Nursing Reflective Essay: Insights from Driscoll's Model Application

This reflective essay analyzes a nursing experience through the lens of Driscoll's reflective model, focusing on the author's skills and understanding gained from a project on nursing promotion. The essay delves into the 'what, so what, and what now' framework, exploring communication improvements, patient needs, and the impact of poor health promotion practices, particularly in the context of patients with dementia. The author reflects on personal perceptions, team dynamics, and the importance of patient dignity, advocating for enhanced communication strategies and a more inclusive healthcare environment. The essay concludes by emphasizing the significance of teamwork, holistic care, and the application of reflective cycles to foster professional growth and improved patient outcomes. The author highlights the importance of adapting communication methods and promoting an environment that respects and empowers all patients, aligning future practice with health promotion principles.

Nursing Reflective Essay using Driscoll’s Model
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NURSING REFLECTIVE ESSAY USING DRISCOLL’S MODEL
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Introduction
This reflective paper will scrutinize the skills and comprehension which I acquired from
our project on nursing promotion. This paper will be grounded on reflective cycles provided by
Driscoll’s model. Driscoll’s model provides that there are three processes which apply in
reflecting on one’s practice (Ian Peate, 2018). These include: what, so what and what now. They
ask what happened, what are your feelings good or bad about the experience and what do you do
differently is it happened again.
What
The model will help me connect theory with practice. It will help me through experience,
discover areas for expansion in the provision of high-quality care. Reflection is important in
acquiring understanding and knowledge of medical practices and allowing self-criticism through
reflection on experiences. My first skill scrutinizes ways in which communication can be
improved and enriched to enhance healthcare services in the nursing profession. Through the
knowledge acquired in the group, I will obtain skills necessary to appreciate the clients’ needs
for healthcare. This is important in building and confidentiality within healthcare.
My feeling about the experience
I learned that failure to standardize communication between healthcare professionals and
the client can lead to poor communication. The group research will be useful in conducting
independent research to determine the impacts of poor health promotion practices that which
lead to a risk of damaging the process of communication. Nevertheless, the group found that a
high percentage of mentally disabled people are more likely predisposed to challenges in
communication (Michael E May, 2016). This was the case with one of our patients Mrs. Childs

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who had dementia. To enhance communication in this case, I propose the use of various
communication methods such as the use of picture and signs essential.
Using non-verbal media will ensure that mentally challenged individuals communicate
and understand messages more clearly. This is important in the provision of care in a dignified
manner. Various issues discussed in the group have enabled me to perceive the nursing
professional from a perspective where caregiving not only involved health but must encompass
respect and dignity for the patients. Upholding the dignity of the patient is important in
promoting the empowerment of clients like Mrs. Childs. This, in turn, ensures that the autonomy
of the individual is honored.
My Reaction to the Team’s Perception
There were various instances where my perception and that of the other group members
conflicted. For instance, I believe that is important to be patient with Mrs. Childs and she should
be provided with opportunities to communicate indirectly and express herself. Nevertheless, the
other members’ contributions also enhanced my grasp on the principles of health promotion. The
experience gathered from the other members has helped me mull over on my nursing skills and
to re-assess them fit them with health promotion principles. Regardless of the fact that I was not
in agreement with the input of some members, a stouter method should be employed to see to it
that team members conduct research independently and the findings are gathered to bring a
methodical conclusion. Another enhancement of the workgroup is to safeguard that the
principles of health promotion are restructured based on the World Health Organization
Principles.

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What to do differently from the group
Among my proposals would be that there be worthwhile and purposeful communication
among members and with the patients. Expressive communication of feelings, opinions, and
ideas among members is essential in drawing a conclusion on what should be assimilated into the
principles of health promotions. Each group member should as well receive an equal chance to
provide input for the team. This was among my greatest frustrations since as a nurse, I feel that
there should be equality among team members. Again, based on Roohangiz Norouzinia, (2016)
communication should be both verbal and non-verbal among team members. This will help
ensure that members are not left out and they are sufficiently able to communicate.
Promotion of Health Promotion Practices
Based on the group experience, it is clear that healthcare professionals need to build a
favorable environment which embraces and empowers all patients. The healthcare team should
as well be creative and adaptable to accommodate patients with different backgrounds and
issues. When the health care personnel are accommodative, the probability of disempowering
coworkers and patients is avoided (Rukhsana Ahmed, 2016). For example, patients with certain
medical conditions for instance dementia may feel segregated since other individuals speak and
move around with ease. It is therefore essential that caregivers and other health care
professionals be friendlier and more accommodative to include such individuals. The experience
has also enabled me to see the significance of teamwork among inter-professional members of a
healthcare team in the creation of guidelines that will be observed by various individuals
working in a similar field. Holistic care adherence must hence be encouraged to principles of
health promotion at different levels.

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The learning obtained from my interaction with the group members will have an
influence in my practice as a nurse in the future. As a skilled nurse, my responsibility would involve
ensuring that decision making is done on the patient’s behalf after proper communication with the patient.
Advocacy of communication is generally regarded as a nurse’s moral duty as it is the fundamental basis
of nursing (Beth Epstein, 2015). Effectual advocacy can change the life of a person with a learning
disability to communicate their needs and make real decisions.
Conclusion
Therefore, being an incipient nurse, the experience acquired will help me show skills that
will abide by the principles of health promotion. Through the Driscoll reflective cycle, I have
been able to assess my experiences from various life aspects. It has provided an outline to
develop my capability to scrutinize nursing skills and pick those that will have an impact in
promoting health practices. I have also been able to establish ways in which the dignity model
influences various levels of nursing practice. The dignity concept has provided me with an
opportunity to align my future practice with the principles of health practice. I trust that the use
of Driscoll’s reflective cycle will play a great role in helping me become a great nurse through
applying theory and practice. I believe the application of the Driscoll’s reflective cycle will help
me become a professional nurse through the application of theory and practice

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References
Beth Epstein, M. T., 2015. The Nursing Code of Ethics: Its Value, Its History. Schorlaly Journal
of the American Nurses Association.
Ian Peate, K. W., 2018. Nursing Practice: Knowledge and Care. s.l.:John Wiley & Sons.
Michael E May, C. H. K., 2016. Health and Problem Behavior Among People With Intellectual
Disabilities. Association for Behavior Analysis International.
Roohangiz Norouzinia, M. A. S. M. K. a. E. S., 2016. Communication Barriers Perceived by
Nurses and Patients. Canadian Center of Science and Education.
Rukhsana Ahmed, B. B., 2016. To accommodate, or not to accommodate: Exploring patient
satisfaction with doctors’ accommodative behavior during the clinical encounter. Journal of
Communication in Healthcare.