Dr. Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, explained that the creative thinking process is the most terrific part of nursing.

Often, nurses face situations that they aren’t exactly used to. When these issues or situations arise, it’s important for you to think of a creative and effective solution. And, sometimes, this means thinking outside of the box.

Here is a list of strategies to help improve your ability to think outside the box as you approach new and unfamiliar situations throughout your career.

Critical Thinking – A Growing Need:

With the current state of healthcare, there is a strong need for new, innovative, and potentially disruptive ideas. Yes, of course, there are several risks with thinking outside the box, but there can also be extensive rewards. Nurses and other healthcare personnel cannot fare much when they stick to a routine for patient care. It’s important to understand that your greatest asset in nursing is your ability to think not only creatively but critically.

Look Into the Issue:

When a new problem arises, you should first take a deeper look into the issue and ask yourself whether the particular issue or challenge can be solved using a conventional approach. You can simply do this by checking any resources your hospital has. But, there is a chance that what you need isn’t there. The point here is that not every issue requires you to think outside of the box. Several issues can be solved by using a more conventional approach. However, sometimes, innovative thinking may be required to achieve more effective outcomes.

Look at the problem from a different angle:

When you are willing to look at a problem from a different angle, your ability to think critically will improve. Ask yourself what is really needed and if there is another way to solve the problem. If you do this, it will definitely help enhance your ability to think critically.

Get ideas from others:

Thinking critically does not only come from you, it also comes from others facing the same challenge. Get another person’s opinion. You can improve your ability to think outside the box by seeking ideas from other people outside of your profession as well. Find out how things are being handled in other sectors and what ideas will be applicable to your given situation. It may not be easy, but it isn’t impossible!

Find out different approaches to the same problem:

According to experts, your ability to think creatively will improve by finding out different approaches to solve a particular problem. Challenge yourself and try to find at least 3 approaches for a given problem, with at least one being outside the of the box. To achieve this, you will need to be willing to have a new perspective on your everyday routine. This contrasts from the in-the-box thinking, where one problem will only need one solution, and that trying to identify more than one solution is nothing but a waste of time.

Never disregard any possible solution:

What makes thinking outside the box more difficult is that someone may have to challenge your own assumptions. Simply because a problem is approached in one way, doesn’t mean that it can be resolved only in that way. So, you should never disregard any possible solution to the point it cannot be done. You should consider every possible solution in that matter and check all the possibilities thoroughly until you know whether the solution would work or not.

Take Away:

In general, when thinking outside the box you need to be open to see the world in a completely new perspective, with a willingness to probe. As a nurse, this means taking into account the innovative approaches while absorbing new ideas and support from others. At any time, you shouldn’t forget that you will become an in-the-box thinker when you stop trying.

As healthcare professionals, it’s important for you to nurture your ability to think creatively and enhance these skills for your fellow nurses as well! You can bring a positive change in the quality of patient care being offered in the country.