Critical Thinking in

Nursing Practice

Definitions
The 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 Thinking
Recognize that an issue exist
Analyze information about the issue
Evaluate the information and make a
conclusion

In other words
Critical 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 Skills

Process acquired only through:
Experience
Commitment
Active curiosity through learning

Critical Thinking Behavior

Truth Seeking
Open minded
Analytical
Systematic
Self Confident
Inquisitive
Mature

Thinking and Learning

Learning is a lifelong process
To learn you must be flexible and
open to new information
Clinical experience and application of
knowledge enable you to form
assumptions, present ideas and
make valid conclusions

Critical Thinkers
A 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

Nursing
Level 1: Basic Critical Thinking
Trust the experts have the right answers
for every problems
Learns to accept the diverse opinions
and values of experts
However, inexperience, weak
competencies and inflexible attitudes
restrict a persons ability to move to the
next level

Levels of Critical Thinking in

Nursing

Level 2: Complex Critical Thinking

Begins to separate self from authorities

Analyze and examine choices more
independently
Learns that alternative and perhaps
conflicting solutions do exist
Weigh benefits and risk before making a
decision
Become more creative and innovative

Levels of Critical Thinking in

Nursing
Level 3: Commitment
Anticipates the need to make choices
without assistance from others
Choice an action or belief based on the
alternatives available and supports it
An action maybe to not take action or
delay it
Being accountability drives your action

Critical Thinking
Competencies
Scientific method to solve problems
using reasoning
Problem identification
Collection of data
Formulation of a research question or
hypothesis
Testing the question or hypothesis
Evaluating results of the test or study

Clinical Decision Making

1. Recognize &
define problem
2. Assess all options
3. Testing possible
options
4. Consider
consequences
5. Make final
decision

Critical Thinking Ability

Interpersonal Skills

Intellectual Skills

Technical Skills

Attitudes/Behaviors

Nursing Process as a
Competency
Assessment
Nursing Diagnosis
Planning
Implementation
Evaluation

Critical Thinkers
Think out of the box.

Developing Critical Thinking

Skills
Reflective Journaling
Meeting with Colleagues
Concept Mapping