Critical Thinking Development

[Loving-and-Learning]

Hi everyone,

I'm a relatively new nurse; I've been working for almost a year. My most recent performance review concludes that I am sorely deficient in the critical thinking area. This is obviously both incredibly discouraging and alarming. Is critical thinking in nursing something a person either has or doesn't? I have a BSN and yet I haven't come out qualified enough to do the job well. I know some of it will grow with experience, but I am below where I need to be right now. What can I do, if anything, to develop this skill? I need to address this ASAP!

Any help please!

[wanderlust99]

You were on the right track with wanting an ABG. I wonder what the MD said about you not being able to get a good sat reading? With the mental changes, I would really want an ABG too. Anytime I can't get a good reading I'll try the sat probe on the forehead or an earlobe. (if you have the sticky sat probes). I've called RT before to ask for their input. Even if they're not following I have called and said I have a patient can you check out for me? Sometimes they have a different portable sat machine that they can use to get a reading.

[sapphire18]

High CO2 can create tremors, too.

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

Hi Jadelpn, I sent you a PM. Thank you! :)