a significant positive relationship exists between stress and turnover intentions (r= .304, p < .01), while emotional intelligence does not significantly correlate with turnover intentions (r= - .082, p > .05). Additionally, stress was found to moderate the relationship between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions (t = 3.641 p < .01). These findings indicate that emotional intelligence does not predict turnover intentions, but effective stress management is crucial for improving nurse retention. The study recommends the implementation of comprehensive stress management programs and enhancement of emotional intelligence training to better support nursing staff.