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Exploring reflection as a process embedded in experienced nurses' practice: a qualitative study
Author(s) -
Asselin Marilyn E.,
SchwartzBarcott Donna,
Osterman Paulette A.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of advanced nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1365-2648
pISSN - 0309-2402
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.06082.x
Subject(s) - reflection (computer programming) , reflective practice , nursing , qualitative research , framing (construction) , psychology , nursing process , process (computing) , clinical practice , nursing practice , medicine , empirical research , medical education , pedagogy , sociology , computer science , epistemology , social science , philosophy , structural engineering , engineering , programming language , operating system
Aim This article is a report of a study aimed at obtaining an in‐depth description of how experienced acute care staff nurses perceive and use reflection in clinical practice. Background Reflection is viewed as a critical component of professional practice. The basic assumption is that reflection involves a deliberate process of thinking about a clinical situation which leads to insight and a subsequent change in practice. Several prescriptive models for reflection exist to provide a guide for reflection, however, few are grounded from an empirical examination of reflection in practice. There is a dearth of empirical data on what is actually happening in practice. Design Descriptive, qualitative. Methods In‐depth interviews with 12 experienced acute care staff nurses in a community hospital in Northeastern USA was used to address the study aims. Data were collected between November 2009–May 2010. Results/findings Examples of reflection were embedded in patient situations needing immediate nursing intervention. Reflection was a process involving four phases: Framing of the Situation, Pausing, Engaging in Reflection, and Emerging Intentions. Conclusion Experienced nurses used a process of reflection‐on‐action in practice. They gained insight and formulated intentions for change in nursing practice. Structured facilitated reflection might assist nurses in achieving a depth of reflection necessary to move from their intentions to changes in practice.