Enhancing orthopaedic nurses' clinical decision making

Orthop Nurs. 1992 May-Jun;11(3):64-70. doi: 10.1097/00006416-199205000-00011.

Abstract

Clinical decision making ability is necessary for safe and effective orthopaedic nursing practice. By clinical decision making, we mean the rendering of a judgment about patient care using analytical and intuitive processes and incorporating professional knowledge. Although recent research findings indicate that there is no single approach that clinicians use to make all decisions, there are several general aspects of decision making processes. Among these are the development of mental representations, decision-making procedures, and pattern recognition. Five selected strategies for enhancing these general processes are described and illustrated with patient situations relevant to orthopaedic nursing.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence*
  • Decision Making*
  • Humans
  • Orthopedic Nursing / methods*
  • Orthopedic Nursing / standards