Dynamics in Nursing Art
Modern day nursing has two intertwined components that influence nursing care and is resulting in change how care is delivered, those two components are critical thinking and evidence-based practice (EBP). In the eBook Dynamics in Nursing Art and Science of Professional Practice in chapter four Sue Z. Green defines critical thinking by saying,“Critical thinking in nursing is the ability to apply the nursing process effectively and purposefully to an identified problem” (Green, 2018). While this is a good definition it seems to be lacking in that it does not clearly indicate or explain the “critical thinking” part. The definition appears more about the problem solving while using the nursing process. The nursing process is a efficient method for solving problems but to define critical thinking a little expanding is required. Critical thinking includes Green’s definition plus requires formulating a solution to the problem utilizing creativity and analysis from as many view points as possible looking for potential alternative responses and outcomes to the problem. In nursing the nurse utilizes critical thinking in every aspect of client care because nursing utilizes a holistic approach. This includes care for the client in the areas beyond just the diagnosis and includes treating psychological and social aspects of a person. The importance of using critical thinking to treat the client in a holistic approach is a source or interference with the healing process maybe beyond physical. Once the nurse critical thinks about the situation and addresses the problems then solutions can be applied, and the healing process can continue.
The eBook defines EBP in chapter three as, “The integration of clinical expertise, the most up-to-date research, and patient’s preferences to formulate and implement best practices for patient care.” (Dean, 2018). The intertwining of critical thinking and EBP will allow for better client outcomes, shorter stays, and increased satisfaction scores. These will all be accomplished through applying a scientific process to aspects of care and determining if the care is indeed helping, hurting, or no impact on client outcomes.
