41
CHAPTER 2 Clinical Judgment
Con- textual aware- ness
n
FIGURE 2-2 Model of critical thinking and the nursing process.
Knowledge Check 2-6 Think about the preceding discussion of applying the five points of the critical-thinking model, and identify the actions that demonstrate the use of each of the four types of knowledge. Practical Knowledge knowing how HOW IS THE NURSING PROCESS RELATED TO CRITICAL THINKING? The nursing process is a multistep, systematic problem- solving process that guides all nursing actions. It is the type of “thinking and doing” nurses use in their prac- tice. For detailed information on the nursing process, see Chapter 3. Key Point: Critical thinking and the nurs- ing process are interrelated but not identical. The nurs- ing process is a tool to foster critical thinking. ■ Nurses use critical thinking for decisions other than direct client care (e.g., to decide how many nurses are needed to staff the unit). ■ Some nursing activities do not always require reflec- tive critical thinking (e.g., applying a cardiac moni- tor, inserting a urinary catheter), although they must be done skillfully.
As you gain more information, go back and analyze your response to the situation. Use reflection. You may find that you are already feeling less anxious! All of this is a part of inquiry. Exploring Alternatives and Analyzing Assump- tions Now that you know something about the clinical experience, you can plan your day. You need to consider alternatives and analyze your assumptions about the experience: ■ What is expected of you? ■ How will you apply your skills in caring for your client? Reflecting and Deciding After you feel that you have addressed these concerns, you need to quickly review your preparation ( reflective skepticism ): ■ Have you gathered enough information to feel com- fortable in the situation? ■ Do you need more information? What are the gaps in the information? This was a demonstration of how you might apply the critical-thinking model to a real experience. In this example, you also used various types of knowledge dis- cussed earlier (e.g., theoretical, practical, personal, and ethical knowledge). ■ What do you expect from the experience? ■ How should you approach your client? ■ How will you introduce yourself?
24
Powered by FlippingBook