Gibbs Reflective Cycle Report: Analysis of a Healthcare Scenario

This report presents a Gibbs Reflective Cycle analysis of a healthcare incident encountered by a nursing student. The report details a scenario where the student observed a doctor failing to adhere to hygiene protocols. The student reflects on their feelings of concern and intimidation, and the subsequent discussion with their mentor. The analysis section examines the importance of hygiene in healthcare settings. The conclusion highlights the need for improved confidence in communicating with superiors and prioritizing patient wellbeing. Finally, the action plan outlines strategies for future placements, emphasizing communication with mentors and proactive patient care. The report aims to provide insights into reflective practice and its application in nursing, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and continuous improvement in clinical practice. The report also makes references to the literature, supporting the analysis with relevant scholarly sources.

Running head: GIBBS REFLECTIVE CYCLE
psychology
[Document subtitle]

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GIBBS REFLECTIVE CYCLE
Gibbs Reflective Cycle
Figure 1 Gibbs Reflective Cycle
Description:
When I was in Second year, I was working under my mentor’s supervision in a surgical ward,
attending a 72 years old man, who had suffered surgery of abdomen. I was asked to remove the
dressing from wound so that doctor could examine it. Under the supervision of my mentor I
removed the dressing, cleaned the wound without touching it. Till that time, my mentor was
asked to attend another patient, so I stayed and cared for Mr. Ram until doctor had come to check
him. The doctor came straight towards my patient after checking the wound of another patient
without considering to wash his hands. I was confused whether to say about it or not but it was
already late as the doctor had started examining Mr. Ram.

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Feelings:
I was worried by this as I expected my senior to take care about the hygiene before checking Mr.
Ram. However, there was a feeling of intimidation and embarrassment as I felt the experience of
doctor in this field is more than me. I shared this with my mentor and we decided to speak
together about this. After discussing the matter with doctor, she replied that because of busy
schedule she forgot about it and assured that she will take care about this in future.
Evaluation:
This incident involved a lot of challenges for me but I am satisfied with the doctor’s positive
response over the feedback from my mentor which has also resulted in change of practice. It
resulted in teaching of significance of acting sensitively and insistently with the senior personnel.
Analysis:
The Nursing department of Royal College had mentioned that hygiene has been considered as
the most significant activity to reduce infections and has pointed out that many professional in
health care are not taking care of this more often as much they should. As a student in nursing, it
applies to my own practices as well being a student of student nurse taking care of Mr. Ram.
Conclusion:
After considering the incident, I was thinking that I could have shared my views over hygiene
with the doctor at initial stage which could have saved Mr. Ram’s health being put at risk. After
having discussed the matter with my mentor, I have found that I need to enhance my confidence
skills to directly talk with my superiors and to put wellbeing of our clients as priority in my

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mind. I also need to understand the pressure under which my colleagues are working, but it needs
to be ensured that the health of clients are not put at risk.
Acton Plan:
For this situation, I have learnt that it needs to be ensured that the wellbeing of my clients are
maintained. In my further placement, it will be a goal for me to discuss with my immediate
mentor to strategies my action plan and have confidence in my approach to plan how to achieve
things.

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References
Potter, C. (2015). Leadership development: an applied comparison of Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle
and Scharmer’s Theory U. Industrial and Commercial Training, 47(6), 336-342.
Husebø, S. E., O'Regan, S., & Nestel, D. (2015). Reflective practice and its role in
simulation. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 11(8), 368-375.