Critical thinking attitudes

LO: Describe critical thinking attitudes and the influence on patient care

Confidence

What critical thinking attitude does this define? 

Belief in oneself, one’s judgment and skills, and one’s possession of the knowledge and the ability to think critically. Having a high level of self-efficacy and acknowledging one’s sense of self while considering problems and arguments. 

Confidence

What critical thinking attitude does this describe? 

• Do not hesitate to disagree

• Speak w/ conviction to a patient

• Be well prepared before performing a nursing activity

• Encourage patient to ask questions

Thinking independently

What critical thinking attitude does this define? 

Be open-minded to new concepts and interventions. Challenge the ways that others think and look for rational and logical answers to problems. Raise important questions about your practice.

Thinking independently

What critical thinking attitude does this describe? 

• Read scientific literature

• Talk w/ other nurses

• Share ideas about nursing interventions

Fairness

What critical thinking attitude does this define? 

Do not let bias or prejudice affect your decisions. Look at a situation objectively and consider all viewpoints to understand it completely before making a decision. Imagine yourself in the patient’s situation.

Fairness

What critical thinking attitude does this describe? 

• Listen to both sides of a discussion

• If a patient or family c/o a coworkers, listen to the story and speak w/ the coworker. 

• If a staff member labels a patient uncooperative, assume the care of that patient w/ openness and desire to meet their needs. 

Responsibility and accountability

What critical thinking attitude does this define? 

You are accountable for your decisions, actions, critical thinking, and outcomes for your action. You are responsible for correctly performing nursing care activities based on the standards of practice, and knowing the limits and scope of your practice. 

Responsibility and accountability

What critical thinking attitude does this describe? 

• Ask for help if you are uncertain about how to perform a nursing skill 

• Refer to a policy and procedure manual to review steps of a skill 

• Report any problems immediately 

Risk taking

What critical thinking attitude does this define? 

Trying different approaches to solving problems (w/o causing harm) comes from experiences w/ similar clinical problems. Follow safety guidelines, analyze potential danger, involve a patient in any decisions, and act in a well, logical and thoughtful manner. 

Risk taking

What critical thinking attitude does this describe? 

• If your knowledge causes you to question a HCP’s order, do it

• Be willing to recommend alternative approaches to nursing care when colleagues are having little success w/ patients 

Discipline

What critical thinking attitude does this define? 

Orderly, systematic, diligence w/ information, resources, and time when making decisions helps you identify problems more accurately, and thus select the most appropriate interventions. 

Discipline

What critical thinking attitude does this describe? 

• Be thorough and manage your time effectively 

• Use known scientific and practice-based criteria 

Perseverance

What critical thinking attitude does this define? 

Resilience and determination to find effective/quality solutions to patient care problems. Keep looking for more resources until you find a successful approach. Requires creativity.

Perseverance

What critical thinking attitude does this describe? 

• Be cautious of an easy answer that avoids uncomfortable situations

• Clarify information or talk to a patient directly

• If problems of the same type continue to occur, bring coworkers together, look for a pattern and find a solution

Creativity

What critical thinking attitude does this define? 

Original thinking that leads to a feasible solution. Find different/unique approaches and solutions outside the routines of care while following standards of practice.

Creativity

What critical thinking attitude does this describe? 

• Involve the patient's family in adapting their approach to care methods used at home

Curiosity

What critical thinking attitude does this define? 

Having a sense of curiosity motivates you to inquire further and investigate a clinical situation so you get all the information you need to make a decision.

Curiosity

What critical thinking attitude does this describe? 

• Be willing to challenge a tradition

• Always ask “why”

• Explore and learn more about a patient

Integrity

What critical thinking attitude does this define? 

Be honest and willing to admit mistakes or inconsistencies in your own behavior, ideas, and beliefs. Always follow the highest standards of practice.

Integrity

What critical thinking attitude does this describe? 

• Recognize when your opinions conflict w/ those of a patient

• DO NOT compromise nursing standards or honesty in delivering care

• Review your position and decide how to best proceed to reach outcomes that will satisfy everyone.

Humility and self-awareness

What critical thinking attitude does this define? 

Admit any limitations in your knowledge and skill, and try to find the knowledge needed to make proper decisions. Be self-aware by clarifying your internal biases, strengths, and limitations. Recognize when thinking is being affected by emotions or self interest. 

Humility and self-awareness

What critical thinking attitude does this describe? 

• When you are new to a clinical division, ask for an orientation to the area and ask regularly assigned RN for assistance w/ approaches to care