Reflection Paper on Gibb’s Reflective Model for Nursing Practice

Running head: REFLECTION PAPER
Reflection Paper
Name of student:
Name of university:
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1REFLECTION PAPER
Introduction
Gibb’s reflective model is a notable theoretical model used by healthcare professionals as
a robust framework for reflecting on personal experiences. The reflective process using the
model follows six steps, namely, description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion and
action plan. The aim of using the model is to explore new and different ideas and approaches that
professionals can take for promotion of self-improvement. The present paper is a reflective
writing with the help of Gibb’s model of reflection that is based on personal experience in
clinical setting. The aim of the paper is to inform future practice as a nurse based on learning
from past experiences.
Gibb’s reflection
Description
As a nurse I have always been enthusiastic to care for individuals seeking services in a
compassionate and effective manner. My placement at the H3 south surgical ward gave me the
opportunity to develop my skills in relation to caring for patient with complex and varied needs.
I would reflect on the process of care instigated by me to a patient admitted to the unit after
diagnosis of alcohol related pancreatitis. The patient in question was a 68 year old female named
Mrs. J, living with his husband, son and daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. The name of the
patient has been kept confidential for ethical concerns. The patient had a past history of
experiencing a traumatic sexual abuse as a child. This incident had a negative influence on his
life as she turned to IV drug and alcohol abuse. The necessity to deal with the sexual abuse was
responsible for compelling her to resort to drugs and alcohol. The patient consequently
developed Hepatitis C and chronic alcohol abuse. Understanding the condition of the patient I

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felt extremely remorseful and sorry for the patient. Acknowledging the condition that the patient
was presenting with, I, as well as the other nursing professionals in the ward, felt of need of
delivering compassionate care through establishing effective communication with the patient.
Though advanced treatment options can improve patient experience, the bets nursing
intervention is empathetic care provided by nurses. Showing empathy and compassion towards
patient help in achieving improved patient outcomes. Further, we attempted to build a rapport
with the patient. I attempted to learn more about her on a personal level. Active listening marked
out conversations. She was also educated about managing stress and anxiety. I ensured that I was
respectful towards her and maintained a dignified disposition for enabling a compassionate
relationship.
The nursing goals for Mrs. J focused on relieving discomfort and pain. Focus was also
given to improve his nutritional status. The patient had then to be informed yesterday that the
chance of her survival was less since the pancreatitis had reached to a later stage. Her condition
entailed that she is transferred to Gold Coast Hospital for further treatment processes. The patient
expressed feelings of distress and at broke down at hearing about her condition. We put in our
best efforts to console her and provide her with encouragement. A sense of positive outlook
towards life was to be instilled by us so that the patient could live a content life in the last days of
her life.
Feelings
I was emotional while caring for the patient and felt anxious while communicating with
her. Previously I had not been presented with many opportunities to deal with patient conditions
such complex and thus my sympathetic feelings were more evident. I realized that provision of