Reflective Practice: Gibbs Model and Nursing Standards

This essay explores the significance of reflective practice for enrolled nurses, emphasizing its role in enhancing self-esteem, holistic development, and the application of theoretical knowledge. It discusses the Gibbs Model as a framework for reflection, detailing the stages from describing an event to drawing conclusions and creating action plans. The essay highlights the model's application in clinical and theoretical experiences, allowing nurses to relate theory to practice, build self-awareness, and develop their own theories. Furthermore, it addresses how reflective practice aligns with nursing standards, emphasizing the importance of research-based evidence and continuous learning. References to supporting literature are included, providing context and credibility to the discussion. The essay provides a comprehensive understanding of reflective practice and its benefits for nurses.

Running head: REFLECTIVE 1
REFLECTIVE
Institution
Lecturer
Name
Date

REFLECTIVE 2
Role of reflective practice for the Enrolled Nurse
Reflective is a useful tool for both the students and qualified nurses. It is a critical
and valuable incident despite being complex.it is a process through which practitioners
will better their understanding of self in order to build their strengths for appropriate
future actions. The discipline is significant to any enrolled nurse for a number of
reasons. Firstly, it helps in enhancing the self-esteem and encourage a holistic, flexible
person ready to practice and put the theoretical knowledge into action. Secondly, it
assists in making the nurse make conscious attempts that will identify the learner from
what is happening. It also provides a forum for rapid and progressive refocusing of work
to enhance understanding and exploration of the profession. Also, reflections make the
nurse view clinical procedures from different perspectives through alternative course of
actions that are encouraged (Mantzoukas & Jasper, 2014)
The Gibbs Model (1998)
Reflection is not an easy process that can just be taken without a map or a pointer.
It is for the purpose of simplifying it that models such as Gibbs model were introduced in
the profession (Chong, 2009). He proposed a reflective cycle that begins with describing
a practical event and then cycling it through the following stages. First one identifies his
or her feelings then evaluates the experiences. As a student who is engaged both in the
practical aspect of nursing and the theoretical perspectives, my reflections will start after
identifying my feelings towards these things. For example, when learning on how to
dress a wound, my feelings will play a greater role in helping me remember the lesson.
Secondly, I will analyse the experience and draw conclusions that will include
alternative actions that would have been taken and then draw up an action plan for
future reference.
Application of the model in my studies
My learning has been enhanced throughout the clinical and theoretical experiences
because of the following reasons. Firstly, I am in a position to relate the clinical
experiences with the theories learned in a classroom. It is possible for me now to know
when a clinical procedure is not performed correctly according to the set rules.
2

REFLECTIVE 3
Secondly, I have discovered myself and as a result, I can relate to the patient,
colleagues and the environment for the betterment of my practice. In addition, I am able
to build my own theories from observations and as a result increase my mastery of the
discipline (Moon, 2011). I am also able to critically review the processes performed in a
ward and develop a routine kind of activities that enhance my delivery of services to the
patients
Meeting Standard Number and future plan
The standard requires nurses to be informed by research evidence indicators. In my
learning and clinical activities, I have learned to observe it. The main reason that makes
me hold so is the fact that all my clinical procedures no matter how routine they may
appear, I have to think through them and internalize the concepts behind its operation
(Bolton, 2010). In addition, I have learned the virtue of enquiring and referrals in the
event of complex activities that am not familiar with. As a training nurse am also
reflecting on my current situations that offer learning opportunities and connecting them
with my past experiences.
3

REFLECTIVE 4
References
Bolton, G. (2010). Reflective Practise; A guide for Nurses and Midwives. California:
SAGE Publications.
Chong, M. (2009). Is reflection a Useful Task for Nurses? India: Asian Nursing
Research.
Jasper, M. &. (2014). Reflective Practice and Daily Ward Reality. Journal of Clinical
Nursing, 925-933.
Moon, J. (2011). Development of Assesment Criteria for Nurses. PGCE Journal, 12-20.
4