Critical thinking and nursing science: judgment, or vision?

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Professional Development
• Cognitive Science in Healthcare

Background:

• Critical thinking is a long-standing, central concept in nursing practice and education.
• Nursing literature extensively emphasizes developing critical thinking skills in students.
• Current understanding of critical thinking in nursing may be limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To question the prevailing, narrow view of critical thinking in nursing.
• To propose an expanded understanding of critical thinking in nursing.
• To explore how nursing theories can enrich critical thinking.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis of critical thinking in nursing.
• Examination of existing models of critical thinking.
• Discussion of alternative frameworks for critical thinking.

Main Results:

• The current model of critical thinking in nursing is often individualistic and analytical.
• Nursing theories offer potential to broaden the scope of critical thinking.
• A relational and dialogical approach to critical thinking can foster co-creation.

Conclusions:

• The traditional view of critical thinking in nursing practice needs expansion.
• Incorporating nursing theories can enrich critical thinking development.
• Viewing critical thinking as a creative, relational process opens new possibilities for nursing.