A nursing reflection paper is a vital opportunity for nurses or students to critically appraise past actions during clinical incidents for professional self-improvement purposes. Importantly, this assignment is a crucial step for nursing professionals to introspect on past actions while caring for patients and to use them as pointers to improve upon their proficiency. Thus, this paper is not merely an opportunity to recount prior events but to also review emotions and actions as a critical step toward improvement.
Writing a nursing reflection paper does not have to be perplexing if it is your first time, which is why Ace My Coursework has presented a step-by-step process of writing a nursing reflection.
I. Introduction
Nursing reflection papers are insightful essays written by students or nurses to retrace their reactions during dramatic past clinical experiences. Nursing students or professionals review these notable events to identify their mistakes in order to find alternative best practices that can improve their future responses. Thus, this piece of writing trains budding nurses to incorporate critical thinking and self-reflection in their practice for professional growth.
A reflective piece of writing, unlike other assignments, transcends merely describing events as they unfolded; it tackles lessons learned, emotions involved, and how the said lessons can be applied in the future.
II. Understanding Reflective Models
The most effective approach to writing a nursing reflection paper is to use a structured method, which can entail using one of the several proven structures, including, among others, the Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle, Johns’ Model of Structured Reflection, or Driscoll’s “What?” Model.
1. Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle
This nursing reflection paper model involves a six-part structure to organize ideas. Thoughts are structured in the following format:
- Description – A narration of what transpired during the particular clinical experience.
- Feelings – A reflection of the nurse or student’s emotional reaction to the incident.
- Evaluation – Opinion concerning the experience, particularly what was negative or positive.
- Analysis – Evaluate the connection between the incident and personal response to nursing theory.
- Conclusion – What are your personal insights after the incident?
- Action Plan – In connection to your review of the nursing theory, what changes will you make in your future response?
2. Johns’ Model of Structured Reflection
This model entails using a set of guiding questions to organize thoughts. The following questions help organize ideas into a structured paper:
- What was I trying to accomplish?
- How do my actions compare with best practices?
- How did my response affect the patient?
- Which dynamics impacted my decisions?
3. Driscoll’s “What?” Model
This model involves a simple three-part approach to organize thoughts. It entails the following parts:
- What was the event about?
- What is the significance of the event?
- What will you do differently based on this incident?
Choosing the Right Model:
These models simplify the development of nursing reflection papers; however, they offer varying quality of work. The Gibbs’ or Johns’ model are best for in-depth analysis, whereas the Driscoll’s model is suitable for quick reflections.
III. Steps to Writing a Nursing Reflection Paper
Step 1: Selecting a Meaningful Experience
Choosing an impactful incident (positive or negative) when writing a nursing reflection paper is critical, as this provides adequate depth for analysis.
Example:
“While doing my pediatric rotation, I encountered a challenging experience with a six-year-old patient with severe asthma who would not cooperate with my efforts to administer nebulizer treatment. The patient’s uncooperative attitude eventually led to his oxygen levels dropping, which necessitated emergency intervention.”
Ethical Note: It is crucial to de-identify patient details (use “Patient X” instead of real names).
Step 2: Structuring the nursing reflection paper
- Introduction
Provide a brief introduction of the experience and its importance.
“This reflection recounts and evaluates my challenging experience handling an uncooperative/anxious pediatric asthma patient and the significance of the incident in shaping my future decisions involving similar circumstances.” - Description
The description section provides context concerning who, what, when, and where.
“My meaningful nursing experience involved attending to a six-year-old boy (Patient X) admitted to the hospital with a worsening case of acute asthma. The child was visibly frightened despite being in the company of his parents. While trying to administer the nebulizer, the patient became tearful and resisted my attempts.” - Feelings and Thoughts
Describe your emotional response.
“The child’s lack of cooperation caused me to feel frustrated. This made me feel guilty, as I thought my lack of experience handling pediatric patients caused the problem. Furthermore, the patient’s dropping oxygen saturation levels increased my anxiety.” - Evaluation
Describe what worked and what did not.
“Despite the trouble, I promptly notified the rapid response team to address the incident. In hindsight, deploying child-friendly explanations or distraction techniques would have led to a more fruitful outcome.” - Analysis
Successfully analyzing a nursing incident requires providing evidence for insights shared, such as linking to nursing theory or evidence-based practice.
“Adopting therapeutic communication is vital in easing patient anxiety (Aarts et al., 2023). To this end, I could have used play therapy or visual materials before administering nebulizer treatment to ease their fear.” - Conclusion
Summarize the takeaways from the incident.
“This incident exposed me to the significance of becoming a creative communicator when handling pediatric patients. Calming fear is equally as important as providing treatment to patients.” - Action Plan
Address how you plan to improve.
“I have planned to attend a workshop to learn about pediatric communication.”
Step 3: Writing Style and Tone
- Use first person (“I learned…”).
- Be honest and professional by not blaming anyone.
- Use scholarly materials to support analysis.
IV. Tips for a Nursing Reflection Paper
✔️ Be Self-Aware but Constructive
“Earlier on, I thought the child’s parents were culpable for lack of involvement in calming the child; however, I realize I faulted in failing to ask for their help.”
✔️Connect to Nursing Competencies
Mention the nursing competency that your insights align with, for example, “This aligns with the AACN’s competency on patient-centered care.”
✔️Use Evidence-Based References
“The use of distraction techniques effectively reduces procedural nervousness in children (Johnson et al., 2019).”
✔️Proofread for Clarity
Ambiguous statements such as “It was a bad situation” should be avoided. Instead, opt for clear expressions such as “My lack of preparation negatively exacerbated the child’s uneasiness.”
V. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ 1. Writing a Summary Rather Than a Reflection
- Incorrect: “The child cried, and we responded by putting him on oxygen.”
- Correct: “I observed that my approach lacked adaptability, further worsening the patient’s distress as I attempted to administer treatment.”
❌ 2. Ignoring Emotional Insight
- Weak: “I was stressed.”
- Strong: “I felt overwhelmed by the worsening of the situation, which affected my ability to decide quickly.”
❌ 3. No Link to Professional Growth
Linking the implication of the incident on future practice is a crucial part of this paper.
VI. Concluding a nursing reflection paper
A nursing reflection paper may sound complex, but this isn’t exactly the case, as shown by this comprehensive breakdown. Importantly, choosing a desired model to structure the assignment and addressing all sections completely will ensure the composition of an effective nursing reflection paper.
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