BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF REFLECTION IN AN UNDERGRADUATE NURSING PROGRAMME

ISABEL DOSSER AND JACKIE NICOL EDINBURGH NAPIER UNIVERSITY

SEPTEMBER 2013

AIM

To share personal and professional experience of facilitating reflection in an undergraduate programme

To discuss the benefits and challenges of facilitating reflection for student nurses

SIGHTHILL CAMPUS

BACKGROUND Reflection is a key component of the

undergraduate programme at Edinburgh Napier University

1500 students currently on the programme

Reflection is timetabled in every practice placement module

Key requirement of the Nursing and Midwifery Council

HOW? Individual – with e.g. reflective diary,

reflective account in placement books, theory modules

Recommended reading in theory trimesters

One to one- e.g. Mentor, academic staff or peers

Group- e.g. Classroom setting, practice placements

WHEN?

At beginning of programme Personal development sessions – one to one Individually in practice Formal group reflection embedded within

placements throughout three year programme

WHERE?

In practice with mentors and peers

Out with practice

In University

BENEFITS Encourages reflective practitioners Raises self awareness Enhances personal development Good learning tool Group discussion can promote an in

depth approach to learning Shared learning

CHALLENGES Challenges for students in practice Lack of insight Lack of motivation Lack of time Consequences of reflection Lack of engagement/encouragement from

mentors Inconsistency in approaches to facilitation Distractions in the environment Tiredness

CHALLENGES Challenges for facilitators Awareness of learning styles Awareness and understanding of theory Environment Time in practice/university Attendance at ENU is not mandatory for

adult learners (including reflection sessions) Maintaining a consistent approach within

school of nursing

SUCCESS!

A personal student from the September 09 BN (Adult) cohort, developed a paper which was published in July.

Powley, D. (2013) Reducing violence and aggression in the emergency department Emergency Nurse 21 (4): 26-29

ON REFLECTION

There are a number of benefits and challenges when facilitating large numbers of students

Motivated students and facilitators overcome practical obstacles

Personal experience confirms that many students benefit from varied

Many students flourish and complete the programme as reflective practitioners

Diolch

Thank You