Which of the following intellectual traits is essential for critical thinking in nursing?

Humility is essential for critical thinking in nursing because it allows nurses to recognize the limitations of their own knowledge and skills. This trait encourages an openness to new ideas, willing to ask questions, and recognizing that they can learn from colleagues, patients, and even from mistakes. In a critical thinking context, humility fosters a willingness to accept feedback, reassess assumptions, and adapt to new information, which is crucial in a field that constantly evolves with medical advancements and diverse patient needs. By being humble, nurses are more likely to collaborate effectively and remain patient-centered in their care approach, ensuring that they consider multiple perspectives and evidence before making clinical decisions.

While self-discipline, creativity, and assertiveness are also important traits in nursing and contribute to effective practice, they do not specifically address the need for openness and adaptability that humility brings to the critical thinking process.