Catching the wave: understanding the concept of critical thinking

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Education
• Philosophy of Science

Background:

• Nursing practice is guided by theoretical concepts, necessitating clear understanding of professional language.
• Existing literature on critical thinking in nursing is often ambiguous, hindering application.
• Concept clarification is vital for nurses to overcome unexamined beliefs and enhance interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the meaning and intent of critical thinking within nursing practice.
• To examine the relationship between critical thinking elements and nursing-specific language.
• To address the ambiguity in current descriptions of critical thinking in nursing.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of critical thinking components in relation to nursing terminology.
• Examination of concepts such as problem-solving, decision-making, clinical judgment, reflection, and the nursing process.
• Historical review of critical social theory's influence on critical thinking development.

Main Results:

• Identified confusion and ambiguity in existing literature regarding critical thinking in nursing.
• Highlighted the need for clearer language to describe the application of critical thinking in nursing.
• Established connections between critical thinking principles and core nursing processes.

Conclusions:

• Clarifying critical thinking is crucial for advancing nursing practice and education.
• A deeper understanding of critical thinking enhances nurses' ability to challenge and reconstruct care.
• Aligning the language of critical thinking with nursing terminology improves its practical application.