SOAR

Critical Thinking

Jayne Josephsen, MSN, RN, CHPN

A few characteristics of Critical Thinkers… Proactive!

Fair-minded

Empathetic

Independent thinkers

Flexible

Team players

Creative and committed to excellence

Problem Identification

Problem Clarification

Problem Exploration

Evaluate & Integrate

Components of Critical Thinking & Clinical

Judgment

Noticing

Interpreting

Action

Reflection in Action

Reflection on Action

Process of Clinical Judgment

Noticing:

Initial grasp of situation• Knowledge of person & specific

pattern of response• Clinical knowledge of

similar individuals• Textbook knowledge

Action:

Response

Reflection-in-Action:

• Read response• Adjust intervention based

on assessment

Interpreting:

• Intuitive response based onrecognized patterns

• Analysis of data withhypothesis formation

• R/O hypothesis until consistentwith data

Reflection-on-Action:

• Examination of action• Connect action with response

• Assess what occurred as a resultof action or lack of action

Experiential knowledge development.

Decision or Description of best solution – CTPlanning – NP

Analysis & Deliberation based on content & value – CTNursing Diagnosis – NP

Reflection leading to new focus – CTEvaluation – NP

Focus on Observation – CTAssessment – NP

Strategies for increasing critical thinking skills Concept Maps: Common

Pathologies or Medications on the Unit

Reflect Upon Use of Critical Thinking

Share Experiences with Preceptor and Peers: Dialogue

Turn errors into learning opportunities: Reflect upon Assumptions Made and Personal Biases.

Critical Thinking and You

Barriers to Critical Thinking:

Environmental Barriers: Time, Conducive Work Environment

Personal Barriers: Stress, Attitudes

Lack of Transitioning: Nursing Knowledge, Skills

Critical Thinking Transitioning