As an NCLEX candidate, the exam will challenge your ability to use critical thinking to make safe and sound judgements about patient care. Students who focus mainly on committing all types of information to memory without thinking about how the information can be utilized when caring for a patient are in for a rude awakening. You must take time to learn the information and be able to apply it in real life situations. For the NCLEX, you should consider every question, as if you were being given a new patient to care for every time. Then, you should to ask yourself, based on the information provided and what you have learned, what is the best course of action for the patient? Would you feel comfortable, taking the action you have decided on and go home with peace of mind? As a nursing student or NCLEX candidate, you are expected to identify potential and actual risks that can harm your patient. You should be able to review your client’s labs, vital signs and know when to notify the physician. Most importantly, know when to initiate nursing interventions if something is wrong. If you study with an understanding of the material and use critical thinking to help guide you as you are answering the questions on the NCLEX exam, you can count to pass on your first attempt.
I must remind you that thinking critically does not happen overnight. It takes months and years of practice. I hope you have been practicing critical thinking throughout nursing school. As you are reviewing to take your exam, I strongly recommend that you make an effort to continue to use those skills. If the concept of critical thinking sounds like a foreign language to you, do not be discouraged. It is not too late to develop some critical thinking skills. Nursing Tutor Network is here to assist you in your journey to become a competent nurse. We are here to help you succeed.
Ms. G
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