Critical thinking skills in nursing students: comparison of simulation-based performance with metrics.

Aim: This paper is a report of an examination of the relationship between metrics of critical thinking skills and performance in simulated clinical scenarios.

Background: Paper and pencil assessments are commonly used to assess critical thinking but may not reflect simulated performance.

Methods: In 2007, a convenience sample of 36 nursing students participated in measurement of critical thinking skills and simulation-based performance using videotaped vignettes, high-fidelity human simulation, the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory and California Critical Thinking Skills Test.

Critical thinking ability of new graduate and experienced nurses.

Aim: This paper is a report of a study to identify critical thinking learning needs of new and experienced nurses.

Background: Concern for patient safety has grown worldwide as high rates of error and injury continue to be reported. In order to improve patient safety, nurses must be able to recognize changes in patient condition, perform independent nursing interventions, anticipate orders and prioritize.

Performance of a new screening spirometer at a community health fair.

Objective: Compare the results from a new screening spirometer (EasyOne) with the results from a standard laboratory spirometer (Vmax) approved by the American Thoracic Society.

Setting: A health fair at a community hospital.

Methods: We measured forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV(1)) and forced expiratory volume in the first 6 seconds (FEV(6)).