Comparison Study Between Freshman and Senior Nursing Students' Critical Thinking Skills at Faculty of Nursing, Sana'a University

Abstract

Background: Nursing has embarked on a ―curriculum revolution,‖ and the appraisal of critical thinking has gained substantial attention in nursing academia. Aim of the Study: compare critical thinking skills between freshmen nursing students and senior nursing students at Faculty of Nursing, Sana'a University. Methods: comparison cross- sectional study was done and two tools for data collection were used for demographic data and critical thinking disposition survey. Study was done among 100 nursing students in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences - Sana'a University in 2018. Ethical issues was considered in all steps of the research. Results: the total mean score of California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) was high and there was a statistical significant difference between level of education toward CCTDI in relation to analyticity and no significant difference toward the dimensions of CCTDI. Also there was a statistical significant difference between gender toward CCTDI in relation to open minded in which female were open minded than male. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study showed that the majority of the undergraduate nursing students at the mentioned setting showed ambivalent disposition towards most of the dispositional characteristics and the overall CCTDI. Nursing programs should include the teaching strategies that promote critical thinking dispositions and ensure the application of all of its competencies.