Abstract:

The nursing profession requires critical decision-making. Therefore, nurses must have the ability to think critically. Objective: This study was carried out to determine the critical thinking levels of the final year nursing students. Method: This descriptive study was conducted in 2011-2012 Academic Year Spring Semester, with 553 final year nursing students who were studying in seven universities in different regions of Turkey and who agreed to participate in the study. The data were collected with Student Descriptive Characteristics Form and the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI). Numbers, percentage calculations, t test, one-way variance analysis and Tukey's test were used in the assessment of the data. Results: Findings gained through the study show that the average score of final year nursing students' critical thinking is x= 193.87 ± 23.019, which is low. Of the students' mean CCTDI subscale scores, only the analytical subscale score is at a moderate level (45.03 ± 7.105). Search for truth subscale mean score is 24.25 ± 5.167, open-mindedness subscale score 36.98 ± 9.099, being systematic subscale mean score 20.35 ± 3.733, self-confidence subscale score 28.20 ± 5.465, 39.07 ± 7.047 curiosity subscale score 39.07 ± 7.047, which are low. The study shows that the family structure and educational level of the father have an effect on critical thinking levels of students. Conclusion: As a result, nursing students' critical thinking level is low.

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