• Ms. Hiteshi Thakur
• Ms. Chanchal Sain
• Ms. Pooja Jayan Nair

Background: The increasing complexity and specialization in healthcare have amplified the demand for nurses equipped with advanced critical thinking and clinical decision-making abilities. Novice nurses often face challenges in transitioning from theoretical learning to competent clinical practice. The “Sherlock in Scrubs” approach was developed to address this gap by drawing inspiration from the observational and deductive methods of the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. This educational innovation aligns with the Miller Pyramid of clinical competence, facilitating learning that progresses from knowledge acquisition to practical application. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the “Sherlock in Scrubs” teaching strategy in enhancing critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills among novice nursing students. Methods: This action research study was conducted with a sample of 30 Semester IV B.Sc. Nursing students, selected through non-probability convenient sampling. The instructional framework followed the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model. Data collection tools included a situation-based questionnaire, an observation checklist, and knowledge-based activities such as quizzes and jigsaw puzzles. Students participated in bedside clinical scenarios requiring application of the nursing process and were assessed at various levels of the Miller Pyramid: 'Knows', 'Knows How', 'Shows How', and 'Does'. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

Clinical reasoning, Critical thinking, Miller’s Pyramid, Nursing education, PDCA cycle

"Sherlock in Scrubs: A Novel Approach to Unlocking Critical Thinking Skills in Novice Nurses", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 1, page no.c761-c764, January-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2601291.pdf

"Sherlock in Scrubs: A Novel Approach to Unlocking Critical Thinking Skills in Novice Nurses", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 1, page no. ppc761-c764, January-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2601291.pdf