Increasingly, the characteristic that distinguishes a professional nurse is cognitive rather than psychomotor ability. Critical thinking is an essential component of nursing. Yet, no clear definition or conceptualization of critical thinking for nursing judgment has existed. Lack of consensus and overlapping definitions may well diminish the profession's ability to articulate this concept and facilitate its development. This article proposes the Critical Thinking Model for Nursing Judgment, which specifies five components: specific knowledge base, experience, competencies, attitudes, and standards. The model has three levels of critical thinking: basic, complex, and commitment. It provides a definition and conceptualization of critical thinking based on a review of the literature and input from nurses and nurse educators. The model provides a first step for development of further research and educational strategies to promote critical thinking as an essential part of autonomous, excellent nursing practice.

The health care system requires nurses with the language ability and the cultural knowledge to meet the health care needs of ethnic minority immigrants. The recruitment, admission, retention, and graduation of English as a Second Language (ESL) students are essential to provide the workforce to meet the demands of the multicultural community. Yet, ESL students possess language difficulties that affect their academic achievement in nursing programs. The application of the Cummins Model of language proficiency is discussed. The Cummins Model provides a framework for nursing faculty to develop educational support that meets the learning needs of ESL students.

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