Evaluating creative thinking of RN-BSN students in the course of clinical case study and practicum

This case study evaluated creative thinking of RN-BSN students in the course of clinical case study and practicum. Study design used quantitative and qualitative evaluations of creative thinking of RN-BSN students by triangulation method in the course of clinical case study and practicum. Sixty RN-BSN students self-perceived the changing levels of creative thinking in 1-10 point visual analogical scale, while eight RN-BSN students were chosen as focus group informants being interviewed during classroom discussion. A university research committee approved this research project which was conducted between 1 August 2008 and 31 July 2009. The quantitative findings indicated that all levels of RN-BSN students' creative thinking, including fluency, flexibility and uniqueness, improved significantly. The qualitative data identified three themes of creative definitions as uniqueness, transformation and applicability. Additionally, two themes regarding the gains and obstacles of learning creative thinking as problem solving and beneficence, as well as routines and working experiences were determined.