Reflection on Patient Communication and Care in Nursing Practice

This assignment presents a first-year nursing student's reflection on a patient interaction, framed within Rolfe's framework for reflective practice. The student describes an encounter where they asked a patient, "What can I do to improve your care today?" The patient, a woman with depression, requested active listening. The student details the conversation, highlighting the importance of active listening, empathy, and encouragement in improving the patient's well-being. The reflection explores the student's role, thought processes, and broader considerations for future communication, including the integration of mental health assessments. The student connects the activity to the NMC code, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing people, practicing effectively, and promoting professionalism. The assignment also includes a wider group reflection, summarizing the insights and experiences shared by other students. The student uses references to support their points. This assignment demonstrates how to reflect on patient interactions and improve communication skills within a nursing context.