Clinical Experience Reflection: Gibb's Model in Surgical Ward

This reflective essay utilizes Gibb's reflective model to analyze a clinical experience in a surgical ward, focusing on the care of a 68-year-old female patient, Mrs. J, diagnosed with alcohol-related pancreatitis and a history of traumatic sexual abuse and substance abuse. The reflection covers the description of the experience, the feelings evoked, an evaluation of the nursing role, an analysis of the situation, and a conclusion outlining lessons learned. The essay emphasizes the importance of compassionate care, effective communication, and building rapport with patients, particularly those with complex needs and traumatic histories. The author reflects on the need for assertiveness and empathy in future practice and the value of collaboration with peers to improve patient care cohesiveness, highlighting the integration of nursing principles and values for professional development. The experience underscored the importance of adding a human touch to the care process and proactive listening to patients' concerns.

Running head: REFLECTION PAPER
Reflection Paper
Name of student:
Name of university:
Author note:

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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

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compassionate and sympathetic care lies at the core of nursing care practice. I has become
conscious not be hurt the feelings of the patient while caring for her as she was emotionally
distressed due to her past. I wanted to care for her through my best effort and was moved by the
suffering she had faced at an early stage.
Evaluation
My role as a nurse was to provide a comprehensive care to the patient encompassing her
social needs. According to Bivins et al., (2017) it is imperative for nurses to show empathy
towards patients when addressing the anxiety experienced by them is crucial. Establishing a
rapport with patients ensure an effective therapeutic relationship that promotes care process.
Haslam (2015) pointed out that compassionate care is powerful as the experiences of the patients
can be changed for the better. To avoid the patients feeling neglected and frustrated, care givers
are to communicate with the patient with clarity and transparency. The patient in the present case
was informed about the less chances of her survival so that she could have clear knowledge of
the outcomes to be expected. In addition, addressing the physical needs of the patient was also
important. I administered morphine as the primary opioid for addressing pain since the patient
had reported the same upon admission. A comprehensive patient assessment had indicated that
the patient was suffering from malnutrition and weighed 55 kilograms. She was therefore
supported with high carbohydrate, low fat diet and proteins that can address her body
requirements considering her age. She was assisted to select food that could meet her preferences
(Peaten and Wild, 2014).
Analysis

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The placement gave me an opportunity to integrate concepts of professional nursing into
practice. Though the patient’s need could not be adequately addressed at the surgical unit, the
care provided during her stay was attempted to be made high quality. An informal intervention as
more appreciable in such a case as Blomberg et al., (2016) point out that a suitable balance
between formal and informal care can lead to better patient outcomes.
Conclusion
As I witnessed the distress caused to the patient due to her past and present health
condition, I am now aware that a nurse has to be assertive and sympathetic when faced with
similar situations the experience I have gained through this incident has made me acknowledge
the importance of adding a human touch into the care process. I believe I should be more
confident in future when dealing with patients with complex needs. There should also be more
importance given to establish strong relationship with the client to increase care cohesiveness.
Action plan
Future practice would involve being more proactive in listening to the concerns of the
client and acting accordingly. I would also work in collaboration with my peers to engage in
decision making about patient care. As a nurse I would continue integrating the principles and
values of nursing into my practice. Applying newly learnt skills is a key approach for
professional development.

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References
Bivins, R., Tierney, S., & Seers, K. (2017). Compassionate care: not easy, not free, not only
nurses. BMJ Quality & Safety, 26(12), 1023-1026. DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2017-007005
Blomberg, K., Griffiths, P., Wengström, Y., May, C., & Bridges, J. (2016). Interventions for
compassionate nursing care: A systematic review. International Journal Of Nursing
Studies, 62, 137-155. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2016.07.009
Haslam., D. (2015) “More than kindness”. Journal of Compassionate Health Care. 2(6). DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40639-015-0015-2
Peate. I., & Wild. K. (2014).Nursing Practice: Knowledge and Car. Willey Blackwell. Retrieved
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