Critical thinking dispositions’ level among neophyte nursing students

Abstract

Introduction: Critical thinking dispositions (CTD) are valued across the health professions disciplines being essential for decision-making, critical judgment and managing complex health situations. Promoting critical-thinking dispositions in undergraduate nursing students can support the students to utilize critical thinking during challenging patient care and problem-solving situations. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of critical thinking disposition among neophyte nursing students in a private nursing college. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study design was adopted. Neophyte students (n=98) of the BSN program participated in the study. Critical Thinking Dispositions Scale (CTDS) of 54 items under seven constructs was utilized to assess CTD level. Data was analyzed at descriptive and inferential level using SPSS 23.0 version.  Results: Overall, CTD among neophytes nursing students is at 75% a progressive level. Contextual and inquisitiveness construct of CTDs are at positive CTD level while other constructs are at the progressive level. Students have completed their matriculation from public 55(56.1%) while FSc (Faculty of Science) from private sector 57(58.2%). Mothers of most neophytes 73(74.5%) were housewives and fathers were working in private organization 32(32.7%). There was no statistically significant association between CTD’s construct with demographic variables (P-Value, >0.05). FSc marks showed a significant association with overall CTD scores, intellectual and inquisitiveness, while admission entry test scores associate significantly with intellectual construct. Conclusion: The CTD level of neophyte is at a progressive level which suggest that different teaching and learning strategies could be implemented to improve this level.