How to Improve Critical Thinking Skills With BSN

Bachelor's degree programs in nursing are intensive academic programs. These programs teach hard science classes and theory to prepare students in becoming nurses. Critical thinking skills are developed through interaction with nursing instructors and professionals. Aspiring students also gain critical thinking skills as they study for exams. Students can further develop critical thinking skills through training and hands-on work with a bachelor's of science degree in nursing.

Things You'll Need

• Books on case studies in nursing
• Training classes
• Hospital work
• Contact information for possible preceptors

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Instructions

• 1

  Read books about medical conditions, problems and case studies to help identify problems and come up with solutions to these problems. Readings help provoke your thinking, and train you to think critically about particular nursing cases so you're more prepared when you encounter these cases later.

• 2

  Enroll in additional training classes. After gaining your BSN degree, it is important to enroll in continuing education to keep your knowledge about practices in the industry current. Training includes CPR and EKG lessons. These classes help improve critical thinking skills because they complement your academic preparation.

• 3

  Volunteer at a hospital. Volunteering will help you improve critical thinking application because you interact with real patients and help alleviate medical conditions. This will help in training you to think fast when things are on the line, which you will encounter when you work full-time as a nurse.

• 4

  Work with a preceptor. Preceptors are individuals who act as mentors to new nurses and oversee their performance. They are a great resource to have when you have questions about particular nursing methods. You may also be able to shadow your preceptor and learn as he works.

• 5

  Take a full-time job as a nurse. After volunteering or working part-time, you may now have the clinical skills necessary to become a full-fledged nurse. It is important to develop critical thinking skills independently, and working as a nurse handling your own patients will help you develop and exercise those critical thinking skills.