Throughout the nursing program, specifically the Collaborative Nursing Program, we are taught to critically think. Our definition of critical thinking includes, "reflecting on practice, theory, and research" to create new knowledge and learning (Collaborative Partners, 1997, p. 35). By critically thinking, we challenge taken for granted beliefs and way of being to create new action, change and understanding within our own realm of beliefs. In order to inquire about the world around us and our actions within each situation. Through reflection, as critical thinking suggests, questions can propel us forward to understanding ourselves and how we use our ways of knowing. In order to find answers, we must first formulate questions.


"Each step in the process of thinking critically is tied to a self-reflexive step of self-assessment. As a critical thinker, I do not simply state the problem; I state it and assess it for its clarity. I do not simply gather information; I gather it and check it for its relevance and significance. I do not simply form an interpretation; I check my interpretation to see what it is based on and whether that basis is adequate" (Foundation of Critical Thinking, date unknown, on-line). Within our nursing practice it is imperative to think critically and assess our actions so as to ethically care for clients, work with peers, and understand ourselves.