USE OF A POSTER PRESENTATION TO CRITICALLY ANALYZE COMPLEX PROBLEMS IN PROFESSIONAL NURSING PRACTICUM-LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

To enhance the critical thinking abilities of senior level nursing students, the faculty who teach the professional practicum instituted a poster assignment designed to portray complex patient problems. Complex problems included the following categories: co-morbidity, chronic conditions, enduring vulnerabilities, psychotic conditions, persistent difficulties with social relationships, and de-establishing social environments.

The students created the posters, and then presented them at a "poster session event." Nursing faculty attended and evaluated each poster with immediate feedback on students' analysis of critical events. Students also evaluated their colleagues' posters. Criteria for evaluation of the posters included patient history, identification of the complex problems, nursing diagnosis, cultural implications, ability to critically analyze the complex problems, the professional appearance of the poster, and the student's professional appearance.

Critical thinking concepts included organization, prioritization, communication/negotiation, delegation, collaboration, problem solving, technical skills, and time management. Awards were given for first, second, and third place winners.

Michele L. Deck MEd, BSN, RN, FACCE