Premium Essay

Critical Thinking In Health Care: A Case Study

Submitted By
Words 342
Pages 2
Edler and Paul (2013, para 2) define critical thinking as “the disciplined art of ensuring that you use the best thinking you are capable of in any set of circumstance.” Critical thinking is an essential skill in every health care setting and situation. Healthcare in the United States is constantly changing and will continue to change with time. It is important for nurse and health care providers to be prepared for these changes. Characteristics of a critical thinker include being knowledgeable, observant, analytical, assertive, persistent, caring, communicative, open-minded, creative, and imaginative (Toffany, 2008).
According to Toofany (2008, p28) nurses and health care providers “must be prepared to analyze amounts of information critically

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Six Caps Case Study

...Six Caps Case Study University of Phoenix Undergraduate Nursing Studies Introduction In the words of Albert Einstein, “the world we have created is a product of our thinking; it cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” Today more and more nurses have to change their thinking process to ensure clients receive quality care. Therefore, clinical judgments cannot be based on speculation but on outcome, directed thinking. As the client health status changes, the nurse must be able recognize, assess, and evaluate all the presenting information to make an outcome decision that is best for the client and client’s family. To make appropriate decisions require nurses to put on their thinking caps. Edward de Bono’s six thinking caps integrates knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, and evaluation allowing the nurse to make quality, outcome based decision. The purpose of this paper will focus on a case study using six thinking caps to critically analyze and make clinical decisions in promoting client safety and quality care. White Cap Thinking Looking at the case study with the White, Ms. Marianne first presented with a severe headache. The nurse uses her knowledge base about hemorrhagic stroke to decide what additional information is needed. Since information cannot be obtained from the patient, the nurse ask the patient’s family questions about the patient’s health problems, family health problems, medical history, medication regimen...

Words: 1255 - Pages: 6

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

Premium Essay

Difference Between the Bsn Nurse and the Adn Nurse

...student should ask and research as both BSN and ADN nurses can sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam. There are multiple answer to this question, however the short answer is that nurse with a BSN degree has more opportunities to work in a variety of health care settings that offer an extensive array of opportunities for professional growth. (Moore, 2009) BSN student learn skills at a higher level that are required for exceptional practice. (Huston 7) The difference between the ADN nurse and the BSN nurse is not limited to the opportunities allotted but spans out to the education. ​The BSN nurse completes a curriculum that has a different focus than that of the ADN curriculum. The BSN curriculum emphasizes evidence based practice, leadership, critical thinking, and public/community health. (Moore, 2009) As part of this curriculum you receive crucial training in key areas like communication, leadership, and critical thinking- enhanced knowledge that will become ever more valuable in the complex and changing future of health care delivery. (Simons, 2012) BSN nurses can be and are not limited to bedside nurses, educators, case managers, discharge planners, administrators, and work in public health, home health, and community clinics. If you are thinking of joining any branch of the military, you will need to have your BSN. The BSN degree is not only a minimum for the military but also a minimum for most medical institutions, as it is the preferred degree. ​The ADN nurse has learned the...

Words: 715 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Adn vs Bsn

...following World War II. Mildred Montag developed the two year ADN program in response to the nursing shortage. Montag defined the ADN as a technical nurse which included skill and some judgment to function at the intermediate level. Leadership and management classes were not part of the curriculum. Baccalaureate degree nurse or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are taught at four year colleges and universities. Clinical competency is achieved, as in the ADN program, but there is also additional areas of study such as: leadership and management, critical thinking and community health care. In a study by Giger & Davidhizar (1990), BSN nurses significantly outscore ADN nurses in the professional category. The baccalaureate-degree nurses were more concerned with the technical aspects of nursing care (Giger & Davidhizar, p. 1013). Critical thinking disposition skills of senior programs revealed that BSN student scored significantly higher on critical thinking (Shin, 2006, p. 236). Although, most people have some...

Words: 1063 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Adn Versus Bsn

...in order to provide quality health care to the society. Nurses are the vital part of the evolving health care arena, since our profession is getting more complex and demanding it is our responsibly to be competent in the profession for the better outcome. As there are differences in curriculum, there are visible differences in competencies. Both programs provide essential education for the students in order to practice whereas baccalaureate program is broad base which also includes teaching in critical thinking, leadership and management (Differentiated Essential Competencies ,2010). Nurses who possess baccalaureate degree have the capability to meet the complex and unpredictable needs of the divers population even in an unstructured environment. Studies show that there are decreased rate in medication errors, death rates when patients are cared by baccalaureate degree nurses (AACN, 2011). Majority of the task and responsibilities remains same for both the associate degree nurses and baccalaureate nurses. The associate degree nurses are very proficient in bedside nursing as they acquire knowledge through hands-on practice, whereas the baccalaureate nurses are able to provide evidence based care. Also by utilizing their in depth knowledge in the areas of practice, a BSN addresses the concerns of a patient or family accurately and effectively. The baccalaureate degree opens a window towards variety of roles in the fields like clinician, case management, clinical liaison...

Words: 983 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Curriculum

...ASN Program Description Mission and Goals Our Mission Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences provides a quality higher learning environment preparing competent practitioners for health-care professions. Continuous quality improvement guides the educational process as students prepare to deliver culturally congruent health care, perform as responsible citizens within the global community and seek avenues for life-long learning. Our Goals Program goals for each department in the College derive from the philosophy of the College and the domain competencies, as follows: Knowledge • ability to examine and explain phenomena • ability to construct and organize knowledge • ability to integrate and synthesize knowledge • ability to apply quantitative and qualitative concepts Proficiency • ability to solve practical problems • ability to collaborate with multiple disciplines • ability to communicate effectively • ability to practice competently and skillfully in a changing health-care environment Culture Care Values • ability to preserve/maintain cultural identities • ability to accommodate/negotiate diverse life ways • ability to re-pattern/restructure health-care delivery methods • ability to apply ethical and legal principles to health care The Associate of Science in Nursing Program (ASN) is a two-year program of study combining didactic and clinical nursing courses as well as general education courses...

Words: 6617 - Pages: 27

Premium Essay

Adn Bsn

...healthcare setting focuses on the care of individuals, families, and communities so that they may acquire, preserve, or recover optimum quality of life and health. There are many differences in competencies based on the department or specialty the nurse will be working in, such as managed care, neonatal, or educational basis. This paper will explore some of the differences in competencies between nurses with an associates degree (ADN) and nurses with a baccalaureate degree (BSN). "Competencies are defined as the knowledge and skills required to perform in a specific job." (Hardy,1999). In nursing, competencies define the duties and skills required for many positions and establish the educational requirements needed to qualify for each nursing position. According to a study done in 1988 by Texas Higher Education Community Board, "Competencies across the spectrum of nursing education varies in complexity, depth, and breadth." (Potter 2006). Competencies of an ADN include, knowledgeable and principled behaviors, effectively working with others in providing healthcare, applying knowledge from theory to clinical settings, and to practice with a secure and caring demeanor. A baccalaureate degree nurse has the same competencies as an ADN as well as critical thinking, leadership, technological competence, effective communication, and population-based health professional behavior. A Baccalaureate nursing degree is a college level course of study designed to further the education...

Words: 1087 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Adn vs Bsn

...Mildred Montag developed the two year ADN program in response to the nursing shortage. Montag's defined the ADN as a technical nurse which included skill and some judgment to function at the intermediate level. Leadership and management were not part of the curriculum. Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) programs are taught at four year colleges and universities. Clinical competency is achieved, as in the ADN program, but also additional areas of study such as: leadership and management, critical thinking and community health care. In a study by Giger and Davidhizar (1990), BSN nurses significantly outscore ADN nurses in the professional category. They are were more concerned with research, teaching and community assessment, whereas the ADN nurse was more concerned with the technical aspects of nursing care (Giger and Davidhizar, 1990). Critical thinking disposition skills of senior programs revealed that BSN students scored significantly higher on critical thinking. (Shin, 1998). Although, most people have some critical thinking skills, it is a skill that must be developed. In the BSN...

Words: 979 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Ban vs Adn Competency

...patient care. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Fact sheets: It continuously thrive to increase the highly qualified nursing workforce with education, so nurse will be more competent in clinical aspects and deliver high quality of care. Presently, successfully completion of Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Baccalaureate Degree Nursing (BSN) graduate program study is the route to become a nurse in the United States, after passing the NCLEX exam. Both program are differed by when they started, reason for establishment and the study contents of it, are as follows. In 1952, ADN program is was first designed by the Mildred Montag, to alleviate the nursing shortage by creating technical nurses. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is normally subsist of general education and clinical courses credits coursed and study time is 2 years long. It is normally awarded by the Community colleges and nursing schools. Upon completion of such program, nursing student is eligible for NCLEX-RN license exam. As stated by Creasia & Friberg (2011), ADN program is very successful nursing program, which make ADN nurse eligible to pass NCLEX-RN exam and start a career as nurse with strong clinical competency. While Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) program was started in 1909 in University of Minnesota. This Program required 5 years of study, divided in 2 years of general education and 3 years of nursing credit courses, with more focus study in public...

Words: 983 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Adn vs Bsn

...baccalaureate, associate degree, and diploma programs (Friberg et al, 2011). It has been proven in various studies that nurses with a higher level of education provide better quality patient care versus the associate level nurse (Rosseter, 2012). There are several differences in competencies between a associate and baccalaureate nurse that include mortality rates, leadership skills, critical thinking skills, health care promotion, clinical skills, and case management (Rosseter, 2012). Baccalaureate Program The American Association of Colleges of Nursing believes that a Baccalaureate degree has a significant impact on a nurse’s level of competency and knowledge base (Rosseter, 2012). The Baccalaureate program is a four year degree and the nursing courses are at the upper division level (Friber et al., 2011). Courses include health informatics, healthcare economics, leadership, research, and health policies (ANA, 2012). The components of the classes such as at Grand Canyon University (GCU) are liberal education, patient safety, evidence-based practice, management of information, health care policies, communication and collaboration, and professional values (Friberg et al, 2011). The courses emphasize ethical decision making, accountability, professionalism, leadership, communication skills, and critical thinking (GCU, 2011). Nursing practice includes disease prevention, health promotion, and early detection with prompt treatment of acute and chronic illness (GCU, 2011). The Baccalaureate...

Words: 1177 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...profession. This actually paved way for me because it made see realize the areas am going to be good at and well know the potentials I possess as an individual. This insight helped me to purse nursing career because I have seen myself possess most of the qualities of a nurse as per the definition of nursing. The definition of nursing by ANA is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and population. Differences in Competencies between AND and BSN Nurses The difference in competencies is that BSN prepared nurses possess high level of education in nursing which allows the opportunity to assume a position that involve the use of certain skills. These skills includes decision making skills, critical thinking, planning, implementation, intervention and evaluation in nursing.(Rosster, 2006 P.4). A BSN nurse having spent more years in nursing program has increased knowledge in all areas of studies including research in nursing, leadership and management. This acquired knowledge helps them...

Words: 889 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Differences in Competencies

...3-year associate degree usually offered at community colleges. III. 4-year baccalaureate degree offered at senior colleges and universities. Baccalaureate nursing programs encompass the entire curriculum in associate degree and diploma programs, and also vide in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing management, nursing research, public and community health, and the humanities. The Baccalaureate nursing programs enhances the student’s professional development, develops the new nurse for a more liberal scope of practice, and provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and determine health care delivery. Throughout the last decennium, policymakers and practice leaders have recognized that education makes a difference. The Affect of Education on Nursing Pattern According to American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the national voice for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs has significant affect on knowledge and competencies of the nurse practitioner, as it exercises for all health care providers. Nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees are well-qualified to meet...

Words: 1239 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Adn vs Bsn Competency Levels

...focus on comparing the competencies between the ADN versus BSN education in order to highlight the need to pursue a BSN level of education. Research conducted by Poster et al. (2005) notes differing curriculum for each type of nursing program produces a difference in entry-level postgraduate competencies within clinical behavior, judgments and knowledge base. These differences according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2005) are largely in the “research, theory, public and community health, management, and humanities (AACN, 2005). The associate degree education was a response to nursing shortages and provided an affordable, rapid educational choice to motivated individuals who wanted to enter the medical field. The education is provided at a community college covering the sciences, pharmacology and clinical skills. The two-year nature of the program doesn’t provide the time or development for critical thinking skills in addition to research, theory, public health,...

Words: 1014 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Education of the Modern Day Nurse

...acquire. Baccalaureate prepared nurses (BSN) are prepared with similar training as the ADN and diploma nurse but they have much more extensive education and training. The BSN possesses a broader, well rounded perspective of nursing history and theory which will help them to excel at their role as an RN. While the ADN and diploma programs produce nurses that are fully capable of practicing at a basic level of nursing, the competencies of the BSN are more widespread and extensive, and therefore produce a nurse better prepared to take on the changes and challenges in an evolving healthcare system. Different Nursing Programs Continuing education for nurses has been offered since the practice was introduced many years ago. As is/was the case now and back then, enrollment in undergraduate and postgraduate programs remained lower than the AD and diploma programs. Some reasons why individuals have not pursued higher education are due to the financial and time demands. The AD programs allow for a more diverse student nurse population; the cost and time frame make it very attainable for those of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The BSN offered at colleges and universities takes longer, four years,...

Words: 1275 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Adn vs Bsn Competency Levels

...focus on comparing the competencies between the ADN versus BSN education in order to highlight the need to pursue a BSN level of education. Research conducted by Poster et al. (2005) notes differing curriculum for each type of nursing program produces a difference in entry-level postgraduate competencies within clinical behavior, judgments and knowledge base. These differences according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2005) are largely in the “research, theory, public and community health, management, and humanities (AACN, 2005). The associate degree education was a response to nursing shortages and provided an affordable, rapid educational choice to motivated individuals who wanted to enter the medical field. The education is provided at a community college covering the sciences, pharmacology and clinical skills. The two-year nature of the program doesn’t provide the time or development for critical thinking skills in addition to research, theory, public health,...

Words: 1014 - Pages: 5