Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> Background Emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a critical professional competency in nursing, yet its relationship with career growth remains underexplored in the Saudi Arabian context. This study aimed to examine the relationship between EI and career growth among nurses in the Jazan Health Cluster and to identify which EI dimensions most strongly predict career advancement. Methods A cross-sectional correlational design was employed with 295 registered nurses in the Jazan Health Cluster recruited via convenience sampling. EI was measured using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test; career growth via the Career Growth Scale. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression served as the primary analytical strategies. Results The sample was predominantly female (78.0%), Saudi national (67.1%), and BSN-qualified (74.9%), with a mean age of 36.28 years (SD = 7.94). Mean EI total was 127.91 (SD = 9.81) and mean career growth was 53.64 (SD = 6.68). EI correlated significantly with career growth ( <italic>r</italic> = .325, <italic>p</italic> < .001, 95% CI [.219, .424]). Regression confirmed EI as a significant predictor (β = 0.221, <italic>p</italic> < .001; <italic>R²</italic> = .106). At subscale level, Social Skills (β = 0.531, <italic>p</italic> < .001) and Emotion Utilization (β = 0.535, <italic>p</italic> = .006) were the only EI dimensions with significant independent contributions ( <italic>R²</italic> = .148). Conclusions EI predicts career growth among Saudi nurses, operating through social-relational and emotion-application competencies. Findings support targeted EI training focused on Social Skills and Emotion Utilization in nursing professional development programs; directly relevant to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 healthcare workforce agenda. </p>