The relationship between critical thinking and self-concept in staff nurses and the influence of these characteristics on nursing practice.

Abstract

Thirty-five nurse managers were interviewed, and 100 staff nurses were tested using the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) and the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) to determine if a relationship existed between critical thinking and self-concept. Correlations (Pearson r) showed no statistically significant relationship (r = 0.1097, P > 0.05). Comparison of the results of the California Critical Thinking Skills Test between groups with differing levels of nursing education indicated that scores for nurses with a baccalaureate were statistically and significantly higher than the scores of nurses with an associate/diploma degree (ANOVA F = 3.03, P = 0.03). Implications for nursing education and practice are discussed.