Critical Thinking Disposition and Problem-Solving Aptitudes among Nursing Interns

Abstract

Background: Critical thinking and problem-solving skills of nursing interns can enhance their competence and ensure quality care delivery. Aim: to investigate the development of critical thinking disposition and problem-solving aptitude during internship exposure. Design: Descriptive correlational research. Setting: teaching university hospitals in Cairo governorate . Sample: A convenience sample of 80 interns who passed level 4 of the graduate nursing program. Instruments: California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory scale and the Problem-Solving Questionnaire. Ethical considerations: Approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee. Data Collection: The instruments were distributed to interns before they begin their training and after 12 months. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests to examine mean differences between pre-training and post-training. Results: Nursing interns generally scored moderately on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The highest average percentage was observed in the "Inquisitiveness" item for critical thinking, while the lowest mean percentage was for the "Maturity". Interns with secondary school entry levels and those from technical nursing institutes displayed significantly different avoidance styles. Recommendations: Nursing education programs and clinical training to provide targeted interventions and strategies to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills among nursing interns are needed during their internship.