Authors : Nafea Ali Reza , Lakdizaji Sima , Oshvandi Khodayar , Fathi Azar Eskandar and Ghojazadeh Morteza
Abstract: Critical Thinking (CT) is the life-blood of all educational programs. Today critical thinking is an expected competency of nurses at all levels of education and practice. This study has conducted to compare the critical thinking skills of nursing students enrolled in a 4-year baccalaureate program in Tabriz nursing and midwifery faculty. By cross-sectional design data collection occurred during regularly scheduled classes. A volunteer convenience sample of 172 students from all 4- years baccalaureate program completed a questionnaire of the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST). All data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics methods, mean difference tests and correlation test. Mean CT scores of Freshman II students in a baccalaureate 4-years (regular course) nursing program was 10.23�3.18 and for Seniors II students was 10.52�3.44. There were no statistically significantly differences between 2 groups` students. On the other hand the mean CT scores of freshman students (evening courses) was 9.78�2.90 and for Seniors II students was 9.23�2.63. There was no statistically significant difference between them. Indeed there was no statistically significant difference between morning courses nursing program and evening courses in total mean scores of CCTST too. Findings didn`t demonstrate significant correlation between factors such as age, gender, courses with the total score of CCTST. Considering no significant difference in total mean of CCTST, it is recommended that nurse educators apply new and variety of teaching strategies to foster CCTST.
Nafea Ali Reza , Lakdizaji Sima , Oshvandi Khodayar , Fathi Azar Eskandar and Ghojazadeh Morteza , 2008. Nursing Student’s Critical Thinking Skills in Tabriz Nursing and Midwifery Faculty. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 3: 475-479.