Critical Thinking inNursing Practice

DefinitionsThe art of thinking about your thinking, while youre thinking to make it better, more clear, accurate and defensible. Paul, R. 1993

More Definitions.Knowing how to learn, reason, think creatively, generate and evaluate ideas, see things in the minds eye, make decisions and solve problems. U.S. Dept of Labor, 1992

More.Reasonable, reflective thinking that focuses on what to believe or do. Ennis, R., Milman, J., 1885

And more.. Chaffee, 2002

an active , organized, cognitive process used to carefully examine ones thinking and the thinking of others.

Critical ThinkingRecognize that an issue existAnalyze information about the issueEvaluate the information and make a conclusion

In other wordsCritical thinking is:

Purposeful and outcome focused. To think critically in any situation you must be clear about your purpose: What exactly are the desired results?

Critical Thinking SkillsProcess acquired only through:Experience

Commitment

Active curiosity through learning

Critical Thinking BehaviorTruth SeekingOpen mindedAnalyticalSystematicSelf ConfidentInquisitiveMature

Thinking and LearningLearning is a lifelong processTo learn you must be flexible and open to new informationClinical experience and application of knowledge enable you to form assumptions, present ideas and make valid conclusions

Critical ThinkersA critical thinker considers what is important in each clinical situation, imagines and explores alternatives, considers ethical principles, and makes informed decisions about the care of patients.

Levels of Critical Thinking in NursingLevel 1: Basic Critical ThinkingTrust the experts have the right answers for every problemsLearns to accept the diverse opinions and values of expertsHowever, inexperience, weak competencies and inflexible attitudes restrict a persons ability to move to the next level

Levels of Critical Thinking in NursingLevel 2: Complex Critical ThinkingBegins to separate self from authoritiesAnalyze and examine choices more independentlyLearns that alternative and perhaps conflicting solutions do existWeigh benefits and risk before making a decisionBecome more creative and innovative

Levels of Critical Thinking in NursingLevel 3: CommitmentAnticipates the need to make choices without assistance from othersChoice an action or belief based on the alternatives available and supports itAn action maybe to not take action or delay itBeing accountability drives your action

Critical Thinking CompetenciesScientific method to solve problems using reasoningProblem identificationCollection of dataFormulation of a research question or hypothesisTesting the question or hypothesisEvaluating results of the test or study

Clinical Decision MakingRecognize & define problemAssess all optionsTesting possible optionsConsider consequencesMake final decision

Critical Thinking Ability

Nursing Process as a CompetencyAssessmentNursing DiagnosisPlanningImplementationEvaluation

Critical ThinkersThink out of the box.

Developing Critical Thinking SkillsReflective Journaling

Meeting with Colleagues

Concept Mapping

*Pg 196 A less mobile patient develops a redden area over the hipRecognize & define problemAssess all optionsWeigh options against criteria testing possible optionsConsider consequences - Examine pros & consMake final decision