Nursing is an emotionally charged profession that demands compassion, ethical decision-
making, and resilience in the face of heavy workloads and moral issues. With rising rates of
burnout, emotional exhaustion, and job dissatisfaction among nurses, there is an increasing
need to investigate internal characteristics that can enhance their mental health and caregiving
abilities. Spiritual intelligence (SI), defined as the ability to integrate spiritual ideals and inner
awareness in everyday life, has emerged as a possible resource for improving critical nursing
characteristics such as empathy and resilience. This research investigates current evidence
that links SI to enhanced emotional control, ethical clarity, and professional effectiveness
among nurses. According to studies, nurses with a higher SI are more empathic, better
prepared to deal with stress, and capable of providing compassionate care over time. SI
encourages personal meaning-making, emotional balance, and moral sensitivity, all of which
lead to more meaningful nurse-patient connections and better mental health outcomes for
caregivers.
Despite its increasing importance, SI remains underrepresented in nursing education and
practice. Structured therapies such as mindfulness training, reflective writing, and spiritual
care education have shown promise in building SI and improving professional skills. Integrating SI into nursing courses and workplace activities can contribute to a more
emotionally resilient, ethically grounded, and patient-centered nursing staff.
Keywords: Spiritual intelligence, Nursing empathy, Resilience, Emotional well-being,
Holistic care, Nursing education, Compassion fatigue, Moral distress
Publication date: 01/08/2026
https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/August/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10375.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.8.10375
