"True learning involves figuring out how to use what you already know in order to go beyond what you already think"-unknown

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking in nursing is an essential component of professional accountability and quality nursing care. Critical thinkers in nursing exhibit these habits of the mind: confidence, contextual perspective, creativity, flexibility, inquisitiveness, intellectual integrity, intuition,open-mindedness, perseverance, and reflection. Critical thinkers in nursing practice the cognitive skills of analyzing, applying standards, discriminating, information seeking, logical reasoning, predicting and transforming knowledge (Scheffer & Rubenfeld, 2000, P.357).

 

Critical thinking skills enhance the quality of clinical judgement, problem solving, and decision making" (Huber, 2006, p. 141).  In order to enhance these areas the nurse leader can encourage critical thinking and problem solving by asking questions and brainstorming. 

 

Critical thinking skills continue to evolve over time and with experience. Nurses have a tremendous influence on patient care, therefore perfecting this skill can only  lead to a better understanding of what we are doing and why it is being done.

 

When Are Critical Thinking Skills Needed?

     *when performing a nursing

          ~assessment

          ~diagnosis

          ~planning

          ~implementation

          ~evaluation

     *to recognize, interpret, integrate information

     *when acting as a patient advocate

     *when communicating, listening, and observing

We as new graduates have the ability to enhance our critical thinking skills and bring new perspectives to the workplace.  "Putting the puzzles pieces together" will become easier with experience and the help of our successful leaders. With experience we too can perfect these skills and teach others as they enter the nursing field.  Teamwork and delegation are very important to encompass into critical thinking.  Each day at work we will face situations that require us to think critically and problem solve. I will continue to educate myself and stay on top of evidence based practice in order to think critically and provide patients with high quality exceptional care.



 

Huber, D. (2006). Leadership and nursing care management (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier

Scheffer, B., & Rubenfeld, M. (2000). A consensus statement on critical thinking in nursing. Journal Of Nursing Education, 39(8), 352-359