Critical thinking of registered nurses in a fellowship program
Publication Date
2013
Journal Title
J Contin Educ Nurs
Abstract
Background: Critical thinking is essential to nursing practice. This study examined differences in the critical thinking dispositions of registered nurses (RNs) in a nursing fellowship program. Methods: Control and experimental groups were used to compare differences in scores on the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) of RNs at three points during a fellowship program: baseline, week 7, and month 5. The control group consisted of RNs who received no education in critical thinking. The experimental group received education in critical thinking using simulated scenarios and reflective journaling. Results: CCTDI scores examined with analysis of variance showed no significant difference within groups over time or between groups. The baseline scores of the experimental group were slightly higher than those of the control group. Chi-square analysis of demographic variables between the two groups showed no significant differences. Conclusion: Critical thinking dispositions are a combination of attitudes, values, and beliefs that make up one's personality based on life experience. Lack of statistical significance using a quantitative approach did not capture the development of the critical thinking dispositions of participants. A secondary qualitative analysis of journal entries is being conducted.
Volume Number
44
Issue Number
8
Pages
374-380
Document Type
Article
EPub Date
2013/06/14
Status
Faculty
Facility
School of Medicine
Primary Department
Science Education
PMID
DOI
10.3928/00220124-20130603-03