Archive for December, 2008

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Critical thinking includes problem solving and decision making processes. People use problem solving in their daily lives. With the problem-solving method, problems are identified, information is gathered, a specific problem is named, a plan for solving the problem is developed, the plan is put into action, and results of the plan are evaluated. However, this kind of problem solving is frequently based on incomplete data, and plans are sometimes based on guesses. Conversely, the nurse uses the nursing process to identify and to make decisions about client needs. It is a systematic and scientifically based process that requires the use of many cognitive and psychomotor skills.
According to Costello-Nikitas (1997, p. 85), the following actions interfere with effective problem solving:
• Jumping too quickly toward a conclusion before exploring all the aspects of a problem
• Failing to obtain critical facts, about either the problem or proposed change
• Selecting problems or changes that are too general, too complex, or poorly defined
• Failing to articulate a rational solution to the problem or proposed change
• Failing to implement and evaluate the proposal Appropriately
Critical thinkers avoid the pitfalls listed above by clearly defining the problem, analyzing the data, understanding the causes, and creating new ideas that will lead to problem resolution.

Knowledge

Critical thinking calls for a knowledge base that includes declarative knowledge, (specific facts or information) and operative knowledge (an understanding of the nature of that knowledge). Nursing curricula assist the student in learning specific facts about nursing and the delivery of quality care. Students are also taught how to examine the beliefs underlying the facts in order to analyze and interpret those facts. In other words, students are not expected to merely repeat facts that have been memorized (learned by rote) but instead to understand the reasoning behind the knowledge. Finding meaning in what one is learning is the core of critical thinking. In order to think critically, to solve problems, and to make decisions, nurses must develop a broad base of knowledge. This knowledge base includes information from other disciplines such as science (anatomy, physiology, biology), psychology, and philosophy (logic). Nurses apply this knowledge to specific client situations through critical thinking. Read more…

CRITICAL THINKING IN NURSING

There are many definitions of critical thinking, including Ennis’(1987) classic description, “reasonable reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do.” Every day, nurses make decisions that are derived through critical thinking. Making clinical judgments relies on critical thinking. Critical thinking is identified as an essential nursing competency by the National League for Nurses (1997). Nursing students and graduates must demonstrate critical thinking skills. Knowing how one thinks helps the nurse work collaboratively with other health care providers (Rubenfeld & Scheffer, 1999). Critical thinkers are people who know how to think. They possess intellectual autonomy, in that they refuse to accept conclusions without evaluating the evidence (facts and reasons) for themselves. Critical thinkers have the ability to think beyond the obvious and make connections between ideas. Read more…