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Discussion

What can I do to increase my knowledge, skill, and critical thinking?

At 2.5 years into being a practicing nurse, I feel that I am on Patricia Benner's "Advanced Beginner" stage in my nursing career. I am no longer a novice, but not anywhere near a highly skilled / experienced RN. It seems that most people around me are either very new RNs or have been RNs for many years, and that there is no one in an "in between" stage.

I am competent on my own and confident but aware of avoiding the pitfall into over-confidence at this stage. I feel like overconfidence at this stage could lead me to make a very dangerous mistake.

I'm wondering how I should proceed with gaining further knowledge. These past years have been a whirlwind of learning new information by just performing my job and now I find that it's slowing down and now I'm turning towards developing critical thinking skills and "looking ahead" in the patient's plan of care.

I don't have an idea of where I want my career to go, so for now I'm at the bedside in med-surg. What types of things can I do to continue developing my skills and one day become one of those fabulous experienced RN's?

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    I have found that reading and subscribing to nursing journals and magazines has helped me gain better insight into the "whys" behind things and new research findings related to nursing which helps with critical thinking and decision making.

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    Nursing journals are an excellent resource. As are any groups you may be interested in--you could be part of an ethics committee, or even a case review committee.

    I find that reviewing full cases are a great way to start thinking about multiple critical thinking skills. Why someone did what they did, and the patient's response to same. And there are many facilities that have case review committees.

    Best Wishes!

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    Read, read, read. Look at what textbooks med students are required to read (Robins, Castanzo, Cecil, etc.). Also, try finding a good book that does case scenarios and practice them (for critical thinking).

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