HLTH 3631: Clinical Decision Making
In this course, students will review the importance of critical thinking for clinical decision-making to support safe, competent, and ethical nursing practice across a variety of health settings and with diverse client populations with a wide range of health challenges. Students will examine case studies using clinical decision-making frameworks and tools to apply clinical decision-making skills. Students will apply the required knowledge to implement evidence-informed clinical decision-making to effectively manage clinical issues and provide better patient care.
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate your knowledge and critical understanding of theories and frameworks of decision-making that will support clinical judgement in practice.
- Apply your knowledge, skills, reasoning, and worldview in the assessment and management of diverse populations (e.g., Indigenous, LGBTQS2+, other cultures).
- Examine the legal, professional and ethical dimensions of applying clinical judgement and decision making in practice.
- Critique ways in which evidence-based practice will support clinical judgment and clinical decision-making.
- Implement the use of problem-solving strategies in the use of clinical judgement and decision-making in practice.
- Appraise complex clinical decision-making skills in the formulation of an action plan for the evidence-based patient-centered care and evaluation through a lens of cultural safety and humility.
Course topics
- Module 1: Introduction to Critical Thinking for Nurses
- Module 2: Clinical Decision-Making Models and Frameworks
- Module 3: Clinical Decision-Making Application: Episodic Case Studies
- Module 4: Clinical Decision-Making Application: Unfolding Case Study
Required text and materials
Students will receive the following:
- Lilley, L. L., Snyder J.S., Swart, B., & Collins, S. R. (2020). Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice (4th ed). Toronto: Mosby Canada.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780323694803
Optional materials
There is no required textbook for this course.
Assessments
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course.
Students in the RRNP program must achieve at least a C grade (minimum 60%) in each required course and maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.33 (minimum 65%) in order to progress to the next course.
| Assignment 1: Error/Near Miss Event Reflective Paper | 5% |
| Assignment 2: Workbook Activities 1 to 4 | 25% |
| Assignment 3: Case Study | 10% |
| Assignment 4: Case Study Reflections (Workbook Activities 5 to 13) | 35% |
| Assignment 5: Workbook Activities 14 and 15 | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
