Research and a literature review suggest that nurses lack skills for effective clinical decision making. An educational program that facilitated development of critical thinking focused on four qualities: determining accuracy of information, determining bias, identifying inconsistencies in reasoning, and evaluating the strength of an argument. (SK)

Globalization is changing the nature of knowledge and therefore of education. In response to global forces, nursing education may change delivery modes, become a marketable commodity, and be delivered by new providers. (SK)

British nursing students (78 of 93) completed a questionnaire about blood pressure; 90% were not familiar with Korotkoff sounds or auscultary gap; most thought blood pressure was the same in both arms; 63% knew resting was essential before measurement; 59% assessed the arm for cuff size; only 25% thought the cuff should be placed at heart level.…

Survey responses from 88 of 110 nursing students who participated in reflective practice and interviews with 50 showed that (1) critical thinking, listening, and observation skills were notably enhanced; and (2) participants gained insight into clinical situations and their personal nursing philosophy. (SK)

First- and fourth-year students from two South African nursing colleges (n=57) viewed videotaped problem-solving situations and formulated problems and solutions. There was some improvement in problem-solving ability between first- and fourth-year students, and fourth-year students performed slightly higher than the control group of third-year…

A professional practice model is a system that supports control over nursing care. It has five subsystems: values, professional relationships, delivery model, management approach, and compensation and rewards. Comparison of five health facilities provides guidelines for planning, implementing and evaluating a professional practice model. (SK)

The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing changed its program for acute care nurse practitioners to keep up with the constantly changing health care system. The new curriculum model emphasizes diagnostic reasoning and therapeutic management. (JOW)

Psychiatric nursing faculty practice offers the academic nurse opportunity to generate salary support and integrate students into the real world of mental health care. It promotes scholarship and knowledge-building and has a direct impact on the lives of patients. (Author/JOW)

Describes concept maps as a tool to help nursing students organize and analyze information in multiple formats. Illustrates uses by undergraduate and graduate students. (Contains 40 references.) (SK)

An ethics game involves nursing students in defending actions in ethics-based scenarios. Benefits include increased confidence, ability to see multiple perspectives, values clarification, and exposure to decision-making models, professional responsibilities, ethical principles, social expectations, and legal requirements. Difficulties include…

Describes a project that required graduate nursing students to conduct qualitative meta-synthesis of ethnographic research, using Noblit and Hare's approach. Discusses the process of meta-synthesis, interpretation of outcomes, and students' reactions to the project. (Contains 16 references.) (SK)

The short form of the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal was completed by 233 nursing and 131 management students, yielding four clusters of critical thinking types. Discriminant analysis using cluster membership and subtest scores showed 96% were correctly classified. (Contains 40 references) (SK)

Focus groups and interviews gathered professional opinions about why students leave nursing; results were formulated into a questionnaire administered to 32 students in a three-round Delphi. Factors contributing to attrition included theory-practice gap, university-clinical site relationships, unmet expectations, stress, and not feeling valued.…

The artistic aspects of nursing are overshadowed by a scientific-technical emphasis. Nursing curriculum should demonstrate a balance of empirical, aesthetic, personal, and moral knowledge. Aesthetic knowledge can be enhanced through the use of literature. (SK)

A faculty development project increased nursing expertise in substance abuse issues through independent learning experiences, consultations, workshops, seminars, and retreats. A comprehensive evaluation plan measured impact on faculty, students, and curriculum through interviews, surveys, and a curriculum content map. (SK)