Critical thinking abilities among newly graduated nurses: A cross-sectional survey study in China

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to describe critical thinking dispositions among newly graduated nurses with different educational background in China and to explore related factors. Design: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Methods: The data were collected using the Chinese Version of Critical Thinking Dispositions Inventory (CTDI-CV). Overall, 588 newly graduated nurses finally completed the survey. Spearman and Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to examine the correlation between the CDTI-CV and nurses' general characteristics. Results: In terms of open-mindedness, analysis and inquisitiveness subscales, significant differences were found among nurses based on three educational level. When dichotomizing total CTDI scores into high and low, nearly 80% of the respondents fell into low score group. Pressure from workplace was high for 68.4% of them. Significant correlation was found among the new graduated nurses' critical thinking ability and their age, education level, reading habit and attitude towards nursing profession.