Using reflective practice in frontline nursing

Oelofsen, Natius

Natius Oelofsen is consultant clinical psychologist, learning disabilities service, Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust and director of Reflective Learning, a consultancy dedicated to advancing reflective practices in health and social care settings.

•This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

Reflective practice can be used to help nurses to make sense of work situations and, ultimately, to improve care. A simple, three-stage model is proposed

Nursing Times 108(24):p 22-24, June 12, 2012.

In this article…

> The theoretical basis for reflective practice
> A three-stage model for practical reflection
> An example of the model in practice

Abstract

) Using reflective practice in frontline nursing. Nursing Times; 108: 24, 22-24.

Reflection on practice is a key skill for nurses. Engaging in regular reflection enables practitioners to manage the personal and professional impact of addressing their patients’ fundamental health and wellbeing needs on a daily basis.

This article briefly reviews the theoretical background underpinning the idea of reflective practice. A simple, three-step model for practical reflection is presented, which is based on theory and grounded in practice. The three-stage cycle is illustrated with a fictional clinical example to show how this reflective method can make a difference in busy practice settings.