Nursing Reflection: The Gibbs Cycle In Nursing

INTRODUCTION
Reflection is a holistic experience that allows the person participating, to evaluate the event both after and during the course of the incident (Johns 2006). Reflection facilitates the understanding and determining of the contraindications that may have occurred throughout the practice from what is required (Johns 2006). There are many models to aid in the process of reflection (Boud et al 1995, Boyd and Fales 1983, Mezirow 1981 cited in Johns 2006). I have chosen the Gibbs cycle (1988) to reflect on my practice as it permits a structured examination of an event which was critical to me during my practice placement.
The patient that will be discussed within this reflective piece is a 38 year old male post inguinal lymph node

I had a caseload of six patients to care for under the supervision of a staff nurse. The patients were both preoperative and postoperative a variety of colorectal surgeries.
The event relates to a 38 year old male patient who I received to the ward from theatre post left inguinal lymph node excision and biopsy. The theatre nurse who transferred the patient to the ward provided me with a detailed handover of the patient and post-operative instructions given by the surgeons and anaesthetists. This included postoperative observations as per HSE guidelines (HSE 2010) of both vital signs and wound site observations, which were to be conducted at regular intervals. The patient was allowed to eat 30 minutes after returning to the ward and light mobilisation as per surgeon

Although, in my opinion the situation was not good due to the postoperative complication the patient experienced. The event may have been avoided if I was effective when communicating with my patient on the need to compliance with the surgeons recommendations.
The outcome of the situation in my opinion was good as the complication was recognised early and prevented more serious events occurring. It also presented me with an opportunity to gain experience of postoperative complications and nursing skills to assess the patient thoroughly. During the situation it identified the need for improving my communication skills.
I arrived at the conclusion that the outcome was good as the patient was safe; the complication was noticed promptly to prevent additional difficulties occurring. However I must note that this may not be the case for the patient as it required further surgery. I must also acknowledge that due to the need for additional surgery raises costs to the hospital and risks of added problem occurring.