Enhancing Clinical Judgment in Undergraduate Clinical Education

Abstract

Background

The clinical judgment process contributes to the nurse's ability to respond to client changes with sound clinical decision-making and client advocacy. Teaching clinical judgment skills and evaluating Associate and Bachelor students' ability to make effective clinical decisions can be difficult for nursing faculty due to barriers with clinical sites and insufficiently prepared faculty.

Innovation

Using the Clinical Judgement Measurement Model (CJM) from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing as a framework, active learning tools aligned with the CJM cues were developed for use in the undergraduate clinical setting.

Implications

Using learning tools that enhance the clinical experience supports interactive, engaging, and purposeful learning moments. The tools help students practice and reflect on clinical judgment, pass the NCLEX, and prepare for a safe and successful nursing practice.

Conclusions

The clinical instructor can enhance each student's clinical learning experience, improve critical thinking, and encourage clinical judgment development through active learning tools closely associated with the CJM.