Critical Thinking Skills

[Phoenix94]

I want to get a gauge on how students develop their critical thinking. Although I do my readings, take practice tests using multiple systems and websites to understand the material and prepare for exams, I still get poor marks. The professors do not wish to go over exam questions nor do they allow students to meet with professors for further inquiries. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get around this?

Frankly, I don't want to feel like I'm an idiot. However, without a feedback system, I feel as if I cannot develop the proper critical thinking skills to become a good nurse and the feeling of inferiority is too hard to ignore. The normal response I get is "read the material again" but the book material is vague and does not go over mechanics as in-depth as I need to visualize the topics. Any tips are appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

[iNurs5, CNA]

Go to your director of the program. 

[Phoenix94]

4 hours ago, Honyebee said:

Go to your director of the program. 

Hello Honyebee, 

Thank you for replying.

Quick question: what would my director of the program be able to do to help with critical thinking? Unless you mean to say that I should speak to the director to create an open communication between the professor and I. 

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

When I was in nursing school which was a long time ago. We used to have a critical thinking lab once a week where we were presented with a multivariable problem/situation. Sometimes nursing related, sometimes not. After reading the scenario or looking at a picture we would pull the problem apart and try to solve it. Most people have some critical thinking skills and use them every day. Start by thinking how you handle everyday problems and expand that to your education and nursing practice. Discuss scenarios/situations with your cohort. Just as it is difficult to "Learn" resiliency as an adult it is also difficult to learn critical thinking as an adult. Step back and think about what you already know. 

Hppy

[Phoenix94]

4 hours ago, hppygr8ful said:

When I was in nursing school which was a long time age. We used to have a critical thinking lab once a week where we were presented with a multivariable problem/situation. Sometimes nursing related, sometimes not. After reading the scenario or looking at a picture we would pull the problem apart and try to solve it. Most people have some critical thinking skills and use them every day. Start by thinking how you handle everyday problems and expand that to your education and nursing practice. Discuss scenarios/situations with your cohort. Just as it is difficult to "Learn" resiliency as an adult it is also difficult to learn critical thinking as an adult. Step back and think about what you already know. 

Hppy

Hello Hppy,

I see. We do not have those labs, but discussing scenarios with my cohort sounds like a good idea. Some colleagues feel the same as I do, and I can give this idea a try with them. I will also propose this idea to the director as well and see if they can create something similar to what you had. Thank you again! 

[John2018]

When I was a nursing student, during our clinical we would have weekly case presentation. This helped us analyze, pinpoint problem and problem solving. This involves presentation with the instructor and discussion within our team. I guess, you can mock this kind of learning with your friends that has the same goals as you.

[amoLucia]

There are case studies presented here from time to time. Lot of 'thinking' occurs. Would be perfect opp'ty to further expand the discussion.

Good suggestions re same from PPs John and Hppy.