Concepts and Critical Thinking in Nursing

The 'critical thinking' process that will help a nurse in her line of work, operates with concepts. However, only after she has come to master the linguistic intricacies, can a nurse become a gifted analytical thinker. Critical thinking becomes a possibility only with the assistance of language skills. Being proficient at analyzing any situation makes a nurse an invaluable member of any staff.

A few thoughts on linguistic proficiency First a thorough knowledge of the uses of words that represent ideas and concepts is necessary. What does this mean? Here's an example: the words 'extensive' and 'expansive'. These seem like pretty basic and simple concepts or ideas, don't they? However, there is a slight difference between the concepts these two words represent, and they are subject to value judgments. And since we're talking about judgment, did you know that making a judgment is completely different from acting judgmental? Or what do you think of the difference between being knowledgeable and being informed? How about the concept of taking a stand for your convictions versus the act of just being stubborn?

Without a good understanding of these linguistic intricacies, command of the language can prove quite difficult and will doom communication and critical thinking to utter failure. Words symbolizing concepts generally accepted and used by society, are being used to build joined thought patterns. These thought patterns along with the clear definitions of the concepts that need analysis, will help the nurse avoid any confusions in the process of critical thinking. No nurse can use analytical thinking and decide upon a positive course of action without accuracy of concepts. This clarity cannot be achieved without a good command of the language and how its terms are used correctly.

How to test your basic understanding of ideas and concepts:

The following is a list of some basic concepts and it will be your job to distinguish the difference between the two words and the concepts that they ultimately represent. Look over each pair of words and make a note of what you think is the most significant difference between them. After you have made your comments, look them up in Webster's or any other well known dictionary and see the level of your command of the language.

Small exercises such as the one presented here, can be very useful in achieving better linguistic skills. There are thousands of concepts that can become unclear in their use. If you want to improve your critical thinking skills in order to become a better nurse, you will have to focus more on gaining a good command of the language.