The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
Vol. 36 No. 6 November/December 2005
By Barbara A. Brunt, MA, MN, RN, BC
ABSTRACT
Health care professionals must use critical-thinking skills to solve increasingly complex problems. Educators need to help nurses develop their critical-thinking skills to maintain and enhance their competence. This article reviews various models of critical thinking, as well as methods used to evaluate critical thinking. Specific educational strategies to develop nurses’ critical-thinking skills are discussed. Additional research studies are needed to determine how the process of nursing practice can nurture and develop critical- thinking skills, and which strategies are most effective in developing and evaluating critical thinking.
AUTHOR
Ms. Brunt is Director, Nursing Education and Staff Development, Summa Health System, Akron, Ohio.
The author thanks Dr. Liz Rogerson for her editorial assistance with the manuscript.
The author(s) disclose that they have no signifi cant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Barbara A. Brunt, MA, MN, RN, BC, Nursing Education and Staff Development, Summa Health System, Staff Development, 41 Arch Street, Akron, OH 44304.
