Critical Thinking and Nursing Education: Perplexities and Insights

The impetus for this literature review was an exploratory study conducted by the writer which indicated that a sample of nursing students seemed to make no significant gains in the development of critical thinking over an academic year. Surprised, the writer undertook an analysis of relevant studies in the nursing literature focusing upon the following questions: Does nursing education impact upon critical thinking? Does nursing education impact upon clinical judgment? How do critical thinking a and clinical judgment relate? How do critical thinking and achievement in nursing education relate? This endeavor yielded mixed findings while reference to literature in the field of education produced several insights that help to explain some of the perplexities. Suggestions are offered regarding research and teaching related to critical thinking.