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Decision making by baccalaureate nursing students in the clinical setting
Pamela E Baxter1, Sheryl Boblin
1School of Nursing, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street W., HSB-3N28C, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3Z5. baxterp@mcmaster.ca
The Journal of Nursing Education
|August 30, 2008
Summary
Understanding nursing student decision-making is crucial for educators. This study explores the types of decisions nursing students make and the factors influencing them during their baccalaureate program.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Clinical Decision-Making
- Healthcare Professions Education
Background:
- Nurse decision-making is recognized as a critical learned skill requiring formal instruction.
- Limited research exists on the decision-making processes of nursing students in clinical settings.
- Understanding student decision-making is essential for developing effective nursing curricula.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the kinds of decisions made by nursing students during their baccalaureate education.
- To identify factors influencing nursing students' clinical decision-making processes.
- To inform the development of educational strategies for enhancing nursing decision-making skills.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative case study approach.
- Exploration of decision-making within a baccalaureate nursing program.
- Focus on identifying types of decisions and influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Identified various types of decisions encountered by nursing students.
- Described key factors that shape student decision-making in clinical practice.
- Provided insights into the developmental nature of decision-making skills.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced understanding of nursing student decision-making is necessary for effective teaching.
- Curricular development should address the complexities of student decision-making.
- Graduates need strong independent and interdependent decision-making skills for practice.
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