Playing Detective to Enhance Critical Thinking

New nurses are expected to critically think and have the ability to quickly identify patient problems at an early stage upon entering the nursing profession. Nurse educators attempt to prepare students to think critically utilizing a multitude of teaching modalities such as clinical experiences, simulation experiences, course assessments, written assignments, and case studies. Although these are useful methods of learning, they do not necessarily initiate the critical thinking process. An innovative teaching strategy such as a reverse case study is one such strategy that initiates critical thinking. Students are given small amounts of information, and then, they identify what is important. They create a concept map, a synopsis, or scenario and apply appropriate interventions specific in meeting the needs of the patient. It makes them critically think, understand the how things are connected, and why certain interventions and actions are appropriate. The method brings together past concepts of learning to current situations, engaging student learning. Using creative and some different approaches will facilitate the critical thinking process.