Chapter 8 ATI: Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment-Attitudes

Attitudes

Mindsets that affect how a nurse approaches a problem. Attitudes of critical thinkers include:

Confidence

Feels sure of abilities.

Independence

Analyzes ideas for logical reasoning.

Fairness

Is objective, nonjudgmental.

Responsibility

Adheres to standards of practice.

Risk-taking

Takes calculated chances in finding better solutions to problems.

Discipline

Develops a systematic approach to thinking.

Perseverance

Continues to work at a problem until there’s a resolution.

Creativity

Uses imagination to find solutions to unique client problems.

Curiosity

Desires to obtain more information about clients and problems.

Integrity

Practices truthfully and ethically.

Humility

Acknowledges weaknesses.

Critical thinking attitude — Using imagination to find a unique solution to solve a client’s problem

Creativity.

Critical thinking attitude — Taking a calculated chance to find a solution to a client’s problem

Risk-taking.

Critical thinking attitude — Caring for a client in a nonjudgmental manner

Fairness.

Critical thinking attitude — Continuing to work to solve a problem for a client until there is a solution

Perseverance.

Critical thinking attitude — Checking a client’s medical record for allergies before administering a medication

Responsibility.

Fairness rationale

When recognizing cues, the charge nurse should identify that caring for a client in a nonjudgmental manner demonstrates the critical thinking attitude of fairness. Fairness is using a nonjudgmental, objective approach in looking at clients and situations.

Responsibility rationale

Checking a client’s medical record for allergies before administering a medication demonstrates the critical thinking attitude of responsibility. The nurse is responsible for administering medications in a safe manner and according to standards of practice. Checking the medical record for allergies helps ensure safety.

Risk-taking rationale

Taking a calculated chance to find a solution to a client’s problem demonstrates the critical thinking attitude of risk-taking. Risk-taking is a calculated approach to solving a problem that is not responding to traditional methods.

Creativity rationale

Using imagination to find a unique solution to solve a client’s problem demonstrates the critical thinking attitude of creativity.

Perseverance rationale

Continuing to work to solve a problem for a client until there is a solution demonstrates the critical thinking attitude of perseverance.

Critical thinking attitude — Speaking with certainty to a client when instructing them about a new diet

Confidence.

Critical thinking attitude — Showing honesty when caring for clients

Integrity.

Critical thinking attitude — Identifying limitations of oneself when dealing with a clinical situation

Humility.

Critical thinking attitude — Using a head-to-toe approach to conduct a physical examination on a client

Discipline.

Critical thinking attitude — Asking questions to obtain more information about a client’s problem

Curiosity.

Integrity rationale

When recognizing cues, the charge nurse should identify that showing honesty when caring for clients demonstrates the critical thinking attitude of integrity. Integrity is caring for clients truthfully and ethically.

Discipline rationale

Using a head-to-toe approach to conduct a physical examination on a client demonstrates the critical thinking attitude of discipline. Discipline involves using a systematic approach to collecting data and making decisions.

Confidence rationale

Speaking with certainty to a client when instructing them about a new diet demonstrates the critical thinking attitude of confidence. A confident nurse believes in their own abilities.

Curiosity rationale

Asking questions to obtain more information about a client’s problem demonstrates the critical thinking attitude of curiosity. A curious nurse asks questions to explore and study a clinical situation.

Humility rationale

Identifying limitations of oneself when dealing with a clinical situation demonstrates the critical thinking attitude of humility. A nurse who has humility acknowledges their own weakness and limitations in expertise and skill.