Sound clinical judgment in nursing: A concept analysis

OBJECTIVE: The intent of this concept analysis is to offer a clear understanding of the definition, defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of sound clinical judgment pertaining to nursing practice. BACKGROUND: Sound clinical judgment is essential in nursing because decisions made influence patient outcomes. DESIGN: This concept analysis guided by Walker and Avant's framework, dissects the concept to promote clarity and consensus. DATA SOURCE: CINAHL, ProQuest for Nursing and Allied Health, ERIC, and Health Source/Nursing Academic Edition databases were searched using the keyword clinical judgment. REVIEW METHODS: Articles in peer reviewed, scholarly journals written in English were considered from 1984 to 2017. RESULTS: The author concluded that decision-making is a surrogate term for clinical judgment. The attributes, antecedents, and consequences are discussed and supported by evidence. Cases illustrate the essence of the concept. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical judgment is an ambiguous term that is synonymous with the term decision-making. It results from critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Using these findings, educators and administrators can use valid and reliable methods to identify the presence, foster the development, and measure the existence of clinical judgment in novice nurses with an ultimate goal to improve patient care.