[ concept analysis of critical thinking in clinical nursing]

Background and Aim: Aging of population, increased cultural and social differences in societies, increased rate of chronic diseases, reduction of financial resources, the flash-like technological changes, emphasis on home care, increased trend toward patient-centered care and evidence based practice have resulted in more complexity in clinical environments. Providing standard safe and effective care in such environmental conditions can only be achieved by development of critical thinking skills in the nursing staff. There are many definitions about critical thinking in nursing. Many of these explanations are complicated, without significant relation to the clinical and professional performances

Material and Methods: We used eight step Rodgers' concept analysis method to provide a clear definition about critical thinking in clinical nursing to determine antecedents, attributes and consequences. We searched valid online data bases for in English and Persian articles from 1995 to 2014. Finally, 58 articles 3 dissertations and 2 chapters from two books were analyzed by means of Rodger's inductive approach

Results: The results of this study showed that, critical thinking in clinical nursing have 3 antecedents and 6 attributes including Use of nursing process in clinical situation, emphasizing on holistic and comprehensive performances, Use of different patterns in order to achieve understanding, Using emotional intelligence skills in predisposing clinical situations, predisposing factors for critical thinking and elements of critical thinking. Achievement of critical thinking leads to positive outcomes such as effective and patient-centered care, creativity, evidence based practice and professionalism

Conclusions: The result of this study let to development of a clear and comprehensive definition of critical thinking in clinical nursing. This definition can correct many misconceptions and misuses of the concept of critical thinking. The findings also can help clinical nurses to create a framework and guidelines for effective clinical performance. This framework can, guarantee the competency in nursing

[Determinants of oral health behavior among high school students in Marivan County, Iran based on the Pender's Health Promotion Model]

This paper reports on the predictors of high school students' oral health behaviors [OHBs] based on the Pender's Health Promotion Model [HPM] in an attempt to identify effective factors that may be addressed through intervention efforts. A multistage cluster sample of 403 high school students were recruited from 8 high schools in Marivan County, Iran. The study was conducted between April and July, 2010. Appropriate instruments were used to measure the relevant variables. The statistical analysis of the data included bivariate correlations, t-test, one-way ANOVA and linear regression. All HPM variables [perceived self-efficacy, perceived benefits and barriers, activity-related affects, interpersonal and situational influences and commitment to a plan of OHBs] were significantly related to OHBs among the respondents [p<0.01], and a negative association was found between OHBs and perceived barriers [p<0.01]. All HPM variables were statistically significant predictors of OHBs and accounted for 42.2% of the variance. Promotion of interpersonal influences and the students' perceived self-efficacy and also commitment to a plan of action should be priorities of any program aimed at promoting OHBs among students. School health care providers should suggest strategies to overcome the barriers of performing OHBs, rather than noting the benefits of these behaviors