Critical thinking is thinking about your thinking while you're thinking in order to make your thinking better.

Undergraduate students are provided with a strong theoretical background which incorporates critical thinking and reflective practice and many postgraduate courses also provide this learning. Senior nephrology nurses who are responsible for preceptoring and mentoring novice and beginner nephrology nurses need to develop an understanding about how Critical Thinking (CT), Reflection (R) and Critical Reflection (CR) can impact on clinical practice.

Preceptorship plays a substantial role in developing and sustaining professional education, and CT, R and CR are all integral components of preceptorship. In this paper, the principles of each is discussed and linked into practice. The benefits and limitations of CT, R and CR are also identified, along with strategies to encourage and promote successful utilisation within clinical settings.

Attributes of successful critical thinkers and reflective practitioners are explored, and endeavours to demonstrate how CT, R and CR can be incorporated into personal growth and development.