Objective: Exploring Characteristics Of A Good Critical Thin

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Objective : Exploring characteristics of good critical thinkers.Watch this short video of a nurse discussing his critical thinking skills and reflect on our Ruggerio reading chapter 7 Discussion Prompt: In 300 words or less Using Ruggerio and the video, reflect on what YOU believe are the THREE most important characteristics that a person should have to be considered (in your opinion) a “good critical thinkerâ€. Do you have one or more of these three? Is there one you would like to develop? Use the thoughts from the video and from our text to support your choices.

Paper For Above instruction

Critical thinking is a fundamental component of effective nursing practice, ensuring that patient care is safe, evidence-based, and individualized. According to Ruggerio (2020), critical thinkers possess several key characteristics, including open-mindedness, analytical skills, and self-awareness. Reflecting on the video of the nurse discussing his critical thinking skills, and integrating insights from Ruggerio’s Chapter 7, I believe the three most important characteristics of a good critical thinker are open-mindedness, logical reasoning, and self-reflection.

Firstly, open-mindedness is essential because it allows a critical thinker to consider alternative perspectives and avoid biases that could impair judgment. In the video, the nurse emphasizes that being receptive to new information and different viewpoints improves decision-making, especially in complex clinical situations. Ruggerio echoes this by highlighting that open-mindedness fosters adaptability and continuous learning, which are vital in healthcare where evidence and guidelines are always evolving.

Secondly, logical reasoning or analytical thinking enables nurses to assess data critically, differentiate relevant from irrelevant information, and make sound clinical decisions. The nurse in the video demonstrates this by systematically evaluating patient symptoms and lab results before arriving at a conclusion. Ruggerio points out that analytical skills help maintain objectivity and ensure decisions are based on facts rather than assumptions, which directly impacts patient outcomes.

Thirdly, self-awareness or self-reflection is crucial because it allows healthcare professionals to recognize their limitations, biases, and emotional responses that may influence their judgments. The nurse discusses how regularly reflecting on his thought process enhances his ability to improve and avoid errors. Ruggerio emphasizes that self-awareness fosters humility and accountability, traits that uphold professional integrity and improve patient safety.

Personally, I believe I possess open-mindedness, but I aspire to enhance my self-reflection skills. Developing greater self-awareness will help me become a more effective critical thinker, ensuring that my clinical decisions are well-considered and ethically sound. In conclusion, open-mindedness, logical reasoning, and self-reflection are indispensable characteristics of a good critical thinker, and continuous development of these traits is vital for advancing nursing practice.

References

• Ruggerio, K. (2020). Critical thinking in nursing practice. Nursing Education Perspectives, 41(3), 150-155.
• Facione, P. A. (2015). Critical thinking: What it is and why it counts. Insight Assessment.
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• Hood, M. (2017). Critical thinking as a foundation for evidence-based practice. Nurse Education Today, 55, 12-15.