The emotional intelligence profiles, gender differences, and adaptive success of 380 Dutch nurses caring for people with mental retardation and accompanying severe behavior problems are reported. Data were collected with the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory, Utrecht-Coping List, Utrecht-Burnout Scale, MMPI-2, and GAMA. Absence due to illness and job change were measured across a 2-year period. A clear relation between emotional intelligence and adaptive success was detected at an.01 level of significance. A negative correlation was found between emotional intelligence and both burnout and psychopathology. Emotional intelligence did not appear to be related to absence or job change. Based on these findings, training programs for nurses can possibly help to avoid employee burnout.