Nursing Reflection Using Gibbs Model

Nursing Reflection Using Gibbs Model



Nursing Reflection Using Gibbs Model

Introduction

This is a reflective essay based on my experiences whilst on medical placement on a rehab ward at a local hospital.

I would like to reflect on an incident that happened when I was assisting a consultant in a falls and syncope clinic. I chose this particular incident as I felt very strongly about the consultant assessed the situation he would have realised that compression hosiery was not the solution. In order to help me with my reflection I have chosen Gibbs (1988), as the model to help guide my reflective process. This model comprises of a process that helps the individual look at a situation and think about their thoughts and feelings at the time of the incident. Reflective skills help us to think about what could have been done, so that if a similar situation occurs again the experience gained can be used to deal with the situation in a professional manner (Palmer et al 1997). To enable me to use this situation for my reflection the patient will be referred to as "Paid". This is in order that her real name is protected and that confidentially maintained in line with the NMC (2002) Code of Professional Conduct.

Description

Paid is 84 year old. Paid fall in his house. He sent to the consultant. The consultant diagnosis that decided the cause of the patients fall was postural hypotension. He then proceeded to prescribe compression hosiery for the patient without discussing compliance and assessing the patient and disusing how the patient would put them on. The patient was sent home with a prescription. Not long later, the patient was admitted to the unit with a fractured wrist and had not been using stockings because she couldn't put them on.

I feel it is not sufficient simply to have an experience in order to learn. Without reflecting upon this experience it may quickly be forgotten or its learning potential lost. It is from the feelings and thoughts emerging from this reflection that generalisations or concepts can be generated. And it is generalisations, which enable new situations to be tackled effectively. Similarly, if it is intended that learning should change behaviour, it is not sufficient simply to learn new concepts and develop new generalisations. This learning must be tested out in new situations. One must make the link between theory and action by planning for that action, carrying it out, and then reflecting upon it, relating what happens back to the theory.

Feelings

On reflection of the incident I felt that I did not act in the best interests of Paid, as the NMC (2002) states that “I am answerable for my actions and omissions, regardless of advice or directions from another professional”. Consultant should feel angry that I he was made to leave a patient who was obviously very frightened and anxious, when there was no reason for him not to stay with ...