Date of Completion
Fall 12-13-2021
Project Type
Research Project
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing - Educational Leadership
Department
Nursing
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr.Jane Brannan
Abstract
Aim. This integrative review aimed to review studies on critical thinking and how it is essential in nursing education. The research question that guided this integrative review was: What teaching strategies positively influence critical thinking development in new graduate nurses?
Background. Critical thinking is an essential skill in the nursing profession which helps nurses to prioritize and perform life- saving interventions for the patient. This desirable competency is an expected outcome upon graduating from nursing school. However, there is growing concern that new graduate nurses lack this essential skill.
Data Sources. Articles were located by searching electronic data bases including PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Medline Complete, Scopus and Ebsco Host electronic databases. The studies examined learning styles, problem-based learning (PBL), unfolding case studies, and simulation as teaching strategies that may influence critical thinking development in nursing students.
Review Method: Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) framework for data collection and synthesis was used for this integrative review.
Results: Two main themes and three subthemes identified were:
1. Teaching strategies may directly or indirectly impact critical thinking in nursing students.
Subthemes included: PBL, unfolding case studies, and simulation as they were noted to influence critical thinking in nursing students.
2. Learning styles may influence critical thinking in learners.
Conclusion. Further research is needed to further understand learning styles and PBL, unfolding case studies and simulation as teaching strategies that may influence critical thinking in nursing students.