Background of the Study
Critical thinking is a foundational skill in nursing education, enabling students to assess patient situations, make informed decisions, and provide high-quality care. Nurses must be able to evaluate clinical situations, prioritize care, and adjust interventions based on patient responses, all of which require strong critical thinking skills. The development of these skills is essential for ensuring that nursing students are prepared for the complexities of modern healthcare environments (Barrett et al., 2023).
At the Federal University of Lafia, critical thinking training is integrated into the nursing curriculum to help students develop the analytical and reasoning skills needed for effective clinical practice. Through case studies, simulations, and problem-based learning activities, students are encouraged to engage in reflective thinking, identify key issues, and propose evidence-based solutions (Sullivan & Hwang, 2024). However, while the incorporation of critical thinking into nursing education is widely recognized, the effectiveness of specific training programs in fostering these skills remains uncertain.
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of critical thinking training in nursing education at the Federal University of Lafia, assessing whether it enhances students' ability to apply critical thinking in clinical decision-making and patient care.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized importance of critical thinking in nursing education, there is limited empirical research on the specific impact of critical thinking training in nursing programs in Nigeria. While nursing students at the Federal University of Lafia are exposed to critical thinking exercises, it is unclear whether these training methods significantly improve students' ability to apply critical thinking skills in real clinical scenarios. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of critical thinking training in improving nursing students' clinical decision-making and overall nursing practice.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the effectiveness of critical thinking training in enhancing nursing students' decision-making abilities.
2. To evaluate the impact of critical thinking training on nursing students’ ability to apply evidence-based practice in patient care.
3. To explore nursing students' perceptions of critical thinking training and its role in their clinical education.
Research Questions
1. How effective is critical thinking training in enhancing nursing students' decision-making abilities?
2. To what extent does critical thinking training improve nursing students’ ability to apply evidence-based practice in patient care?
3. What are nursing students’ perceptions of the role of critical thinking training in their clinical education?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nursing students who undergo critical thinking training demonstrate improved decision-making abilities in clinical scenarios.
2. Critical thinking training positively influences nursing students’ ability to apply evidence-based practices in patient care.
3. Nursing students have positive perceptions of critical thinking training as a valuable component of their nursing education.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nursing students at the Federal University of Lafia. Limitations include the subjective nature of evaluating critical thinking through self-reported measures and the difficulty in isolating the effect of critical thinking training from other educational interventions.
Definitions of Terms
• Critical thinking: The ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas and making well-reasoned judgments.
• Decision-making: The process of selecting the most appropriate course of action based on evidence and clinical judgment.
• Evidence-based practice: The integration of the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences into the decision-making process for patient care.
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