Critical thinking as a predictor of success in an associate degree nursing program

Abstract 

Critical thinking, an important concept in nursing education, is believed to be necessary for success in nursing. This study determined if critical thinking is predictive of success in a nursing program. Success was defined as passing the licensing examination for registered nurses (National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses) on the first attempt. The Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency critical thinking test was used to measure critical thinking. Results indicated that the critical thinking scores were not predictive of success. Grade point average in nursing courses was, however, found to be a predictor of success.

Keywords: Critical thinking, NCLEX-RN, Predictors of success