Evaluation of nurses' problem-solving and decisionmaking skill

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the problem-solving and decision-making skills of nurses and to examine the relationship between their analytical and intuitive thinking tendencies and individual and professional characteristics. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between November 4 and December 30, 2024, with 254 nurses working in various clinics of a city hospital in Istanbul. Data were collected through the "Introductory Information Form", "Nurse Decision-Making Scale (NDMS)" and "Intuitive Thinking Scale (ITS)" using face-to-face survey method. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Games-Howell post hoc test, and Spearman correlation analysis. Ethical and institutional approvals were obtained prior to the study. Results: Nurses' decision-making levels and intuitive thinking tendencies were found to be at a moderate level. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the "inner certainty" subdimension and decision-making level (p<0.05). No significant relationship was found between demographic variables and decision-making skills. However, experience level was observed to affect intuitive decision-making tendencies. Conclusion: The findings show that nurses use both analytical and intuitive approaches together in clinical decision-making processes. It is recommended to strengthen decision-making skills through case-based practices, simulation training, and experience-based mentoring systems in nursing education. Keywords: Decision-making, problem-solving, nursing, analytical thinking, intuitive thinking