CRITICAL THINKING: THE NURSING PROCESS AND COMPETENT PATIENT CARE

Course overview

Critical thinking is a complex cognitive process that, although lacking a single accepted definition, can be broadly defined as a process of purposeful, insightful judgment that involves the development and effective utilization of multiple dimensions of cognition to interpret and analyze a situation and arrive at and act on an appropriate conclusion or solution. The nursing process, a systematic, problem-solving approach used to diagnose and guide treatment for human responses to health and illness, is considered a critical thinking competency. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of critical thinking as it applies to the nursing process and competent patient care, including strategies the nurse manager can use to promote critical thinking in nurses. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.