title: The simulated clinical environment as a platform for refining critical thinking in nursing students: a pilot program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This research explores the use of clinical simulations as a platform for stimulating critical thinking in nursing students.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This study takes place in an associate degree nursing program with a clinical group of nursing students.
  
  
  METHODS
  Utilizing a faculty partnership approach, information was presented to the clinical group. Students were divided into small groups to create simulation scenarios.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students were able to appreciate complexity of care and research differential diagnoses as they applied to care and management of changes in client condition scenarios.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of a small-group teaching method to develop, implement, and critique clinical simulation scenarios facilitated critical thinking and clinical judgment of nursing students.
authors.affiliation: Pasco Hernando Community College, New Port Richey, Florida, USA. waned@phcc.edu
authors.forename: Daryle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wane
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lotz
mesh_terms: D003162:Competency-Based Education / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D004507:Education, Nursing, Associate / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D016544:Patient Simulation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013850:Thinking