Abstract presented by Barbara McManus for the 5th World Congress on Pedicatric Critical Care, June 24-28 2007 Geneva, Switzerland, Book of Abstracts.
It was published in:

(2007) Pediatric Critical Care Medicine 8 (3), Supplement, A210

HOW TO ENHANCE CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS OF PAEDIATRIC CRITICAL CARE NURSES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Background:

This collaborate study uses both action research and critical ethnography to explore the nurses’ understanding and demonstration of critical thinking, in clinical practice. It incorporates educational aspects and practice development in the paediatric intensive care unit. Critical thinking is associated with maintaining standards of care, improvement of practice and achieving optimal patient outcomes.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to discover ways to enhance critical thinking skills of paediatric critical care nurses, in clinical practice. Theses strategies can be incorporated into nurse educational programmes to encourage the learning process.

Results:

The study involved methodology triangulation and qualitative data collection. The ten participants were paediatric critical care nurses with more than two years experience, in the specialised area. Assessment occurred through focus groups, which was followed by the activity of participative observation and coaching. This was evaluated by individual interviews and reflexivity. I explored the culture of paediatric critical care nurses; their knowledge, skills and attitudes. I discovered the participants were proficient in providing holistic patient care and practised critical thinking skills, in a variety of situations. I found the participants were often unaware of their reflective and cognitive abilities.

Implications:

Nurses become empowered when they have an opportunity to perform as an autonomous practitioner. Although, the patient receives holistic care from the interdisciplinary team, this should not prevent the critical care nurse from proactive participation. Nurses that practice proficiently or have expertise in their specialised field should be encouraged to utilise these skills accordingly. Additionally, strategies to enhance critical thinking for less experienced nurses, should be incorporated through educational programmes, at a theoretical and a practical level. Empowerment leads to increased motivation and job satisfaction which ultimately reflects in retention rates. Experienced nurses are vital at the bedside and their recognition and retention is of utmost importance

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