Rational and Intuitive Decision-making Styles, Critical Thinking Dispositions and Associated Factors of Nurses

Background: Nurses often use the clinical decision-making mechanism. This mechanism is influenced by critical thinking and rational and intuitive decision-making styles. This study’s aim was to determine the levels of rational and intuitive decision-making styles and critical thinking disposition of nurses. Method: It is a prospective and cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected between May and August 2023. The study included 355 nurses working at two major hospitals in one of the largest cities in the Central Anatolia region. The data were gathered using a questionnaire consisting of a personal information form, Critical Thinking Disposition Scale and Rational and Intuitive Decision-making Styles Scale.Results: The Critical Thinking Disposition Scale and Rational Decision-making Styles Scale scores of the nurses were above the average and the Intuitive Decision-making Styles Scores were close to the average. A positive and significant correlation has been found between nurses’ critical thinking dispositions and levels of rational and intuitive decision making. In addition, the linear regression analysis shows nurses’ critical thinking tendencies affect their rational decision-making and intuitive decision-making styles.Conclusion: These findings suggest strengthening nurses’ critical thinking could improve both their rational and intuitive decision-making skills, thereby improving patient care outcomes by making effective clinical judgements.