The Importance Of Reflection In Nursing

Reflection what is it?
If an individual was to look up the word reflection in a dictionary, it can come across quite broad. For instance, the Oxford dictionary states that “reflection is a serious thought or consideration”. But what is there to consider and how do we approach a subject to reflect on. Reflection is a key area for student and registered nurses throughout their careers which is why the explanation into what reflection is and its importance in the nursing field will be offered in this piece of writing.

Reflection is an important human activity in which people recapture their experience, think about it, mull over & evaluate it. It is this working with experience that is important in learning. (Boud, Keogh and Walker 1985, p:43)
This definition clarifies that reflection is indeed significant in learning as it is a constant looking back on what you have been experiencing and how you can improve or how you

“Reflection requires continuous critical review to avoid repeating mistakes and allowing unchallenged behaviours to reinforce belief and assumptions” (Rubin-Morton 2015). Therefore, a lack of motivation can cause for an obstacle, resulting in neglecting the use of reflective practice. One could find it hard to organise thoughts with no organisation and lack of planning. Rubin-Morton (2015) also indicates that certain people struggle with expressing emotions and find reflecting on bad experiences unnerving, thus avoiding the use of reflective practice. (Wilson 2011) illuminates how “three in four nurses don’t have time to talk to patients” due to high workloads therefore time can be one of the biggest barriers in a nurse’s career. However, this is something we as nursing students can reflect on in order to set making time to comfort patients as a goal for the near