The effect of decorative arts course on nursing students' creativity and critical thinking dispositions

Background: Nurses use their critical thinking skills and creativity to solve complex problems. Nursing students should access effective and appropriate educational materials to develop critical thinking skills and creativity. Objective: This study investigated the effect of the “decorative arts” course on nursing students' creativity and critical thinking dispositions. Method: The study was conducted in the nursing departments of two universities between May 2021 and December 2021. The sample consisted of 141 nursing students. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, the Critical Thinking Disposition Scale (CTDS), and the Marmara Creative Thinking Dispositions Scale (MCTDS). Results: Fourth-year students had a significantly higher mean CTDS score than third-year students (p = 0.009). Participants who took the “decorative arts” course for two semesters had a significantly higher mean CTDS score than those who took it for one semester at most (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The “decorative arts” course helped nursing students develop critical thinking skills and creativity.