One of the most essential aspects of doing a job well, no matter what job it is, is the ability to think critically about a situation. Finn (2011) defines critical thinking as “the ability and willingness to evaluate claims and make objective judgments based on well-supported reasons and evidence rather than emotions or anecdotes.” The difference between evaluating a given situation critically and evaluating it without any evidence to back up your claims is that when you look at something critically, you are using your ability to “find alternative explanations for events, think about research findings, and apply new knowledge to social and personal problems” (Finn, 2011). When you can find other explanations using evidence, you can also create an alternative way to improve the situation. Critical thinking skills are especially important for nurses in a fast-paced environment. Nursing is a very challenging and rewarding field to enter; It becomes fun when you're good. To be good at their jobs, nurses must learn the skills needed to think critically and, furthermore, connect those skills to their daily routine. This is known as evidence-based practice. Evidence-based practice is defined as “the use of the best available scientific evidence to guide clinical decisions and interventions with the goal of promoting self-management skills and improving health outcomes” (Miller, 2011). This article examines the skills required for critical thinking, how to learn these skills, and how to apply them in clinical settings. (Miller, 2011; Finn, 2011; Noonan, 2011; Lunney, 2010; Wangensteen, Johansson, Bjorkstrom & Nordstrom, 2010; Chitty & Black, 2011). Critical thinking is an important aspect in... middle of paper ....... Professional Nursing: Concepts and Challenges (6th ed.). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Elsevier Science Health Science div.Finn, P. (2011). Critical thinking: knowledge and skills for evidence-based practice. Speech, language and hearing services in schools, 42(1), 69-72. doi:10.1044/0161-1461(2010/09-0037)Lunney, M. (2010). Using critical thinking in the diagnostic process. International Journal of Nursing Terminologies and Classifications, 21(2), 82-88. doi:10.1111/j.1744-618X.2010.01150.xMiller, C. (2011). An integrated approach to worker self-management and health outcomes: Chronic conditions, evidence-based practice, and health coaching. AAOHN Journal: Official Journal of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses,59(11), 491-501. doi:10.3928/08910162-20111025-02Noonan, P. (2011). Use of concept maps in perioperative teaching. AORN diary, 94(5), 469-478.