Reflective Essay: Analyzing Nursing Placement Experiences and Lessons

This reflective essay details a nursing student's placement experience, framed using Rolfe's reflective model. The essay begins with a description of the placement, including an initial smooth start followed by a health issue that led to a temporary postponement. The student then recounts the challenges of a second attempt, which was ultimately ceased due to health concerns and patient safety protocols. The essay reflects on the emotional impact of these events, the importance of infection control, and the lessons learned regarding patient safety and professional responsibility. The student emphasizes the importance of adhering to hospital rules and professional standards, highlighting the need for nurses to prioritize patient well-being and accountability. The essay concludes with a summary of the experience and a commitment to applying the lessons learned in future practice. The student aims to be more vigilant about their health and adherence to professional guidelines to ensure patient safety and effective nursing practice.

Running head: REFLECTIVE ESSAY
Reflective essay
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

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REFLECTIVE ESSAY
Introduction:
Placement is a very important experience of a transitioning student nurse. Along with
the theoretical knowledge gained, the placement experience provides the nurses with the
practical and applicative knowledge that is extremely important for the nurse to commence in
future practice (Howatson-Jones, 2016). In this essay I will be using Rolfe framework to
reflect on the placement experience I have had.
Rolfe’s reflective model:
What?
My placement started smoothly, although, on the second day itself I started coughing
while in the placement. As a result, my placement was postponed for 2 and a half weeks. The
clinical diagnosis stated that I am suffering from Laryesphogoues reflux, which was causing
coughing and post nasal drip; hence, it was not contagious which was why I was given the
chance to continue my placement again. However, again on the second day I had to call in
sick for my PTSD, and unfortunately later that day I was informed that placement was ceased
as I had been coughing and drawing up phlegm and was of risk to the patients in the
placement. I had been extremely sad and disappointed although I understood the need for
infection control and patient safety policies. I was relieved of my anxiety when I had been
given a second chance to complete my placement.
So what?
This experience had been both good and bad for me. Undoubtedly, clinical placement
is an excellent opportunity for the graduating nurses to learn professional skills and bridge the
gap between theory and practice (Sade & Peres, 2015). I was also both ecstatic and nervous

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REFLECTIVE ESSAY
about my placement experience, although my high spirits were crushed when the placement
was ceased midway. Although, I understood the patient safety and infection control policies
in place Sydney University and St John of God Burwood. Yet the possible of impact of
ceased placement had been extreme traumatizing and scaring for me. Although I understand
that it is our responsibility as health care professions to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of
the patients at all circumstances and abiding by the necessary infection control protocols.
Hence, I was able to realize the impact of the decision and took it optimistically, moreover as
I had been given a second chance to continue my placement after I recovered.
Now what?
The overall experience had been a mix of both good and bad. I had learned a variety
of different skills and expertise while going through my placement. Although, when it was
ceased the experience of that trauma had also been extremely experiential as well. As per the
practice guidelines and standards of practice, it is crucial for the nurses to be responsible,
accountable and prioritize patient safety (Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au, 2018). This
experience helped me learn the impact of patient safety and abiding my hospital rules and
protocols. Taking lessons from this experience, I will be extra careful to step back from
clinical practice while being sick myself without the authorities having to step in and
prioritize patient safety. I will also take additional efforts to familiarize myself more with the
professional standards, protocols and guidelines so that I can engage in safe practice (Smith,
2016).
Conclusion:
On a concluding note, the placement experience, even though it was ceased midway,
helped me learn a few ethical and professionals aspects of nursing. I hope I will be able to
employ the knowledge I have gained in this experience in my future practice effectively.

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References:
Howatson-Jones, L. (2016). Reflective practice in nursing. Learning Matters.
Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au (2018). Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia -
Professional standards. [Online]. Retrieved from
https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/codes-guidelines-statements/
professional-standards.aspx [Accessed on 3rd Nov]
Sade, P. M. C., & Peres, A. M. (2015). Development of nursing management competencies:
guidelines for continuous education services. Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da
USP, 49(6), 988-994.
Smith, K. (2016). Reflection and person-centredness in practice development. International
Practice Development Journal, 6(1).