Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate undergraduate nursing students' ability in clinical competence, critical thinking, and problem solving following enrollment in a clinical reasoning course.
METHODS
A clinical reasoning course utilizing a human patient simulator and scenarios was offered to 22 senior students at a College of Nursing in Seoul. Students' clinical competence was measured with a checklist of 15 items by analyzing students' performance recorded on video tapes for eight scenarios. Critical thinking disposition and problem solving were measured by a self-administered questionnaire before and after the course. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
RESULTS
The high scored items of clinical competence were: 'obtain relevant subjective/objective data', 'interpret vital signs', 'communicate with healthcare providers', and 'utilize standard precautions including handwashing.' Students' critical thinking and problem solving scores following the course were increased with statistical significance.
CONCLUSION
A clinical reasoning course utilizing a human patient simulator creates a realistic clinical environment for nursing students and provides the opportunity to obtain clinical competence, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.