Reflective Practice Reflection

A reflective account (using a framework) on the students personal learning regarding the therapeutic intervention.

Word Count: 1095

Submission Date: 16.01.09

Reflection is associated with learning from experience; stimulating personal and professional growth linking theory to practice (Burns and Bulman 2000). Engaging in reflective practice encourages improvements in quality of care (Whitehead and Mason 2005). By analysing past experiences to promote learning, and improve performance Clouder (2000) stated is a way of nurses keeping their knowledge updated; a requirement of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC 2008). The focus of this essay is to reflect upon personal…show more content…
Through reflection, discussion with my mentor and reading literature I realised that building relationships are perhaps more about understanding personal drives,(Walker et al 2005), of which coping strategies are a part, but ultimately understanding patients, comes from the ability to communicate effectively; most importantly listening and observing to pick up cues (Castledine 2004)

Bulman and Schutz (2004) stated that Gibbs (1988) encourages the reflector to make sense of the situation analysis critical thought, linking theory to practice. I will do this by exploring communication, in particular non verbal cues and looking at the evidence underpinning it.

McCabe and Timmins (2006) stated that facial expressions are an intrinsic way to express emotions and eye contact is one way to show interest. Additionally McMahon and Pearson (2002) stated that anxious patients can be unsuccessful in making themselves understood by the nature of their emotional state. This according to Lyth (2000) makes observations by nurses difficult to achieve. On reflection, the avoidance of eye contact displayed by Norma was compounded with muscle spasms, which made it especially difficult for me to ascertain the exact nature of her feelings. Nurses have a responsibility to identify covert and overt clues provided by patients and consider the complexity of potential needs (Castledine 2005). Similarly Rungapadiachy (1999) stated that…show more content…
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