Critical Thinking in the Emergency Department, Second Edition

Give your nurses the confidence and skills they need to think independently and display high levels of clinical judgment. Critical Thinking in the Emergency Department is filled with resources and assessment tools, usable by both new and experienced nurses, to build a culture of critical thinking directed toward the best interests of the patient.

This must-have book will help you:

- Explain the principles of critical thinking
- Provide strategies for coaching new graduates
- Discuss creating and teaching critical thinking classes, from orientation to ongoing nurse development
- Discuss the important role played by preceptors during orientation of new employees and give strategies for encouraging critical thinking skills

In addition to the book, downloadable tools will help readers apply the theories and methods taught in a variety of situations.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Critical Thinking in the Emergency Department
Chapter 1: Defining Critical Thinking
Chapter 2: New Graduate Nurses and Critical Thinking
Chapter 3: The Critical Thinking Classroom
Chapter 4: Orientation: Bringing Critical Thinking to the Clinical Environment
Chapter 5: Nursing Practice That Promotes and Motivates Critical Thinking
Chapter 6: Novice to Expert: Setting Realistic Expectations for Critical Thinking
Chapter 7: Applying Critical Thinking to Nursing Documentation
Chapter 8: Relating Critical Thinking to Its Higher Purpose

Appendix: Downloadable Tools

- Unfolding teaching scenarios for emergency nurses
- Emergency department teachable moments
- Sample agenda
- Instructor worksheet connecting words to spark critical thinking
- Student worksheet connecting words to spark critical thinking
- Worksheet relationship to critical thinking
- Worksheet vital signs
- Worksheet red flag alerts