How is "clinical judgment" defined in nursing?

The definition of "clinical judgment" in nursing emphasizes the ability to assess and respond to a patient's needs by integrating clinical data with critical thinking. This involves not only gathering information from assessments, tests, and observations but also synthesizing this data to make informed decisions about patient care. Clinical judgment is essential in providing safe, effective, and individualized patient care, as it relies on a combination of knowledge, skills, experience, and understanding of patient circumstances.

This concept ensures that nurses can prioritize patient needs, recognize changes in a patient's condition, and adapt care plans accordingly. While personal experience, intuition, and adhering to protocols may play a role in a nurse's decision-making, clinical judgment specifically involves an analytical approach to interpreting clinical information and making reasoned choices that directly impact patient outcomes.