Write about reflective practice using the following dot points as a guide. Write the definition in your own words, i.e. try not to "quote" a definition. This shows your real understanding of the topic. Structure your essay with an introduction, body and conclusion. Use quality references and there should be no references in the introduction or conclusion. Definition of reflection and reflective practice Purpose of reflection/reflective practice Detail a plan of how you will use reflective practice on placement and give an example. Use these headings: a. Introduction b. Definition c. Purpose d. Plan for reflective practice d. Conclusion.
As Taylor (2006, p. 8) explains, the term 'reflection' within the physical context refers to the 'throwing back from a surface', such as the reflection of heat or sound. In human or personal reflection, there are many definitions and models for the processes and levels of description and analysis that are involved in noticing and re-engaging with thoughts, memories and experiences, and the contemplation of future actions (Mann et al. 2009).
Summary Points
• It is often human nature to want to jump to a single solution without considering all the issues and question ing social norms.
• Reflection is a deliberate and structured process of drawing on past events to understand what has happened and to question otherwise accepted norms, in order to consider a range of possible actions prior to selecting the most appropriate action for the specific situation.
• Reflection is the basis of reflective practice, reflective learning and career/professional development planning.
Activity
Reflect upon the following scenario. Although the scenario depicts a nursing context, the process of reflection can be applied by any health practitioner. The questions listed under the headings 'Contemplation stage' and 'Solution stage' have been designed to help you consider the omissions in the reflective process and to understand the impact of those omissions. Scenario Belinda delivers staff development and graduate support programs at a large metropolitan hospital. At a planning meeting, a nurse manager complains that there is inadequate depth of nursing/midwifery experience to staff the night duty roster.
She attributes this to a lack of undergraduate preparation and a failing of the graduate support program to prepare new graduates for this sort of work early enough. Belinda is given the brief to develop and deliver a staff development session to enable new graduates to work night duty shifts earlier in their employment For this exercise, we are not disputing the cause attributed to the problems, nor the solution suggested; rather, we are exa mining the omissions in the reflective process and the impacts this may have. Contemplation stage Do you think that the group gave sufficient attention to contemplating the issues that might have contributed to the lack of staff able to work night duty?
Were there other possible causes/issues that needed to be considered before suggesting that new graduates needed to be the solution? Solution stage What are the problems in jumping to a single solution in a situation such as this? What other solutions might have been considered?
The following are some questions that might otherwise have been asked at the contemplation stage. Compare them w ith the ones you listed.
• What is the work environment of night duty like? Is it reasonable to expect junior staff to manage in this environment with limited support?
• What sorts of skills do staff need in order to work in this isolated setting?
• How representative is the current staff profile in addressing these needs?
Is there some way of providing incentives and support for experienced staff to work night duty? ¥ If these questions were asked, then other solutions, such as the following, might have been considered at the solution stage:
• Provide retention incentives for experienced staff to remain on staff.
• Provide incentives for senior staff to work night duty; for instance, set rosters and additional holiday relief over school holidays.
• Provide additional supervision support for staff on night duty. Recall one or more situations you have experienced where limited evidence has been used to justify a supposed solution. How might the outcome have been different if a more reflective approach had been used?
