Developing the professional? What course is that? How will that improve my intellect on a master’s level? Could this course be any different from all the other courses of study? Is it practical or mainly theoretical? Those were my exact sentiments when I realised I was enrolled to study developing the professional. This learning experience has enabled me develop academically, professionally and personally. so much that I did not expect before I attended this module. I was amazed by my progress in both academic and individual aspect; however, there is still room for my further growth . Therefore, the purpose of this essay will be to conduct a critical reflection on the learning process that I have experienced during this particular module. The subsequent paragraphs includes a detailed description of certain important modules in the course and their outcomes.
According to Taylor (2000) a reflection is the throwing back of thoughts and memories, in cognitive acts such as thinking, contemplation, meditation and any other form of attentive consideration, in order to make sense of them, and to make contextually appropriate changes if they are required. A reflection is a mental process; it is an interpretation of what is going on between learning and thinking. Reflection is different from simply recalling an event, or even discussing a day at work with a colleague. The benefits of reflective practice are many and varied. It can lead to an analysis of (nursing) actions in such a way that it can become evident how things might have been done differently, or equally the recognition that things are done well and should be repeated." (Hogston and Simpson 1999). We might deliberate that different scholars have diverse understanding to th...
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...se their engagement and motivation.
During my research work we were obliged to undertake surveys.
I personally feel that the idea of conducting surveys has been a great experience for me. Surveys allow personal interaction with people and enable us to communicate with them, which offer a great learning experience (Gravetter & Forzano, 2011; Newman & Benz, 1998; Balnaves & Caputi, 2001).
In conclusion I would admit that in the beginning of this course I found the modules which make up the course very unnecessary due to the practical nature of the course and thought it was a total waste of my precious time. The course got more interesting along the way as I enjoyed the way of teaching as I don’t thrive very well in passive learning. However developing the professional has enabled me reveal my errors, weakness and anxieties as well as my strengths and success.
Definitions of reflection vary depending on the discipline of the author. Having reviewed the literature, Bulman (2008, p.2), a nurse, defines it as “reviewing an experience from practice so that it may be described, analysed, evaluated and used to inform and change future practice”. It is a personal process requiring honesty, openness, self-awareness, courage and a willingness to act on criticism. It acknowledges that feelings and emotions influence actions. Critical reflection involves in depth examination and questioning of personal, social, historical, cultural and political assumptions and perspectives that are embedded in actions. It is an active process enabling one to make sense of events, situations and actions that occur in the workplace (Oelofsen, 2012). It transforms a situation in which there is confusion and doubt to one that is clear and coherent (Dewey, 2010).
I have chosen to use Rolfe et al’s (2001) framework for reflective practice, as I felt this was the best model for me to reflect on my academic development. I feel this model is the appropriate model as it has allowed me to reflect on what my situation was, what action I needed to take and the results of that action.
Nurses are constantly being encouraged to be reflective practitioners (Sommerville and Keeling, 2004). Reflective practice can be defined as the process of making sense of events, situations and actions that occur in the workplace (Oelofsen, 2012; Boros, 2009) It helps the practitioner in thinking and examining his actions and behaviour thereby, aids in his learning and improvement. Reflective practice is important for nurses. The NMC Code (2002) states that nurses are responsible for providing care to the best of their ability to patients and their families. As nurses, according to Sommerville and Keeling (2004), they need to focus on their knowledge, skills and behaviour to ensure that they are able to meet the demands made on them by this commitment. Identifying strengths enable nurses to learn, develop and grow professionally.
Burns, S. Bulman, C. Palmer, A. (1997) Reflective Practice in Nursing - The growth of the professional practitioner. London: Blackwell Science.
Rolfe (2001) claims that reflection- in-action is more advanced form of thinking and leads to more advanced practice. He further describes that is it is a process of what the nurse is always testing theories and hypothesis in a cyclical process while simultaneously engaged in practice (Rolfe, 1993). It means examining behaviour and that of others while in a situation (Schon, 1995; Schon, 1987). “To be able to reflect one must step outside the experience in order to make the observance comprehendible” Gray (1998). “Aziza highlighted (Forum 2; Challenges and debates about reflective practice, Reflection-in-action/practice and Reflection-on-action/practice) that competent nurses encounter an unusual event or “wicked problem”. Rolfe (2014), calls it, the nurse automatically analyse, problem solve and reflects in that instant without even realising it.” Hence, it brings about confidence, skills and knowledge and anticipation in professionals in nursing. Professionals are accountable for their actions and in this case students, and new nurses would have an opportunity to think what could have been better to improve the
Review your practicum learning agreement, as well as any other relevant doucments from this course. In which areas have you shown significant professional growth?
There are certain barriers in using reflective practice such as lack of proper resources to improve their learning experience. Some nurses are not aware of how to undertake reflective practice due to their lack of knowledge and also may be worried about documenting experiences and emotions. Furthermore, time is one of the main barrier for reflective practice, learning through reflective practice can be time consuming, and if a nurse is reluctant or shows lack of motivation to spend time in improving their skills or knowledge through reflection or reflective practices, it will not benefit in making any changes in their profession and also in their patient care. According to Forneris et al, (2009) lack of time can cause beginner nurses to become
The intention of this written essay is to demonstrate an understanding of my views on reflection and the issues surrounding reflective practice. It is based on nursing skills that I used during my practice placement, most importantly reflecting on the professional value of privacy and dignity.
The purpose of this Reflective assignment is to demonstrate how the application of the Registered Nurses standards for practise (2016) can be used in reflective practise. The Registered Nurses standards of Practise (2016) states that RN’s should develop their practise through reflecting on experiences, knowledge, actions, their feelings and beliefs and recognise how these factors shape professional practise(RNSP, 1.2).Reflection allows individuals to look back on their day-to-day situations and how they made us react and feel; what we would change if we had the chance, to create a different outcome; and what we would do next time to enhance the way we conduct ourselves in a professional manner.
Bulman.C. & Schultz.S. (2014).Reflective practice in nursing. Black Well Publishing Asia Pty Ltd, 550 Swanston Street Carlton, Victoria 3035, Australia.
According to Paul (1999), reflective practice has become a dominant paradigm in second language teacher education in recent years. Further, Biggs (2003) cited that learning new technique for teacing is like the fish that provides a meal for today which same as reflective practice that acts as the net that provides the meal for the rest of one’s life. To begin with, reflective practice has been a major movement since the eighties in teacher education (Calderhead, 1989; Cruickshank &Applegate, 1981; Gore, 1987; Zeichner, 1987). Even more, research acknowledges a number of potential benefits that arise from reflecting on ones’ teaching both for pre-service and in-service teachers (Bailey, 1997; Cruickshank, 1987; Mckay, 2002; Oterman and Kottamp,
Middleton, J. (2004). A Practical To Promote Reflective Practice Within Nursing .Retrieved March 31, 2004 from www.nursingtimes.net.
A study conducted by academics found that undergraduate nurses feel reflection is the key to changing and improving their practice. (Bulman, Lathlean, & Gobbi, 2011). Reflection assists nurses to enhance their nursing abilities by encouraging them to reflect on negative experiences, in order to overcome similar experiences in the future. This essay will aim to demonstrate the importance of reflection within nursing, additionally providing me with a platform to reflect on my decision to become a nurse. I will begin by reflecting upon the factors that influenced me to choose nursing, followed by an explanation of the benefits that reflection has on nursing. The essay will conclude by summarising how I will put reflection in practice throughout
The course also challenged me and allowed me to think critically. Whenever I am faced with an issue I know that I should take steps to formulate an opinion. It’s always good to ask questions to clarify anything. Once all the facts are established, I know that I should assess them. Finally I am able to assert a carefully thought out opinion (3). After taking these steps can be sure my opinion is right and not just for me personally, but regarding others too.
In terms of Personal Development I feel that the course has helped me to develop the skills I need to improve my grades, and to build my confidence.