Abstract:

The concept of intelligence gained a new expression. Composed of a multiplicity of capabilities inherently linked to the emotions of individuals, Emotional Intelligence has been drawing the attention of the academic and scientific community, as well as different organizations regarding its importance- and role in the current job market.

In this sense, the present study intended to understand how Emotional Intelligence is perceived and valued by nurses from the Portuguese National Health Service, how these professionals define the concept of Job Satisfaction and what they consider to be its causes. In other words, it was proposed to explore the importance that nurses attribute to Emotional Intelligence components as potential facilitators of the exercise of their functions and, in particular, the influence that they perceive this intelligence has on their Job Satisfaction.

To fulfill the proposed objectives, a qualitative approach was followed, according to the interpretative paradigm and the exploratory research. As for the data collection method, twenty-five semi-structured interviews were carried out with nurses who exercise or have already exercised their profession in the National Health Service. In turn, to analyze the opinions and perspectives of professionals on the subject in question, the content analysis method was used.