Nursing: Critical thinking ANA vs UOP Essay Example

article titled "A philosophy underlying excellence in research" explores the effects of maintaining a traditional education system for nurses. It also delves into the outcomes associated with shifts towards critical thinking.

In order to grasp the ideas discussed in the article, it is necessary to examine the foundations of knowledge. Understanding knowledge paradigms helps in comprehending our thinking processes and our perspective on learning. Education institutions and teachers play a crucial role in instructing and guiding students. These students graduate from school with the knowledge imparted to them by the university system. Thomas Kuhn's views shed light on the shortcomings of this educational model.

"The Structure of Scientific Revolution," a book published in 1962, written by Kuhn (n.d.), delves into the concept of the knowledge paradigm. The knowledge paradigm refers to a shared set of concepts, values, perceptions, and practices within a community. It shapes their perception of reality and serves as the foundation for their organizational structure. However, nursing schools' traditional positivist teaching approach has a significant flaw: it accepts all knowledge as correct and prioritizes personal beliefs over truth in presenting concepts. Consequently, students are discouraged from questioning the underlying reasons behind their knowledge. This lack of inquiry hampers new nurses from challenging assumptions within their work environment. Ironically, nurses have an ethical obligation to empower their patients.

Although many nurses perceive patients as passive participants in the medical practice, a potential issue arises when doctors give orders. Typically, nurses are expected to simply follow the order and fulfill the task assigned. However, by critically thinking and disregarding hierarchical power structures, nurses can question these orders. This inquiry ultimately contributes to improved patient outcomes (Nili, Livne,

& Mali, 2003, p. 250).

In order to foster freethinking and a critical approach in nursing practice, it is important to encourage students to question the obvious rather than accepting it as unquestionable truth. This initial questioning of authority and knowledge allows for the development of a comfort zone in challenging conventional ideas (Nili, Livne, & Mali, 2003, p. 252). Critical thinking not only breaks down barriers between students and teachers, but also prepares future nurses to challenge the doctor-nurse hierarchy. When students question their teachers, they are also questioning authority and diminishing the power that teachers/doctors hold over students/nurses.

The leveling effect of power reduction is highlighted in the statement that a student transitioning into a nursing profession will be more inclined to empower patients (Nili, Livne, & Mali, 2003, p. 250). As a result, this aspiring nurse will demonstrate a decreased likelihood of adhering to ineffective care plans. It is crucial for critical thinking in clinical settings to have its roots in the education system. If students are unwilling to assert themselves with professors, how can they be expected to navigate the challenges of the nurse-doctor dynamic? Indeed, the article acknowledges a potential drawback associated with adopting this post-modern teaching approach to critical thinking.

The concern is how to balance power without affecting learning or job performance. There is a fear that if power is equalized, research and knowledge may not be recognized for their significance. When knowledge loses its respect, research may also lose its value. This risk could lead to the stagnation of the nursing profession (Nili, Livne, & Mali, 2003, p. 251).

Additionally, it is crucial to recognize that there exists a hierarchy and

set of guidelines for obeying commands. The primary goal of critical thinking in the workplace is not to entirely dismiss orders, but rather to enhance knowledge and foster a cooperative strategy towards patient care.

Similar to how a strong tree depends on its roots for stability, nursing relies on teaching and research. Education plays a crucial role in nurses' interactions with colleagues and patients. Nurses have the important task of advocating for patients as well as providing patient education. It is the responsibility of nurses to educate both patients and their families.

Hard to empower someone and still keep them without power. Effective critical thinking, nurse-patient bond, and nurse-doctor relationship lead to growth. A student educated in critical thinking becomes a better nurse in the workplace because it is a crucial skill for good nurses.

References

1. Kuhn, T. (n.d.). In What is a paradigm?. Retrieved October 25, 2004, from http://www.cs.ucr.edu/khanhvo/paradigm.htm
2. Nili, T., Livne, A., ; Mali, E. (2003).

A philosophy of teaching excellence is discussed in the article "A philosophy underlying excellence in teaching" published in the Nursing Philosophy journal. The article can be found in the EBSCOhost Database, Article No. AN 11217681 and was retrieved on October 22, 2004.