Background: Critical thinking skills are imperative, nowadays, since nurses are challenged to face complex
situations, taking reasonable decisions and assessing alternative solutions critically. Aim: This study aimed to
assess the effect of a self-learning package about critical thinking on intern-nurses' knowledge, disposition, and
skills. Methodology: A Quasi-experimental design was conducted at Beni-Suef University Hospital. Sample of the
study was conducted on 114 of intern-nurses divided into two groups; the study group (57) and the control group
(57). Four tools were used to collect data: The first tool: Critical Thinking Knowledge Questionnaire, the second
tool: California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory, the third tool: Critical Thinking Skill Questionnaire and
the fourth tool: Self-Learning Package Attitude Questionnaire. Results: There were improvements in the levels of
dispositions and skills regarding critical thinking among studied intern-nurses in both study and control groups
throughout immediate post and follow up phases from the preprogram phase. There were statistically significant
positive correlations between levels of critical thinking knowledge, disposition and skills of the studied intern
nurses. Conclusion: The training program was effective. There were general improvements in the levels of critical
thinking knowledge, dispositions, skills and attitude toward self-learning package. Recommendations: Nursing
staff and nursing management need to work together to provide a conductive atmosphere for critical thinking and
innovation. Adopting self-learning packages in the orientation program of intern-nurses by nursing faculties and
conducting longitudinal research designs that will enable future researchers to track nurses’ critical thinking
development over the course of their entire undergraduate careers |
