Module 05 Written Assignment – Concepts for Clinical Judgment
Module 05 Content
- Read the article “Thinking Like a Nurse: A Research-Based Model of Clinical Judgment in Nursing” by Christine Tanner, which is linked below:
Link to article
In at least three pages, answer the following questions:- What do you feel are the greatest influences on clinical judgment? Is it experience, knowledge or a combination of those things?
- In your opinion, what part does intuition play in clinical judgment? How do you think you’ll be able to develop nursing intuition?
- Additional sources are not required but if they are used, please cite them in APA format.
Submit your completed assignment by following the directions linked below. Please check the Course Calendar for specific due dates.
Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document. (Mac users, please remember to append the “.docx” extension to the filename.) The name of the file should be your first initial and last name, followed by an underscore and the name of the assignment, and an underscore and the date. An example is shown below:
Clinical judgment in nursing is a complex process that involves the assessment and evaluation of patient conditions to make informed decisions about their care. Several factors influence clinical judgment, and it’s typically a combination of experience and knowledge that plays a significant role.
- Experience: Experience is a crucial factor in clinical judgment. Nurses develop the ability to recognize patterns and anticipate patient needs through years of practice. They become familiar with various patient presentations and common responses to treatments. Experienced nurses can often make quicker and more accurate clinical judgments due to their exposure to a wide range of situations.
- Knowledge: Knowledge, especially clinical knowledge, is the foundation upon which clinical judgment is built. Nurses need to have a solid understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical conditions. This knowledge helps them interpret patient data and make informed decisions about diagnosis, treatment, and care planning.
- Intuition: Intuition is an interesting aspect of clinical judgment. While it’s not always easy to explain, many experienced nurses report relying on their intuition in their decision-making process. Intuition is often described as a “gut feeling” or a sense of knowing without conscious reasoning. It can be influenced by accumulated experience and expertise, and it’s often a valuable tool in situations where quick decisions are required.
Regarding the role of intuition in clinical judgment, it’s important to note that intuition should not replace evidence-based practice or critical thinking. Instead, it can complement these processes. Intuition is like a mental shortcut that draws on your subconscious knowledge and experiences. Developing nursing intuition involves:
- Building a Strong Knowledge Base: The more you know about nursing principles, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, the better your intuition can draw from that knowledge.
- Reflecting on Past Experiences: Regularly reflecting on your clinical experiences and the outcomes of your decisions can help fine-tune your intuition. Consider what worked, what didn’t, and why.
- Mentorship and Learning from Experienced Nurses: Learning from experienced nurses can help you understand how they developed their clinical judgment and intuition. Their insights and guidance can be invaluable.
- Staying Open to Learning: Be open to learning from your mistakes and the experiences of others. Recognize that developing intuition is an ongoing process.
In conclusion, clinical judgment in nursing is influenced by a combination of experience and knowledge. Intuition can also play a significant role, especially for experienced nurses, but it should be used alongside evidence-based practice and critical thinking. Developing nursing intuition is a continuous process that involves building knowledge, reflecting on experiences, seeking mentorship, and remaining open to learning and improvement. While the specific article you mentioned might provide more detailed insights, I hope this general discussion is helpful for your assignment.