Research Paper Undergraduate 994 words

Critical Thinking and Decision Making in Nursing Practice

~5 min read 6 sections Health · Professional Nurse

Abstract

This paper examines the role of critical thinking and decision making in nursing practice, tracing the concept from its philosophical roots in antiquity to its modern application in complex healthcare environments. Drawing on a review of current nursing literature, the paper explores widely cited definitions of critical thinking, the growing scholarly consensus around its importance for nurses, and the specific challenges posed by rapidly evolving healthcare systems. The paper also identifies evidence-based strategies — including simulation-based learning, reflective journaling, and mentorship — that nurses and nursing leaders can use to cultivate and continuously strengthen these essential professional skills.

Key Takeaways

Introduction: Origins and purpose of critical thinking in nursing
Defining Critical Thinking in Nursing: Academic definitions and core elements of critical thinking
The Need for Critical Thinking in Complex Healthcare: Why healthcare complexity demands stronger critical thinking
Developing Critical Thinking Skills: Simulation, journaling, and experiential learning strategies
The Role of Nursing Leaders: Leaders' responsibility to cultivate nurses' critical thinking
Conclusion: Key findings on critical thinking in nursing practice

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What makes this paper effective

The paper grounds its argument in a widely cited academic definition of critical thinking before applying that definition to the specific demands of nursing, keeping the scope focused and coherent.
It balances theoretical discussion with practical, actionable strategies (simulation, reflective journaling, mentorship), making the argument useful for both educators and clinicians.
The introduction and conclusion mirror each other effectively, framing critical thinking as both historically deep-rooted and urgently relevant to contemporary nursing practice.

Key academic technique demonstrated

The paper demonstrates disciplined use of scholarly synthesis: multiple peer-reviewed sources are woven together to build a cumulative argument rather than cited in isolation. Each source is introduced with a signal phrase that clarifies its contribution, and the discussion moves logically from definition, to rationale, to application, modeling how to structure a literature-based review essay.

Structure breakdown

The paper follows a classic academic review structure: an introduction that establishes context and states the paper's purpose, a multi-part review-and-discussion section that moves from definition to need to solutions, and a conclusion that synthesizes key findings. The discussion section is subdivided thematically — covering what critical thinking is, why it matters, how it can be developed, and who bears responsibility for that development — giving the argument clear internal progression.

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Essay 994 words

Introduction

Given the critical demands of the profession, nurses are routinely required to rely strictly on their education, training, and experience to make life-and-death decisions about their patients — often without the luxury of deep deliberation about the process (Cleary et al., 2023). This level of automatic, regimented response frequently leaves little or no time for critical thinking about what should be done and why. Although the concept of critical thinking is relatively new to the nursing profession, it has actually been in use since antiquity and the days of Socrates. Indeed, it is reasonable to suggest that even Stone Age humans were forced to use critical thinking skills to survive a hostile world, even if the process was not formally named.

To determine how this concept applies to nursing today, this paper reviews the relevant literature to provide a discussion of the history and theoretical framework of decision making and critical thinking — both in general and as applied to the nursing field in particular. A summary of the research and its most important findings is provided in the conclusion.

5 Sections Hidden · 705 words

Defining Critical Thinking in Nursing175 words

Although there is no universally accepted definition, some authorities have described critical thinking as "the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action" (Scriven & Paul, 2003). That is a great deal to encompass within a single concept,…

The Need for Critical Thinking in Complex Healthcare160 words

Kaddoura (2011) cites the increasing complexity of healthcare systems, devices, and interventions as evidence of the need for nurses at all levels and specialty areas to cultivate and continuously hone their critical thinking skills. As Kaddoura notes, "The rapidly changing nature of the health care…

Developing Critical Thinking Skills130 words

Fortunately, like other essential nursing skills, critical thinking can be learned (Gonzalez et al., 2022). Some ways nurses can improve their critical thinking abilities include simulation-based…

The Role of Nursing Leaders85 words

It is also important to note that nursing leaders in both clinical practice and educational settings have a fundamental responsibility to help their colleagues and subordinates cultivate critical thinking skills. This is an essential need, as today's nurses are the next…

Conclusion155 words

The research was consistent in showing that critical thinking is an essential skill for nurses to cultivate in order to provide effective care in today's complex healthcare environments. As noted above, there is no universally accepted definition of critical…

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References

Chen, S., Chang, H., & Pai, H. (2018). Caring behaviors directly and indirectly affect nursing students' critical thinking. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 32(1), 197–203.

Cleary, M., West, S., & Hungerford, C. (2023). Four steps to add critical thinking to the mental health nursing toolkit. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 44(11), 1167–1170.

Gonzalez, H. C., Hsiao, E.-L., Dees, D. C., Noviello, S. R., & Gerber, B. L. (2022). Promoting critical thinking through an evidence-based skills fair intervention. Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, 15(1), 41–54.

Kaddoura, M. A. (2011). Critical thinking skills of nursing students in lecture-based teaching and case-based learning. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 5(2), 1–3.

Logan, D. R. (2021). A blueprint for becoming a successful clinical nursing professor, promoting health and wellness in the clinical environment to produce emerging nurse leaders. Creative Nursing, 27(2), 106–111.

Raterink, G. (2016). Reflective journaling for critical thinking development in advanced practice registered nurse students. The Journal of Nursing Education, 55(2), 101–104.

Scriven, M., & Paul, R. (2003). Defining critical thinking: A statement for the National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking Instruction. Retrieved from

Key Concepts in This Paper

Critical Thinking Clinical Judgment Decision Making Reflective Journaling Simulation Learning Nursing Leadership Healthcare Complexity Self-Reflection Nursing Education Problem Solving