Premium Essay

Critical Thinking In Nursing

Submitted By
Words 636
Pages 3
Critical thinking brings to mind the ability to look at many aspects of an issue, problem, or statement and contemplate the risks and/or benefits before moving forward. Critical thinking looks at what is involved, who or what it will effect, why the action is necessary, how that will happen, and when, where, or how this will culminate. The knowledge I have gained over the years, as a nurse, allows me to progress forward without judgment and with purpose. I can take the information to effect the outcome. Critical thinking involves asking questions; either to yourself and probing for more details. Some factors to consider are: what is the source of the information, how it is related to the issue, what are the facts or evidence, is the information logical, and what are the underlying assumptions?
This quarter I have …show more content…
As a PACU RN, a patient may report he/she is having pain. As an experienced nurse, I know this surgery is not a painful surgery. I would talk to the patient and inquire as to what is really occurring. Is the patient anxious? Did the patient have a bad experience from a prior medical encounter? Is there issues at home that are undisclosed? How old is the patient? Did the patient get the education prior to surgery? Is the patient nauseated and mistaking that for pain? Is the patient drug seeking? Is this a chronic pain patient? Does it appear the patient has been coach to rate pain 10/10? Does the patient understand the pain scale? Are the vital signs within the patient’s normal range? There are a host of other questions, I could explore. The main point is something is not right and I need to find out what is going on. Once I have decided on an action plan, I need to relay the information to the patient in a way that he/she can understand the rationale. This will change the concept of pain for the patient and shift the perception of a 10/10. These all involve critical thinking

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Critical Thinking in Nursing

...Critical thinking is one of the major required skills of all healthcare workers. The nursing education should be strived to foster their students with critical thinking skills for use in complex healthcare settings. Clinical reasoning skills help in critical thinking. Developing a good clinical reasoning makes oneself to think critically and effectively. An effective clinical reasoning skill requires concurrent attention to both the cognitive and metacognitive dimensions of reasoning in nursing care contexts ( Kuiper RA & Pesult DJ, 2004). Asking questions is the only way to improve the clinical reasoning. One of the important patterns of change in thinking is from ‘answers to questions’. Change is only constant thing in the world. These changes evolve with questions in many issues. Initially there will be fewer answers, which are simple ones and even not the right ones. Questioning helps in making our knowledge more sound and perfect. When one answer to an issue is not satisfactory, one will start questioning which will help in more thinking. According to Senge “genuine inquiry starts when people ask questions to which they do not have an answer” (Rubenfeld, MG & Scheffer BK ,2010). Only creative people depend on asking questions. The core of several learning approaches often starts with a problem or questioning. The art of asking ‘questions” help in developing the more innovative and effective way of thinking oneself. The key to powerful thinking will always be powerful...

Words: 273 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Nursing Attributes, Leadership and Critical Thinking

...Summary Paper Teresa Nabors Southern Nazarene University Nursing Attributes, Leadership and Critical Thinking As many have found over the years, nursing is not a profession cut out for just anyone. The average person cannot juggle twenty things at once, expertly handle emergencies that would send anyone else in a panic frenzy, and all the while remain calm and composed, as an experienced nurse does on a daily basis. What many do not know is that this smooth performance is driven by the nursing attributes, skills, and concepts that are necessary components integrated in the nursing profession of great nurses today. I believe the values of critical thinking, flexibility, strong communication skills, emotional stability, interpersonal communication and advocacy are the hallmark ingredients that distinguish the great nurses from the rest. Nursing is about going beyond the task given and a successful nurse encompasses a degree of these core attributes, as well as understanding the essential knowledge of the necessary concepts of leadership and critical thinking. This paper will discuss the attributes and concepts that I think are necessary in setting nursing apart from just any profession and will reflect on the values and practices that I believe makes me the nurse that I am today . Being a nurse can be tremendously rewarding to the soul, but it also demands much of those who pursue it. Nursing is a highly honored, trusted profession that has been steeped in rich values...

Words: 2876 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Critical Thinking Concept Analysis Nursing

...Critical Thinking Concept Analysis During exposition of the nursing theory, there is a general understanding that concepts are the ones which are building blocks explaining a phenomenon and providing structure to science. Moreover, concepts contribute to theory development and strengthen nursing practice through research, plus via concept analysis, many vague terms gain a valuable meaning at the same time improving a quality of care (Bousso, Poles, Cruz, 2013). Therefore, one of the crucial concepts in nursing, in my opinion, is critical thinking which Facione (2013) is identified as cognitive skills which include interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self-regulation. Consequently, those presumptively acquired attributes...

Words: 916 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Critical Thinking In Nursing: Concept Analysis

...Description of Evidence Evidence 1: The first piece of evidence demonstrating the criteria related to critical thinking is a concept analysis paper written on the topic of Critical Thinking in Nursing, completed for NUSC 5003, Theory in Nursing, in the Spring Semester of 2015 (Appendix A). The purpose of this paper was to expand on the interpretations of critical thinking including the analysis of the characteristics or qualities of critical thinking in nursing based on selected literature reviews from multiple disciplines using the Walker and Avant model. Incorporates multiple perspectives in the advanced practice learning process (i.e. diverse ways of thinking, roles). In this paper, I analyzed diverse concepts of critical thinking by...

Words: 395 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Title

...students and nursing students and it’s effect on their academic performances. We believe that The environment setting has a great impact on students learning . It depends whether The college improve it’s manner of education that a student need to enhance his/her learning competence. Since , Nursing students have a low passing rate result in board exams, while radiology technology students have a high passing rate result in their board exams. Time restraint is one factor why students failed in their academic performances Hypotheses The hypotheses for this study were as follows: H 1: There is a correlation between scores of associate degree nursing students on a general test of critical thinking skills, the CCTST, and a discipline specific critical thinking test, the Arnett CTOE tool, in the following ways: a. There is a positive correlation between the total scores of associate degree nursing students on the CCTST and the total scores of the Arnett CTOE tool. b. There is a positive correlation between the analysis subscale scores of associate degree nursing students on the CCTST and the combined analysis and interpretation subscale scores of the Arnett CTOE tool.5 c. There is a positive correlation between the evaluation subscale scores of associate degree nursing students on the CCTST and the combined evaluation and explanation subscale scores on the Arnett CTOE tool. d. There is a positive correlation between scores of associate degree nursing students...

Words: 605 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Comparison of Critical Thinking Skills Adn Bsn

...A Comparison of Critical Thinking Skills between Associate, Baccalaureate, and RN-to-BSN Nurses A Comparison of Critical Thinking Skills between Associate, Baccalaureate, and RN-to-BSN Nurses There are many differences in the competencies between associate and baccalaureate level nurses. Associate level nursing programs tend to concentrate on the more technical aspects of nursing which allows students once they graduate to provide appropriate care to patients and families, especially during times of illness. They may practice on a more restricted level, making their nursing skills limited to more direct patient care in nursing homes and hospitals. Baccalaureate nursing programs improve on these skills by teaching more critical thinking to allow a more thorough approach to caring for their patients. RN-to-BSN programs allow ADN nurses that have grown confident in their hands-on skills and want to gain more critical thinking skills the ability to build on their education and "prepare...for a broader scope of practice" (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2014). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) notes multiple research studies linking fewer medication errors, lower mortality rates and more positive patient outcomes to nursing education received at the baccalaureate level (2014). BSN programs also help teach the leadership needed for nursing supervision and prepare their nurses for graduate studies. Critical thinking competency is key...

Words: 1254 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Adn vs Bsn

...Based on Nursing Education Jessica Phelps Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V November 3, 2013 Competencies Based on Nursing Education The profession of nursing is different from other healthcare professions because there are multiple levels of entry into the profession. One may enter the career with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). An ADN is a two year program that is obtained at a community college, while a BSN is a four year program earned at a university. One may question why there are two different levels of education to get to the same position in nursing. While an Associate’s Degree (AD) prepared nurse has the necessary skills to provide patient care, they may lack critical thinking, leadership, and professionalism. A BSN prepared nurse has gained more knowledge, which may lead to better patient outcomes. Nursing does not meet the standards of professionalism in respect to education with multiple points of entry and a lack of differentiation among educational levels with regard to acknowledgement and salary (Lane and Kohlenberg, 2010). Not as much time is spent during the ADN programs to teach critical thinking, research, professionalism and leadership. In the two year program, most of the time is focused on patient care. The competencies of the different levels of education of the Registered Nurse (RN) will be explored to show a BSN prepared nurse is more proficient in providing patient care, due to better critical thinking...

Words: 1110 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Assignment

...EDUCATION Critical thinking and analysis: a model for written assignments Sharon L Edwards W hat is critical analysis? In the author’s personal experience this question has been answered by the following statement: ‘It is being critical of the literature.’ However, this does not answer the question. A literature search also failed to provide any information on critical analysis. The justification for developing a model for critical analysis, however, was not solely the lack of available literature. Other reasons included: to provide a definition of the terms; and to help both educationalists and students interpret the concepts involved. Nurse educationalists and nursing students lack a clear understanding of the critical processes and this could severely diminish the profession’s ability to articulate issues that are imperative to the advancement of nursing practice in the future. This article recommends a model of critical analysis that can be used by students and educationalists. It suggests that critical thinking and analysis are interrelated and complementary, but not synonymous. It gives examples of the model’s components in order to clarify their meaning. The model will hopefully give students a premise on which to base their assignments, and nurse educationalists will be able to incorporate it into their teaching practice. It will also provide an element of reality to critical analysis which will prevent it from becoming so abstract and idealistic as to render...

Words: 6508 - Pages: 27

Free Essay

Difference Between Nurses with Different Level of Education

...with different level of education As nursing has become a highly competent profession, the educational opportunities for nurses have increased significantly. The hospitals and other organizations that provide health care are also competing with each other and now the demand for nurses with bachelor degree is increasing. For decades the American Nurses association and the National League for nursing have attempted to make the BSN the only educational program for RNs in the US. This essay focuses on the difference in the competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing. Studies have shown that the higher educated RNs have a better overall patient satisfaction, better outcomes related to medical condition, and a lower overall cost of care. According to Williams, (1995) a study conducted by Little and Brian, indicates that higher education enhances the personal and professional growth during and after graduation. The article also indicates that as per the study conducted by Whalen nurses with baccalaureate degree had a strong bureaucratic and professional orientation. Some studies indicated that the more number of nurses with bachelor degree are members of professional organization where as very few nurses with associate degree have membership in professional organizations (Williams). The trend in nursing is going professional. Professional nursing in the hospital setting in particular is associated...

Words: 1096 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Differences in Education

...Education Differences Between ADN and BSN Sherrie Sanchez Grand Canyon University August 14, 2013 Education difference between ADN and BSN There is an increased focus in nursing to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing prior to entering the field. Many employers are requiring that an entry level nurse have their BSN degree. Employers are seeking out magnet status. In order to obtain this elite status they must have a high ratio of advanced degree nurses with their BSN or higher. The evidence behind having more nurses educated at a higher level is patient centered care. The differences in education between an associate degree nurse and a baccalaureate prepared nurse will be looked at thru this paper. The second item that will be addressed in this paper is how the care for patients differs between the ADN and BSN prepared nurse. Differences in education A person wants to go to school for nursing but are overwhelmed with a decision does this person obtain an associate’s degree in nursing or continue on further for a baccalaureate degree prior to entering the field of chosen study. This dilemma has been debated on for many years. The obvious difference between the two educations is the length of study. Both are able to sit for the same board exam the NCLEX at the end of study and they are both technically skilled for an entry level position. One may think then that there is really no difference in education other then the last three letters behind their name. The baccalaureate...

Words: 839 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Reflective Writing

...Synopsis This essay attempts to analyze the theories and underlying models with regard of critical thinking. Firstly the essay examines different theories about critical thinking and relevant evaluations and discussions are followed. Then there are paragraphs demonstrate how critical thinking is linked to real problem thinking and why critical thinking is essential to problem solving especially the management practice. Finally a brief conclusion is drawn at the end of the essay. Diverse materials and references are utilized to cross examine the topic of critical thinking under a reasonably large contextual circumstance. As a project manager, it is of great importance to use critical thinking to understand new information, to evaluate and solve problems and to make sound decisions. Making decisions using critical thinking skills in today's world - a world with increasing number of conflicts, pressure and uncertainty is more imminent than ever before.  Organizations and businesses today are confronted with multiple challenges including increasing conflicts brought by economic globalization, fast-paced developing technology and growing diversity. All of these highlight the importance of critical thinking in nowadays society. Critical thinking is the process of collecting and evaluating resources in order to make the most appropriate decision. By adopting critical thinking theory and inferred practice, decision makers such as project managers can effectively deal with these challenges...

Words: 1822 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Adn vs. Bsn

...(ADN) and 4 years for baccalaureate degree (BSN). “ADN nurses are educated to provide nursing care to persons with similar health alterations in structured settings, whereas BSN nurses are educated to engage in independent thinking and to provide nursing care to persons with complex and differing health alterations within variety of settings, including the community” (Hood, 2010, p. 18). Even though both ADN and BSN are getting the same license, the education related to communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills vary. Firstly, the competency level between ADN’s and BSN’s differs in both listening and verbally communicating. ADN uses basic communication skills to coordinate with other health care members to meet the immediate needs of patients. The associate degree nurse recognizes the individual’s need for information and can modify a standard teaching plan. The nurse with a bachelor’s degree uses complex communication skills in multiple settings to collaborate with other members of the team and is accountable to provide leadership. The bachelor’s prepared nurse assesses the need for information and builds comprehensive teaching plans, for each client and uses that research to implement evidence based practice. Secondly, ADN and BSN differ in their critical thinking skills competency. A nurse’s critical thinking ability facilitates better decision...

Words: 1071 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Differences in Competencies Between Adn and Bsn

...setting. Since “nursing is based upon a body of knowledge that is always changing with new discoveries and innovation” Potter and Perry (2005), nursing profession is compelled to grow from being just a traditional bedside nurse. IOM’s future of nursing report which is released in 2010 calls nurses to be “more highly educated, diverse nursing workforce”. There are two educational routes for becoming a professional registered nurse in U.S. One of the educational routes is be Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and another one is obtaining Bachelors in Nursing (BSN) or Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Although, both degrees enable nurses to get licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse, there are differences among Associate level prepared nurses and Baccalaureate level prepared nurses. In order to meet the requirements and demands of our changing health care system, nurses have to be least Baccalaureate level prepared. First of all, Associate degree program is a two year program that is usually offered by community college or junior college. Upon graduation, ADN student’s earn70 credits. The BSN program is usually four year of study in a college or university with at least 120 credits upon completion of the degree. While both ADN and BSN degree, teach nursing students the basic nursing curriculum such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, behavioral sciences, medical surgical nursing, maternity, psychiatry, pediatrics and community health etc. “Bachelor’s degree in Nursing offers more...

Words: 1021 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...Educational Preparation Differences in Nursing Susamma George Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V: Professional Dynamics October 28, 2012 Associate-degree Level versus Baccalaureate-degree Level Is there a difference in competency between nurses who have an Associate's degree and those who have a Bachelor's degree? Does the amount of schooling matter? This is a recent controversial issue that has emerged in the nursing profession (Nurse Village). To answer this question, the differences in education between the two must be investigated. Whether there is a difference must be established, and if so those differences must be qualified. Since there are more years of schooling for the baccalaureate, it seems to indicate a difference quantitatively at the least. There is a difference between Associate level and Baccalaureate level nurses, and Baccalaureate nurses are able to provide better patient care as can be demonstrated through their education levels and various studies. Education for Associate and Baccalaureate Nurses To begin, the differences in education must be established. A registered nurse (RN) can have an Associate Degree in Nursing, called an ADN. A registered nurse can also have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, also known as a BSN. To earn an Associate's degree, one must go to a nursing school for two to three years. During their education, they get hands-on experience through the hospitals and clinics associated with their school. Emphasis is...

Words: 916 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Bsn vs Adn.

...Running Head : DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN BSN VERSES ADN. Educational Preparation Shyni Joseph Grand Canyon University 02/17/2013 Nursing is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States. Quality patient care hinges on having a well educated nursing workforce in the interest of improving patient safety and providing enhanced nursing care. Research has shown that lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive outcomes are all linked to nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels. Education enhances both clinical competency and care delivery. The overall outlook of healthcare professions has dramatically changed in the past few decades. In nursing, competencies define the duties and skills required for nursing positions and establish the educational requirements needed to qualify for each nursing title. In its October 2010 report on The Future of Nursing, the institute of Medicine states” an increase in the percentage of nurses with BSN is imperative as the scope of what the public needs from nurses grows, expectations surrounding quality heightens, and the settings where nurses are needed proliferate and become more complex.”In a study released in May 2008 issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration, Dr Linda Aiken and her colleagues confirmed the findings from their landmark 2003 study which shows a strong link between RN education level and patient outcomes, The researchers found that every 10% increase...

Words: 1190 - Pages: 5