The vast majority of medical errors occurring each year involve faulty communication. For this reason, it’s essentialthat we identify skills that support accurate communication and information transfer as well as optimumpatient-centered care, team function, and patient safety. Research in nursing and other disciplines hasdemonstrated that emotional intelligence abilities improve communication, support constructive conflictresolution, and improve individual and team performance. Although further studies are needed, these findingssuggest emotional intelligence ability can positively affect patient safety.