Clinical reasoning in nursing education

Clinical reasoning is applying knowledge and experience in a clinical setting to solve a problem 1. It is a complex cognitive process in which individuals identify and prioritize relevant clinical data to formulate hypotheses and develop plans for confirming or refuting them 2. Clinical reasoning is a fundamental skill expected from competent and experienced nurses 3. It is a cognitive and metacognitive process and core nursing practice competency 4. Incorporating clinical reasoning into nursing education enhances nurses' ability to handle complex and unstable situations when dealing with patients 5. For nursing students, clinical reasoning is a holistic, iterative, and dynamic cognitive process that fosters adaptability and flexibility, enabling them to better understand patient conditions 6. Students and staff require solid clinical knowledge and reasoning skills to ensure accurate, timely, and precise diagnoses 7. In contrast, an unconscious approach to clinical reasoning or an inability to apply critical thinking may negatively impact patient care 8.