This is twice I've hear, "You are a black and white thinker"

[truckinusa, BSN, LPN, RN]

I heard this statement by instructor again today. I was told that is a problem by both instructors. So how does one get off this way of thinking or is this just a curse?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Actually, there is a lot of information on 'brain training' these days. People like yourself are usually called literal or "linear" thinkers. This is a great asset for some careers, but not for nursing because our work is focused on 'human reactions', and no two are alike.

Try this 'limbering up' exercise. Think about a common object - like a brick. Then, make a list of all the things that you could do with it. Of course, you will start with the obvious based on the external characteristics and common uses: build a house, use it for a paperweight, use it as a hammer, etc. But, then take it a step farther and think about what 'qualities' that brick has... it absorbs liquid, so it could be used for that quality. It could be divided into smaller pieces and used in that way. It could be ground down into dust . . . Once, I actually had a participant that came up with > 50 ways to use a brick!! Now, try the same exercise with a paperclip. Seriously, try this on a regular basis whenever you have some 'think time'. Eventually, it will become more natural.

Another brain exercise that is used to train debaters to strengthen analytic skills. Think of a topic or issue. Now, come up with different ways to interpret the issue. For instance, think about Obamacare (yeah, right). How does a conservative look at it? A liberal? A pessimist? An optimist? A wealthy person?. . . it takes a little effort, but you can do this.

The next time you're faced with a problem - even an ordinary one like running out of milk. Try to come up with alternative solutions... no matter how far-fetched they are. I mean, buying a cow may not be practical, but it would be a solution, right? The object is to open your mind to all the possibilities out there.

Have fun with it.

[truckinusa, BSN, LPN, RN]

Actually, there is a lot of information on 'brain training' these days. People like yourself are usually called literal or "linear" thinkers. This is a great asset for some careers, but not for nursing because our work is focused on 'human reactions', and no two are alike.

Try this 'limbering up' exercise. Think about a common object - like a brick. Then, make a list of all the things that you could do with it. Of course, you will start with the obvious based on the external characteristics and common uses: build a house, use it for a paperweight, use it as a hammer, etc. But, then take it a step farther and think about what 'qualities' that brick has... it absorbs liquid, so it could be used for that quality. It could be divided into smaller pieces and used in that way. It could be ground down into dust . . . Once, I actually had a participant that came up with > 50 ways to use a brick!! Now, try the same exercise with a paperclip. Seriously, try this on a regular basis whenever you have some 'think time'. Eventually, it will become more natural.

Another brain exercise that is used to train debaters to strengthen analytic skills. Think of a topic or issue. Now, come up with different ways to interpret the issue. For instance, think about Obamacare (yeah, right). How does a conservative look at it? A liberal? A pessimist? An optimist? A wealthy person?. . . it takes a little effort, but you can do this.

The next time you're faced with a problem - even an ordinary one like running out of milk. Try to come up with alternative solutions... no matter how far-fetched they are. I mean, buying a cow may not be practical, but it would be a solution, right? The object is to open your mind to all the possibilities out there.

Have fun with it.

I've definitely thought about the whole Obamacare thing. Without getting into politics I think its ironic how someone could be so against something when they would benefit the most. I like listening to a lot of talk radio which is conservative and I guess I'm liberally minded at times. I really don't have any political beliefs based on a party, but I support things that save me money or reduce my taxes.

[minniebrown]

I'm a black and white thinker too! It does lead to some hilarious moments because I take everything very literally, at least hilarious for everyone else. I'm not exactly sure how I learned to adapt to various scenarios . I just learned to "figure out" nursing school. I realized everything sort of centers around the nursing process. So assessing patients, how do your assessment findings fit in with the disease process, why are these meds prescribed. It does follow a formula, so I learned how to apply everything to the formula. It's kind of like learning grammar rules. There are main rules, but there are exceptions to the rules. So you have to learn the main order of things, but then you have to learn the exceptions to that formula. Hopefully that makes some sense.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I know a lot of nurses who think that way. It helps them make decisions, but sometimes interferes with personal interactions. Do a little reading on critical thinking.