Perhaps one reason why confusion exists around the differences between problem solving and critical thinking is because, critical thinking needs to be understood as a process. For example, an important step in …show more content…
Critical thinking is a cognitive process which includes reviewing data, distinguishing a problem, deciding the best solution, picking the most effective strategy of reaching that solution and considering potential explanation and outcomes before settling on a decision. After executing the plan, critical thinkers reflect on the situation and the solution that they have selected to figure out if it was the best and effective or if it could have been done better. Critical thinking is a reasonable reflective thinking and discipline specific focused on deciding what to believe or do. It is best understood as the ability of thinkers to take charge of their own thinking. Critical thinking in nursing is needed in response to the rapidly changing health care environment. For example, a terminally ill patient is obviously in severe pain but refuse to take analgesia or any pain killer medicines at this point nurses need to think critically and decide how to make them agree on taking