Leanne Battersby

17024576

BA Hons Adult Nursing

Faculty of Health and Wellbeing

Sheffield Hallam University

14th December 2007

Introduction to Study, Practice and the Profession of Nursing

Reflective essay

Word Count 1,107

ISPPN Reflective Essay

In this essay I am going to outline my personal strengths and weakness’ both in an academic and clinical setting, using Gibb’s reflective model. I will also explain how these skills can be built upon.

Nursing is a life long learning process in which you continue your professional development throughout your career. The Department of Health (2003) outlines that Continuing Professional Development is a process of lifelong learning for all individuals which meet the needs of patients and which enables professionals to expand to their full potential. The NMC (2004) sets standards and guidance which enables professionals to demonstrate that they are keeping up to date with developments in professional practice and expanding their knowledge and competence. I am at the beginning of my life long journey. In university I will be developing my basic needs to become a newly qualified nurse; however one way I can gain further understanding is by reflecting upon my experiences.

Siviter (2004) describes that reflection is the process in which you look at yourself and your practice objectively. Bolton (2005) argues that it is the way you incorporate your theory and practice in order to grow as a professional. Additionally it’s how you convert yourself from a student into a nurse, and later how you transform yourself from a novice to an expert using Benner’s (2001) model.

Benner developed a model of skill acquisition for nursing. It describes five levels of proficiency and their characteristics which. The five stages are: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient and expert. These stages have been designed to measure your skills acquired through your training, from the basics until you are beyond competency.

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Numerous frameworks for facilitating reflection have been developed. Gibbs (1988) reflection cycle demonstrates a strong link between reflection and learning. This reflective cycle takes the practitioner through six stages. At each stage there is a cue to help them reflect upon an experience. From the very onset practitioners are encouraged to write clear descriptions of their experiences. Johns (2004) outlines that the emphasis of feelings is very significant because most reflection is triggered by feelings and more importantly a decision is also highly influenced by feelings. This demonstrates how important reflection is in practice. Gibbs cycle encourages the practitioner ...

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