Development of nurses’ critical thinking skills: Implications for clinical practice

Critical thinking skills of registered nurses are important to improve patient safety through recognition of an adverse change in a patient’s condition and initiation of appropriate action. The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in case scenario simulation exercises significantly increased the critical thinking skills of registered nurses. The study used a simulation program developed by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Sixty registered nurses in an acute care hospital participated in the study. Although the results failed to indicate a significant statistical difference in the critical thinking skills of the registered nurses following completion of the assigned modules, limitations of the study may have adversely affected findings. Additional research is warranted to further explore the potential of using case-based simulation exercises to promote critical thinking skills in registered nurses. Wider implications include promoting an environment of continual learning to strengthen the critical thinking skills of staff. Implementation of case scenario simulation exercises may be an effective way to develop critical thinking skills and reduce incidences of registered nurses failing to rescue a patient when intervention is required. The actionable findings of this research may generate further studies to enhance the practice of nursing, improve patient safety and reduce the number of adverse events involving hospitalised patients.