Investigation into the relationship between critical thinking skills and clinical judgment in the nurse practitioner student

Abstract

<p>The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between critical thinking (CT) skills and clinical judgment in nurse practitioner (NP) students enrolled in an advanced practice educational program. To assess this relationship, the following four research hypotheses were developed: Nurse Practitioner students who demonstrate higher scores on the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) will also demonstrate more accuracy in the formulation of differential diagnoses as determined by their results on the exam style questions. Nurse Practitioner students who demonstrate higher scores on the (CCTST) will also demonstrate higher scores on the evaluation and reevaluation of consequences subscale of the Clinical Decision-Making in Nursing Scale (CDMNS). Nurse Practitioner students who demonstrate higher scores on the (CCTST) will also demonstrate more accuracy in the formulation of differential diagnosis as determined by the preceptor clinical evaluation tool. Professional work experience of the NP student as a registered nurse will have some relationship to the NP students&rsquo; scores and sub-scores on the California Critical Thinking Skills Test.</p>