Critical thinking skills of baccalaureate nursing students

The purpose of this study was to determine if a student will score higher on a critical thinking appraisal test on completion of a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program than on entry into the program. Students currently enrolled in a BSN program were given the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test in the first month of the program and repeated the test 1 month before graduation. BSN and BSN/registered nurse (RN) students were included in the study. Data analysis indicated there were no significant differences found in all of the classes of BSN/RN graduates and two of the classes of BSN graduates. There was a significant difference in the scores in one of the classes of BSN graduates. Implications for future research suggest additional comparative studies as well as using a different instrument along with expansion of the study to include master's students and nursing faculty.