Non-Cognitive Factors Influencing the Development of Nursing Students' Clinical Judgment

Prelicensure nursing programs are focused on developing students' clinical judgment ability. Non-cognitive traits such as mindset beliefs and goal orientation impact the development of clinical judgment.

This exploratory study sought to determine if a relationship exists between the non-cognitive factors, mindset beliefs and achievement goal orientation, and the development of clinical judgment.

Using a combination of observation and survey methods, investigators evaluated participants' mindset beliefs, goal orientation, and clinical judgment.

Self-assessment and observation data were collected on 103 participants. A moderate negative correlation was found between clinical judgment and mindset beliefs, r = - .43, n = 103, p = < .001, with greater growth mindset associated with better clinical judgment. No relationship was found between achievement goal orientation and clinical judgment.

Fostering a growth mindset in the classroom and clinical setting can enhance the development of clinical judgment in undergraduate nursing students.