REFLECTIVE ESSAY

Gibbs Reflective Cycle & Nursing

Gibbs Reflective Cycle & Nursing

Introduction

Learning is derived from experience but this learning simply just does not happen. To gain comprehensive understanding of the systematic process an individual need to address the issue using the reflective practice that help in critically examining the practice. The learning that is consummated through reflection is found to be more effective. The learning are easily understood when the framework encourages the individual build strong understanding of the structural process. In the past, various models have been developed which help individual examine the situation using the act of reflection. The act of reflection can be used in various fields and industry, but the common and most practical usage is found to occur in the nursing profession where the nursing staff uses the act of reflection to understand and comprehend the individual condition and sufferings. The Gibbs reflective cycle was established in 1988 which is an effective approach that provide a cyclical framework to help the nursing staff comprehend their responsibilities.

Gibbs Reflective Cycle and Healthcare

In the healthcare practice reflection is an essential skill that helps the practitioner relate the situation to their personal and professional experience. Gibbs reflective cycle is another approach of reflection that is presently found to be extensively used by the healthcare professionals (Oelofsen, 2012, p.1). It is a transparent and precise model which allows the user clearly understand the description, analysis the situation, evaluate the experience and help the practitioner most commonly the nursing staff to make use of their experience and examine the underlined problem. While analysis any situation, reflection is often not enough .To completely surpass in your practice the practitioner needs to exercise new learning and understanding gained from the practice. The clear understanding using the Gibbs reflective cycle allows the healthcare professionals formulate an action plan and help in incorporating possible changes in the future that improve and develop their practice and the outcomes (Oelofsen, 2012, p.1).

Fig: Gibbs Reflective Cycle

Advantage of Gibbs Reflective Cycle

For a nursing student and the nursing staff reflection is an essential skill required to engage the individual and begin their learning. One major advantage of Gibbs reflective cycle is that it enables its user think systematically about the experience they gain while going through different phases of the activity (Oelofsen, 2012, p.1). Some other advantages are;

Improve the quality of work

Enable viewing the events objectively

Transfer learning to other similar situations

Improves the professional Judgment

Staff developmental needs are identified

Identify the areas of improvements

Enable an individual plan for the future

Enhance the learning from others experience

Disadvantages of Gibbs Reflective Cycle

There are few barrier and disadvantages of using the Gibbs reflective cycle some obvious ones are; (Oelofsen, 2012, p.1).

Non supportive organizational culture

Negative preconceptions about reflective practices

Poor judgment due to lack of knowledge and experience

Lack of time and space to comprehend better judgment

Chest Pain & the Gibbs Reflective Cycle

Part 1 - Gibbs Cycle Description

A patient AB arrived at the hospital emergency department with the complaint of pain in his ...