Khululwa Nomangwekazi Mboqoka

Nurse Intellect Consultancy, South Africa

Abstract Title:

Exploring Registered Nurse`S Understanding Of the Concept of Critical Thinking in A Private Hospital in the Gauteng Province, South Africa

Biography:

Mrs Khululwa Mboqoka Director of Nurse Intellect Consultancy, specializing in aligning educational materials with SANC CPD standards. Experienced in guiding hospitals on accreditation and policy, managing an E-learning platform for nurses and community health education. Holds a Master's in Nursing Sciences and a Post Graduate in Business Management, currently pursuing a PhD. Recipient of the Pat Gorvalla honour award for emerging leadership in nursing.

Research Interests:

Introduction Critical thinking is essential for quality clinical nursing practice. The study's foundation is based on Victor-Chmil's definition of critical thinking, which is decision making characterized by careful judgment and reasoning in patient care Background In hospital settings, registered nurses encounter challenging situations that require strong critical thinking skills. As healthcare systems evolve, these skills enable nurses to synthesize information and make quick, appropriate decisions for safe and effective care delivery. The study addresses concerns about the lack of critical thinking disposition among nurses in medical and surgical wards, emphasizing their vital role in addressing patient needs within the healthcare system. . Method Utilizing a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design, the research involved thematic analysis of insights from nurses employed at the hospital, which features a total of 427 beds and a level one trauma facility. Out of approximately 110 registered nurses, 26 work in the targeted medical and surgical wards. The site was chosen due to the merger of two facilities, allowing for a broader understanding of nurses' perspectives on critical thinking. The research study involved twelve registered nurses (RNs) from medical and surgical wards who met specific inclusion criteria, with data collected through semi-structured interviews. Key themes emerged, indicating factors that negatively affect nurses' critical thinking and application of knowledge in clinical settings. Conclusion The study concludes that registered nurses need support in developing critical thinking skills. It was also deduced that some demarcations and limited resources impede critical thinking in the wards. Key words: Critical thinking; Registered nurses; Clinical nurses; Surgical wards; Medical wards; Decision making; Clinical practice; Clinical experience