Cycles of Reflection in Nursing

Cycles of Reflection in NursingIntroductionOelofsen (2012) defines reflective invest as the process in which an individual makes sense of situations, events and actions that occur in the piece of work (Natius, 2012). In the light of nursing practice, the concept of reflection plays a critical role by enabling practitioners (nurses) to, competently manage the impactful and precarious nature of take giving (Natius, 2012). According to Keeling and Somerville (2004), reflective practice facilitates the agniseing and development of self-awareness, inter-personal skills and in like manner the ability to influence positive change in others (David June, 2004). These skills are key to nurses in mapping out the most appropriate action plans to take in any given situation.Comparative examination of four models of reflection as employ in the context of nursingGibbs model of reflection is commonly employed in the Health profession because of its clarity and precision (Brock, 2014). It allow s for easy description, analysis and military rank of experiences and thus helps the reflective practitioner (nurse) to, clearly make sense of her experiences as well as examine her nursing practice (Holland Roberts, 2013).Unlike the Gibbs model, the other models, for example, Kolbs model 1980 and Goodman model 1984 are relatively complex. These models require, to a greater extent, some degree of experience (McKee Eraut, 2012). The Kolbs reflective model, for instance, is basically hinged on experiential teaching that covers four stages (McKee Eraut, 2012). And since experienced nurses have enough experience, they can easily relate to the model and apply it in practice.Model that is best suited for nursing practiceJohns model of reflection 1994 is best suited as a tool for the nursing profession. Its structured nature serves as a full(a) platform for a complete assessment of the nursing practice (Rideout, 2001). The questions are excellent cues in prompting particular actions (Driscoll, 2007). This approach is also wholesome in the sense that it explores all the areas of the nursing practice. It examines the practitioners experiences, her reflection on the experiences, actions taken by the practitioner and impact of the actions on self (practitioner) and the patient (Mohanna et al., 2011). It also looks at the aspect of the academic sources that may have influenced the decisions made as well as the possible angles to how the situation could have been dealt with differently and how it can be selld in the future (Moon, 2013).Importance of the choice of framework of reflection in encouraging and supporting reflectionA desirable framework of reflection is adjuvant to nurses as it provides a structured process that guides the act of reflecting (Jasper, 2003). The choice of a particular framework of reflection is important because students face different experiences, and so is the get for an appropriate framework to offer the necessary support and encourage ment throughout their learning process (Schon, 2008).Critical analysis of all the four models with respect to what is effectual and bad about themThe four models of reflection examined above, all have their strengths and weakness in their application. Below is a table summarizing their strengths and weaknesses.Reflective practice and its use to aesculapian educationThe ability to reflect plays a critical role in medical education. Reflective practice enables learners in the medical field to clearly understand and develop self-awareness, interpersonal skills and analytical skills (Jack Mezirow, 2011). These skills will come in handy in practice as medical students will be able to handle people (patients) in frontline settings such as a hospital scenario.The importance of students developing a habit of assessing their own learning needsThrough self-assessment with date to learning needs, students are able to constantly identify areas of weakness and improve on them (Earl, 2004). Th e fact that students are actively engaged in the process serves as a motivation for them and subsequently translates to better outcomes (Bonnie Beyer, 2014).References