Development of a Critical Reflection Mentorship Program to Enhance Critical Thinking Among Novice Nurses.

Abstract

Background: The increasing complexity of care and the decrease in overall nursing experience pose a threat to patient safety and clinical outcomes in health care. Within the local environment, a critical need was identified to connect expert bedside nurses with novice nurses to support the development of critical thinking.

Method: This article describes the development and pilot evaluation of a critical reflection mentorship program, Beyond the Bedside. The program was developed and deployed in three inpatient units within an adult academic health center. Critical thinking was evaluated using the Nursing Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice Questionnaire (N-CT-4 Practice) pre- and postprogram implementation.

Results: Five nurses participated in the pre- and postevaluation, and the N-CT-4 Practice mean scores were significantly higher after program implementation.

Conclusion: Education leaders should prioritize programs that support critical thinking among novice nurses, and the Beyond the Bedside program can be adapted for use in other health care settings. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(9):456-460.].