Chapter 8: Critical Thinking; Critical Thinking Attitudes

Question 1

Confidence

Answer 1

• Learn how to introduce yourself
• Speak with conviction when you begin a treatment or procedure.
• Do not let the patient think that you are unsure of performing care safely.
• Always be prepared

Question 2

Thinking Independently

Answer 2

• Read nursing literature, especially when there are different views on the same subject
• Talk with colleagues and expert staff nurses to share ideas about nursing interventions

Question 3

Fairness

Answer 3

Listen to both sides:

• Family vs. Patient
• Staff vs. Patient
• Staff vs. Family

Question 4

Responsibility and Accountability

Answer 4

• Ask for help if needed
• Report any problems immediately
• Follow standards of practice in your care

Question 5

Risk Taking

Answer 5

• If your knowledge causes you to question a health care provider’s order, do so.
• Offer alternative approaches to nursing care when colleague
• Weigh all facts

Question 6

Discipline

Answer 6

• Be thorough in whatever you do
• Use known criteria for activities such as assessment and evaluation
• Take time

Question 7

Perseverance

Answer 7

• Be wary of an easy answer
• Clarify information that is given to you
• Look for a pattern, and find a solution

Question 8

Creativity

Answer 8

Look for different approaches if interventions are not working

Question 9

Curiosity

Answer 9

• Always ask why

- A sign or symptom can indicate a variety of problems

Question 10

Integrity

Answer 10

Recognize when your opinions may conflict with those of a patient, review your position and decide best to proceed to reach mutually beneficial outcomes

Question 11

Humility

Answer 11

• Recognize when you need more information to make a decision
• When you are new to a clinical division and unfamiliar with the patients, ask for an orientation to an area