Introducing the updated edition of Think Like a Nurse: The Caputi Method for Learning Clinical Judgment—a vital resource for nursing students aiming to enhance their clinical judgment skills. This handbook has gained traction among over 150 colleges and universities in the United States, solidifying its status as a required textbook for nursing programs. The overwhelming adoption of this first edition underscores the pressing need for a structured clinical judgment framework that empowers students to think critically and make informed decisions in their nursing practice.

The author, Dr. Linda Caputi, recognized the necessity of expanding her original framework, leading to this updated version. The Caputi Method equips students with tools to not only answer questions correctly but to engage in a deeper, more reflective thinking process that is essential in nursing. Traditional methods of assessing students often fall short, relying solely on correct answers and neglecting the importance of understanding the reasoning behind those answers. This updated handbook addresses this gap by providing a comprehensive approach to the clinical reasoning process.

Many faculty members have shared their positive experiences with the Caputi Method, showcasing its effectiveness in the educational landscape. For instance, Dr. Kristi Jo Wilson, an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Michigan—Flint School of Nursing, expressed her commitment to using this method, stating, “I began using the Caputi Method for teaching clinical judgment in the fall of 2020 and will use it until I die (or retire whichever comes first). Love it!” This enthusiastic endorsement highlights the method’s impact on both faculty and students.

Pittsburgh Technical College has also integrated the Caputi Clinical Judgment Framework throughout its nursing curriculum. Kaitlin Cobourne, the Academic Chair at the School of Nursing, emphasized how collaboration with Dr. Caputi has strengthened their faculty’s ability to support students. Her relatable analogies and straightforward framework have proven invaluable in enhancing students’ critical thinking skills and building their confidence in clinical decision-making.

In early 2021, recognition of the handbook’s value extended beyond the United States. Canadian nursing educators saw the need for a version tailored specifically for their context. Lesley MacMaster from Georgian College took the initiative to adapt the content for nursing students across Canada, ensuring that the Caputi Method remains relevant and beneficial in different educational settings. Feedback from respected nurse leaders in Canada further reinforces the importance of this adaptation.

Michael J. Villeneuve, the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Nurses Association, praised the text’s emphasis on critical thinking, stating, “I cheer on the thinking behind this very helpful text, which I believe will prove very valuable to nursing students in Canada.” Patricia Bradley, a Professor Emerita at York University, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Great contribution to support student learning for practice.” Such endorsements illustrate the widespread appreciation and support for the Caputi Method.

Ultimately, Think Like a Nurse: The Caputi Method for Learning Clinical Judgment is designed to cultivate self-directed thinkers among nursing students, empowering them to make sound clinical decisions. This handbook serves as a bridge between theory and practice, guiding students to improve patient outcomes through effective clinical reasoning.

For additional resources, including teaching tools and complimentary webinars, visit Dr. Caputi’s website at LindaCaputi.com.