Library Resource Guides: Reflective practice & critical thinking

Access via CINAHL Ultimate. Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of the potential benefits of reflection for nurses • To recognise the similarities and differences between various reflective models • To enable you to select a suitable model that assists you in reflecting on your practice and meeting revalidation requirements. Reflection enables nurses to learn from their experiences and incorporate that learning into their practice, with the ultimate aim of improving patient care. The use of an appropriate reflective model can assist nurses with self-improvement and personal development, while documenting the reflection process may help to develop their self-awareness. Reflective practice is also an essential component of any nurse's registration and revalidation requirements. In this article the author details the various stages involved in five reflective models to demonstrate the similarities and differences between them, and to enable nurses to select a model that is suitable for them.

This scholarly paper aims to discuss the importance of reflective practice in nursing, both theoretically and clinically, for undergraduate and graduate nurses. The article also aims to provide direction by comparing and contrasting four reflective models to provide a basis for self-reflection: Gibbs Reflective Cycle; Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle; Borton’s Framework for Reflection; and Atkins and Murphy’s Model of Reflection.

The purpose of this commentary is to highlight the importance of an intensive care unit (ICU) well-being champion, who promotes self reflective practice and self care to protect staff well-being. The well-being champion provides peer-to-peer support, delivers psychological first aid and through the “Look, Listen and Link” approach, signposts staff towards professional assistance when needed.

This article uses John's theory of reflective writing

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