Define critical thinking and evidence-based practice. Discuss what critical thinking in nursing practice entails and explain why it is important. Discuss the role of critical thinking and evidence-based practice as they relate to client outcomes

Define critical thinking and evidence-based practice. Discuss what critical thinking in nursing practice entails and explain why it is important. Discuss the role of critical thinking and evidence-based practice as they relate to client outcomes

Evidence-Based Practice and Critical Thinking in Nursing

Successful nursing practice is defined by integrating different abilities and characteristics deemed necessary for nurses. These include and are not limited to critical thinking and the ability to establish and utilize evidence-based practice. According to “Importance of Critical Thinking in Nursing.” Post University, (2021), critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process in which a healthcare professional evaluates and solves patients’ problems and makes decisions creatively to enhance outcomes. In other words, it is the process of applying reason and logic in making a decision or solving problems.

Nurses and other healthcare professionals’ ability to think critically helps them make better decisions while collaborating to address issues. In nursing, critical thinking entails utilizing experience, knowledge, and skills gained to make the best decision regarding care delivery, resulting in better patient outcomes. It involves nurses using other aspects such as fairness, evidence-based practice, and ethics to make the best decision possible. Critical thinking is an indispensable aspect of nursing practice, an essential process for safe, efficient, and skillful nursing intervention.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing is deployed to review, analyze, and translate the latest scientific evidence (Victoria et al., 2022). In other words, it is an approach whereby current research and knowledge are utilized to improve healthcare and the safety of patients while at the same time reducing cost and care outcome variations. The system combines best nursing practices from the latest medical research with the clinical experience, preferences, and values of the patient served.

The nursing practice has evolved over the years to shift from just care delivery and treatment of a patient to address patient needs based on desired outcomes. Critical thinking and EBP are essential facets that support nursing care and contribute positively to addressing patient outcomes across healthcare delivery practices and settings. According to Why Use Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing (n.d), critical thinking knowledge and nursing skills improve patient outcomes by fostering EBP. The two factors are essential to nursing practice. While the EBP allows the utilization of current practice; critical thinking provides a means by which the best practices are integrated into making clinically sound decisions, hence addressing the identified patient needs and realizing the desired outcomes.

References

“Importance of Critical Thinking in Nursing.” Post University, 22 Sept. 2021, post.edu/blog/the-nursing-skills-that-will-launch-your-career/. Accessed 8 Nov. 2022.