Problem-based learning in a competency-based world

This article addresses the needed shift in nursing education from an inform ation-driven approach in teaching to a process that promotes higher level t hinking and clinical judgement. Strengths and weaknesses of problem-based l earning and competency-based education in nursing are presented. Whereas th e former focuses on critical thinking and clinical judgement, the latter's emphasis is on clinical competency. The appropriateness of the philosophies in both academic and practice settings is discussed.