The case study approach of teaching decision-making to post-diploma nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• Traditional nursing education often focuses on outcomes rather than the decision-making process.
• There is a need for pedagogical approaches that foster critical thinking and diverse problem-solving in nursing students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the case study approach in teaching decision-making to baccalaureate nursing students.
• To promote the exploration of multiple solutions and the integration of critical thinking skills.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a case study methodology in a post-diploma baccalaureate nursing program.
• Engaging students in analyzing decision derivation processes within specific nursing scenarios.
• Facilitating discussions that leverage students' experiential, intuitive, and knowledge bases.

Main Results:

• Students moved beyond seeking a single correct answer to exploring creative solutions.
• The case study method encouraged a deeper analysis of decision-making processes.
• Enhanced integration of critical thinking and a broader perspective on decision-making were observed.

Conclusions:

• The case study approach is a valuable tool for enhancing decision-making and critical thinking in nursing education.
• This method fosters comprehensive learning by valuing process over product and encouraging diverse approaches to nursing situations.