Aim of this study is to evaluate the relation between emotional intelligence and attitudes and behaviours of nurses who work in a mental health hospital in regard to mental illnesses and patients. This is a descriptive study. Participants are all nurses who work in Dr. Ekrem Tok Mental Health Hospital in Adana. The study sample consisted of 93 nurses who agreed and had criteria to participate in this study. Data were collected by using socio-demographic questionnaire, Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale and Opinions about Mental Illness Scale. Data were analysed using SPSS package programme, Pearson corelation test and t-test. The avarage age of individuals participating in the study is 39,44±7,73. Avarage working period of participated nurses in this hospital is 8,43±6,56. The mean score of Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale is 128,05±11,60. Findings indicate a positive correlation between emotional intelligence and B factor of Opinions about Mental Illness scale. According to the findings; the nurses with high level of emotional intelligence score had higher scores for protective and humane approach. Thus, the development of positive attitudes towards people with mental illnesses can be achieved based on this finding. Therefore, we can recommend training program in order to increase emotional intelligence for nurses.