The simulated clinical environment as a platform for refining critical thinking in nursing students: a pilot program
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1Pasco Hernando Community College, New Port Richey, Florida, USA. waned@phcc.edu
Aim:
This research explores the use of clinical simulations as a platform for stimulating critical thinking in nursing students.
Background:
This study takes place in an associate degree nursing program with a clinical group of nursing students.
Method:
Utilizing a faculty partnership approach, information was presented to the clinical group. Students were divided into small groups to create simulation scenarios.
Results:
Students were able to appreciate complexity of care and research differential diagnoses as they applied to care and management of changes in client condition scenarios.
Conclusions:
Use of a small-group teaching method to develop, implement, and critique clinical simulation scenarios facilitated critical thinking and clinical judgment of nursing students.
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