The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the development of a clinical decision making course and the successful implementation of problem-based learning into the curriculum. The outcome of graduate nurse practitioner educational programs is for graduates to have the ability to practice independently. Integrating clinical decision making into NP programs builds on foundational knowledge gained in pathophysiology, pharmacology and advanced health assessment. The concepts are taught and then applied through learning experiences that foster progression from a focus on gaining theoretical knowledge to the synthesis and application of that knowledge in the advanced clinical practice role. Implementation of a problem-based curriculum provides students the opportunity to gain analytic skills and step into the clinical arena with knowledge of critical thinking concepts. Clinical decision-making becomes a tangible process that students begin to apply from their first clinical encounters and into their perspective practice as an advanced practice nurse.
