Reflective Practice for You
Let’s be honest, any reflective practice a nurse might do will tell us that nursing isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, praise and encouragement. Sometimes, it’s more like running a marathon in a heatwave with no-one there to throw a glass of water to you. But you might be overlooking the key nurse skill to find a better way.
For many nurses, reflective practice can feel like a task to complete every three years for continuing professional development – simply a box to tick. But what if we shifted our perspective? What if we recognised reflective practice as a powerful tool we can wield for our own benefit, on a daily basis?
Imagine using reflective practice to truly check in with ourselves. How am I genuinely feeling today? What events or interactions might have contributed to this feeling? What aspects of my nursing work truly energise me? Do I find fulfillment in the intimate care of bed baths, the technical precision of dressings, the emotional connection of counselling, the fast-paced environment of theatres, or the diverse challenges of A and E?
Reflective practice, when engaged with regularly and thoughtfully, moves far beyond a mere compliance exercise. It becomes a compass, guiding us towards a nursing specialty or even entirely different career avenues that truly align with our strengths and passions. By taking the time for honest reflective practice, we can unlock deeper self-awareness and chart a more fulfilling and sustainable path in our nursing journey.
Yes, that thing they told you about in nursing school that you promptly filed under “things I’ll do when I have to…” which is every three years. Turns out, it’s not just academic fluff; it’s a career-changing superpower in disguise.
Why Reflection Isn’t Just for Philosophers (or Mandatory CPD)
Think of reflection as your personal nursing detective. You’re Sherlock Holmes, and your experiences are the crime scene. By systematically analysing your actions, thoughts, and feelings, you can uncover hidden patterns, identify areas for improvement, and, most importantly, figure out what actually makes you tick.
reflective practice for nurses
Here’s how reflection can accidentally (or intentionally) spark a career revolution:
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Uncovering Hidden Talents (and Untapped Passions):
- Remember that time you managed a crash call with the grace of a seasoned conductor? Or when you patiently explained a complex procedure to a terrified patient, and they actually understood? Reflection helps you recognise your moments of brilliance. You might discover a knack for leadership, a passion for patient education, or a burning desire to specialise in a specific area.
- You might be a wizard at wound care, or a guru at geriatric care. You will not know until you reflect!
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Identifying Your “Nope” Zones:
Just as reflection reveals your strengths, it also highlights your “no way” zones. Maybe you realise the terrible toll on your moods from working nights, or that you’re allergic to visitors watching your every move. Recognising these, your no-no not again zones is just as important as identifying passions. It helps you steer clear of career paths that will drain your soul.
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Boosting Your Confidence (and Your Marketability):
Documenting your reflections creates a portfolio of your skills and experiences. When you can articulate your strengths and demonstrate your ability to learn and grow, you become a more confident and marketable nurse. Suddenly, that job interview doesn’t seem so daunting.
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Opening Doors You Never Knew Existed:
Reflection can lead you down unexpected paths. Maybe you discover a passion for research, a talent for teaching, or a desire to move into management. You might even realise that you’re ready to ditch the bedside altogether and pursue a different speciality altogether such as nursing informatics or public health. The possibilities are endless!
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Preventing Burnout (and Keeping Your Sanity):
Nursing is a demanding profession. Reflection can help you process your emotions, manage stress, and prevent burnout. By taking the time to reflect on your experiences, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and develop strategies for self-care.
Reflective Practicing Like a Pro (Without Falling Asleep)
- Journaling: Write it down, folks!
- Debriefing: Talk it out with colleagues or mentors.
- Using Structured Models: Gibbs’ reflective cycle, anyone?
- Mindfulness: Take a moment to breathe and be present.
Ambitious Nurse Book
In Conclusion
Reflection isn’t just a chore; it’s a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. So, grab a cup of tea, find a quiet space, and start your personal reflective practice. You might just surprise yourself with where it takes you.
Further Information
- Mindfulness – NHS advice and resources
- Journaling – research and studies article pointing out the benefits – from Berkeley University (USA)
- Continuing professional development for an informative article and a free interactive download to use
- Two books to help you along the way: Nurses Reflection Diary and The Ambitious Nurse.
Why not subscribe to my Substack account and read all my latest news, views and posts. You may also want to download 10 more free reflections from various nursing specialities – click this link to access them
Other personal reflections
