Critical Thinking in Nursing Flashcards
Critical Thinking
Purposeful, reflective reasoning to analyze, evaluate, and make decisions.
Helps nurses navigate complex situations, solve problems, and provide evidence-informed care.
Can be learned and developed over time. It involved a combination of cognitive
skills & “habits of mind”
Cognitive skills
- Interpretation: Understand information.
- Analysis: Identify patterns and relationships.
- Inference: Draw evidence-based conclusions.
- Evaluation: Assess credibility and arguments.
- Explanation: Clearly state reasoning.
- Self-Regulation: Monitor and adjust thinking.
Critical Thinking Dispositions (Habits of Mind)
- Truth-Seeking: Open to new information.
- Open-Mindedness: Consider diverse views.
- Analyticity: Use evidence-based reasoning.
- Systematicity: Stay organized and methodical.
- Self-Confidence: Trust your abilities.
- Inquisitiveness: Eager to learn.
- Maturity: Show sound judgment.
Behaviors that Foster Critical Thinking
- Ask probing questions -> gather more infor.
- Challenge assumptions and seek alternatives.
- Consider context and implications of situation.
- Use evidence and research for decisions.
- Reflect and adjust thinking.
- Collaborate to solve complex problems.
Levels of Critical Thinking
Basic (Level 1):
- Concrete thinking based on rules.
- Ex: Properly donning and doffing PPE without contamination.
Complex (Level 2):
- Independent analysis and recognition of alternatives.
- Ex: Deciding if full PPE is needed for a bed bath.
Commitment (Level 3):
- Choosing actions, evaluating alternatives, and standing by decisions.
- Ex: Delaying medication due to a client’s sleepless night.
Strategies to Develop Critical Thinking Skills
- Case-Based Learning: Analyze real patient scenarios.
- Reflective Journaling: Explore experiences and biases.
- Concept Mapping: Visualize connections between problems and care.
- Discussions: Collaborate for diverse perspectives.
- Simulation: Practice decision-making in realistic settings.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with research and practices.
Developing Information Literacy Skills in Nursing
- Define Needs: Identify specific questions or topics.
- Access Sources: Use reliable databases, journals, and websites.
- Search Effectively: Use keywords and Boolean operators.
- Evaluate: Check credibility, currency, and evidence.
- Organize: Manage sources with folders or citation tools.
- Stay Current: Subscribe to alerts and review new research.
- Share: Collaborate and discuss findings with colleagues.
Relationship between Critical Thinking, Evidence-Informed Knowledge and Clinical Decision Making
processes
- Critical Thinking: Analyzes information for logical decisions.
- Evidence-Informed Knowledge: Integrates research, clinical expertise, and patient values for evidence-based care
- Clinical Decision-Making: Uses critical thinking and evidence to select the best care.
Connection:
- Critical thinking + evidence-informed knowledge guide clinical decisions
- Reflecting on outcomes strengthens critical thinking for future practice.
Nursing Process and Critical Thinking (Tanner’s Clinical Judgment Model)
- Noticing (Assessment): Gather and interpret patient data.
- Interpreting (Diagnosis): Analyze information, identify health issues, and underlying causes.
- Responding (Planning & Implementation): Develop and execute the care plan.
- Reflecting (Evaluation): Assess intervention effectiveness and adjust approaches as needed.
Key Point: Aligning the nursing process with Tanner’s model enhances clinical judgment, decision-making, and patient-centered care for optimal outcomes.
How Reflective Reasoning, Clinical Judgment, and Clinical Reasoning Support & Strengthen Critical Thinking
- Reflective Reasoning: Analyze experiences to improve future practice.
- Clinical Judgment: Make sound decisions using assessment, analysis, and evaluation.
- Clinical Reasoning: Gather and analyze data to determine the best actions.
Benefits:
- Identify knowledge gaps and challenge biases.
- Adapt care to patient needs.
- Enhance teamwork and improve care quality.
Key Point: These processes strengthen critical thinking and support patient-centered care.
How Critical thinking may Influence a Culture of Safety, Leadership, and the PN scope of practice
Culture of Safety:
- Identifies risks, anticipates problems, and implements solutions to ensure patient safety.
Leadership:
- Drives positive change through care coordination, mentoring, and advocacy for improved practices.
Scope of Practice:
- Enables PNs to make sound judgments, practice safely within their scope, and take on complex roles.
Benefits of Critical Thinking for PNs
- Enhances safety and personalized care.
- Advocates for better policies and procedures.
- Strengthens teamwork and collaboration.
- Encourages professional growth and learning.
What Health Needs Framework to use to Support Critical Thinking
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: guides nurses in prioritizing patient care based on 5 levels of human needs: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.
Benefits:
- Prioritize: Address basic needs (e.g., airway, breathing) first.
- Anticipate: Unmet lower needs affect overall health.
- Tailor Care: Develop personalized, need-based interventions.
- Consider Complexity: Recognize interconnected physical, emotional, and social needs.
- Evaluate: Assess if interventions meet prioritized needs.
