reflective essay sample nursing

How to Write a Nursing Reflective Essay (Guide for Nurse Students)

If you are a nursing or medicine student, you are aware that you will come across or have already come across assignments requiring you to write a nursing reflection essay. At first, such a task always appears challenging, but given the understanding of the steps, things flat out, and you can write reflective essays and get better grades.

Reflective practice is highly encouraged in nursing. Reflection entails making sense of situations, events, actions, and phenomena in the workplace.

As a nursing student, you will be asked to write a reflective essay on your clinical placement, practicum, shadowing experience, shadow health DCE activities, personal nursing philosophy, why you want to become a nurse, nursing program, ethical dilemma, knowledge, skills, and abilities, systems, and processes.

The easiest way to complete the reflective essay assignment is by first determining what reflective writing entails, its significance, its steps, and some of the best tips that form the core of this ultimate guide.

Basics of Reflective Writing in Nursing

Reflective writing is an analytical writing practice where the writer describes a real or imaginary event, scene, phenomenon, occurrence, or memory, including their takeaway. It entails the critical analysis of an experience, including recording how it has impacted you and what you intend to do with the new knowledge or how to act when such an occurrence recurs.

As you document the encounter, you can use first-person pronouns and write subjectively and objectively. This means that you can decide to either use personal experiences alone or support these experiences using citations from scholarly sources.

When writing a reflective essay in nursing, you must recount the events and give critical detail of how the events shaped your knowledge acquisition. Reflection helps nursing students develop skills in self-directed learning, which is directly associated with high motivation and improved quality of care .

In most cases, reflection occurs on what went well and what went wrong. It could be a successful operation, a thank you note from a patient, a patient who regained their health faster, or a new nursing care plan that worked. However, it can also be about adverse events such as death, postoperative complications, death of an infant at birth, dissatisfied patient, medical error, or a failed procedure.

As a nursing student, when you learn to reflect on situations, you grow to become a professional nurse who diligently does their noble duty.

When writing a reflective essay, you begin by setting the scene (explaining what, where, how, and who-the situation), detailing how you felt (emotional state), why it happened (making sense of the situation), critical review and development of insights, a note on what was learned, and strategies to address future recurrence.

Your professor may ask you to write a nursing reflective paper about various topics in your course or your experience working in a group, how you solved a problem, a healthcare issue, or clinical practice. Consider the following example of a reflective statement in nursing; in my clinical practices, I realized I focused more on the technical aspects but failed to explain what it was doing to improve their health. I would like to understand more about listening to patience and their concerns to better care for them.

As you will notice later, these reflective stages are structured into different reflective models and frameworks that we will explore in-depth. So, with the understanding of what comprises reflective writing and its importance in nursing, let's now get solid on the structure.

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Structure of a Reflective Essay in Nursing

A reflective essay is an analytical writing piece describing and evaluating encounters or experiences. When asked to write one, you should know that an excellent reflective essay consists of different parts, just like a typical academic essay. It comprises the cover or title page, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusions, and a references page.

The title page contains information about the assignment. If you are writing the reflective essay in APA, include these on the title page:

• Title of the reflective essay
• Course code and name
• Instructors name
• Name of your institution
• Date of submission

When writing in Harvard format, the title or the cover page will consist of the following:

• Title of the essay in title case and the page number (upper right margin),
• Title of the essay in CAPS,
• Name of class or course,
• Name of the instructor,
• Name of your school,
• City and state where your school is located and,
• The date of submission.

Introduction

The introduction begins with an attention grabber or a hook sentence to attract readers' attention. It should then explain the essay's purpose and signpost the ideas that will come later in the essay. The introduction also has a thesis statement at the end of the paragraph- the last sentence. The thesis is concise, clear, and relatable and should reflect your position.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of a reflective essay can be three or more, depending on the length of the essay. Essentially, the body comprises 80% of the total word count.

The first paragraph is where you describe the situation, including the events, why they occurred, how they occurred, and those involved.

The second paragraph entails your personal feelings or reaction to the situation and how it made you feel.

The third paragraph can include making sense of the situation. You have to think about why things happened the way they did. You should also critically review and develop insights based on the situation. Finally, think of the factors that could have influenced the situation.

The next paragraph should explain how the event or situation will change your practice, approach, decisions, perspective, or perception. This is where you evaluate the experience by detailing the knowledge and skills you took from the experience.

The last body paragraph should entail a critical reflection on the learning opportunities. First, describe the situation and what it made you learn. Next, elaborate on how you intend to make yourself better poised to address such situations.

Mostly, you should structure the body of your essay as per the preferred nursing reflective model.

After everything else falls into place, you need to summarize the information you presented in the essay. Then, finally, restate your thesis and have a call to action to bring a sense of closure to your readers.

Steps for Writing a Nursing Reflection Essay � The Guide

When assigned to write a reflective essay for your nursing class, here are the surefire steps to get you to success.

Read the instructions

The first step after receiving an assignment is to begin reading the instructions. as you read, note what your instructor or professor expects in the paper you will submit for marking.

Reading instructions helps you to get informed on the scope of the paper, word count, number of references and pages, and the formatting style to use.

Besides, you also get to plan your paper with the deadline highlighted in the instructions.

You need to get a conducive environment where you can start writing.

The first step of writing is to brainstorm about situations during your clinical hours when you were shadowing a Nurse Practitioner or one you have read about.

Assess whether the situation or scenario you have thought, encountered, or chosen can help you write a reflective essay that meets the requirements.

Research and Plan

After choosing a scenario, the next step is researching the best reflective model.

You can use your class text, the instructions, the college library, course readings, and online nursing journals to get articles and resources with information about specific reflective models.

Select the best reflective model and take notes on the steps it entails.

As you research, write down notes on how to address your paper based on your selected framework or model of reflection . Additionally, research nursing journal articles with information you can use when critically analyzing a situation.

Plan how you will handle the paper as well. For instance, as you research, develop a thesis statement that grounds your entire paper, then draft an outline on how to develop the thesis.

Write an Outline

Outlining is a crucial aspect of writing. It helps you envision how you will meet the objective of writing a reflective essay. As an essential part of the essay writing process, outlining helps create a good flow of ideas and can come in handy in helping you overcome writer's block. Your outline should comprise the following:

• The hook or attention grabber
• Thesis statement
• Main points of each body paragraph (topic sentence, evidence, examples, illustrations, etc.)
• Conclusion (restated thesis and call-to-action)

With the outline done, you should take a break and resume writing your first draft of the nursing reflection essay. Writing with an outline helps avoid mistakes and also helps you write faster.

Describe the Experience

Once you have identified the relevant experience, begin describing it chronologically.

Describe the experience that prompted you to consider nursing your ideal career goal. Think of this experience's key elements, such as the setting, patient demographics, and significant events that impacted you.

Show how these events changed your perspective on life. Ensure you are as descriptive as possible to paint a clear picture for readers.

Consider the following questions to come up with a good description:

• What happened?
• Was there someone involved? If yes, what part did they play?
• Where did the event take place?
• What actions did you take?

Set the context of this experience by giving relevant background information. Ensure you are objective and pay attention to the facts.

Provide a Reflection

Talk about your feelings and thoughts concerning the particular experience you went through. You have to be honest and open up about your initial expectations and challenges you faced at each stage of the experience. The following questions can help you come up with a good reflection:

• What was I trying to achieve?
• What prompted me to act the way I did?
• Are there any consequences for my actions? If yes, what are they?
• How did I feel about this event as it was happening?
• How did those around me react to it?
• How do I know how those around me felt about it?

Analyze the Experience

Description of an experience is essential, but so is analysis. You have to move beyond the surface and give a critical analysis of your experience.

State your actions, and your overall experience will give insights into your experience. Think of how the experience has impacted your actions, feelings, and thoughts.

Give an Evaluation

Evaluate the skills and knowledge you got from the experience. Show how you can apply these skills and knowledge in your nursing practice. Also, state the actions and interventions you took during the nursing experience.

State whether you achieved the desired outcome and if there are any specific areas that you need to improve on.

Talk about how you built or improved skills like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.

As you evaluate the experience, identify what you believe to be your strengths and weaknesses in the nursing experience. What have you learned from the experience? State the areas where you excelled and what abilities contributed to your success.

Talk about how those you were with during the clinical experience complimented you. Similarly, acknowledge your weaknesses.

What kind of mistakes did you make, and how did you improve them? Talk about the tasks that drain you most during the experience.

Illustrate Learning

Demonstrate elements of deeper thought and reflection levels. This is a great point to include nursing theories in your reflection essay to support analysis of your experience.

Relate your experiences to the theoretical frameworks you were taught in class. This is effective learning and will demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge to real-life nursing situations.

Doing this will also show that you can effectively deduce different things from observations made during the reflection process.

Ensure you also demonstrate a change in perspective, as this will prove that you learned something from the experience.

Write Your Conclusion

Conclude by summarizing your points and highlighting the lessons learned.

The lessons you reached as part of your reflection should support your overall conclusion.

Also, restate your thesis statement.

Come Up with an Action Plan

Now that you have learned from your reflection develop an action plan for future nursing practice.

This part should contain all the details you have learned and actions needed to improve when faced with a similar situation. Consider the following questions:

• What would I change if faced with a similar situation?
• How can I develop the necessary skills needed to face this situation?
• How can I act differently in a similar situation?  

Ensure you identify areas to improve and set realistic goals to enhance your nursing skills. Discuss how you intend to seek additional education, training, or mentorship to address your shortcomings.

Finally, end the essay with a happy note so readers know you learned something from the experiences.

Proofread, Edit, and Polish

After doing your first draft, take a break to relax and get out of the writing mood - it helps you to become objective.

You can then resume reading out loud to yourself, make necessary tweaks, and ensure that every part you include meets the rubric requirements.

Edit for grammar, punctuation, tenses, voice, spelling, and use of language. You should also proofread the essay to adhere to the style, organization, and presentation requirements.

Ensure that all the in-text citations are accounted for in the reference list and are up-to-date. You are good to go when you have an essay that meets all the instructions.

Finally, you can submit the paper for grading.

Writing is not everyone's cup of tea. For that reason, you can hire a nursing reflection essay writer from our website to assist you in crafting a top-grade paper. In addition, we have nursing writers whose forte is writing various nursing papers.

Choosing the suitable Reflective Model or Framework

As you can see above, many reflective models are used for your reflective essay. We have not exhaustively listed and expounded on all of them. Other reflective models and frameworks you can also consider when writing a reflective essay in nursing include:

• Bouds Reflective Model
• Brookfield Reflective Model
• Pender's Health Promotion Model
• Roper Logan and Tierney Model
• Driscoll Reflective Model
• The Johari window model

Note that most nursing instructors will often suggest the models they prefer for you to use in your essay.

For example, in most nursing reflective essays. Whichever the case, readily available information expands on each model to make it easier to write a reflection essay on a specific aspect of nursing education or practice.

Read the assignment rubric and instructions to understand the specific model. If it is unclear, ask for clarification from your instructor early enough.

Tips for Writing a Good Nursing Reflective Essay

As you try to figure out how to write a nursing reflective essay, keep the following tips in mind.

Choose the Right Topic

If the instructions from your professors involve choosing a topic for the reflective essay, you must select one that is meaningful to you.

This will ensure you can easily write and easily develop relevant elements about the topic. Therefore, take time to pick a topic that you find interesting.

As you write, ensure you stay on topic, whether sharing a one-off event or a recurrent story.

Use the Right Tone

A reflective essay is more personal, unlike other types of academic essays. This means you don't need a strict or formal tone.

Since this is about your experiences, use personal pronouns such as I and Me.

Be Vulnerable

You must be extremely vulnerable to learn how to write a reflective essay in nursing.

Be open about your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about something you went through that sparked an interest in nursing.

It's okay to share mistakes or things you did wrong that eventually led you to this career path.

Choose the Right Focus

A reflection essay is all about narrating your experience during the nursing experience.

While including other people in your experience is okay, please let them not be the center of your reflection.

This is your essay, so you should be the focus of attention.

Keep it Brief

A good nursing reflection essay should be between 300 and 800 consciously written words. Because of this length, you must only write relevant information about your reflection. Refrain from lengthy reflections, as they make it difficult to pass your points across.

Convey Your Information Wisely

Even though a nursing reflection essay is about your personal experiences, it doesn't mean you should reveal everything about yourself. Ask yourself whether something is appropriate before including it in your paper.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Reflection Essay in Nursing

A good reflection essay involves reflecting on your nursing studies and practices throughout school and career to demonstrate your competence. For this reason, there are certain mistakes you should be aware of when writing an essay.

Not including a Personal Story

Like food tastes bland without salt, so does a reflection essay without a personal story. At the center of a reflection essay is You. This means the essay should focus on your personal story that led you to want a nursing career. A lot of times, students miss out on this instead of talking about their story. You need more than just the personal qualities you think will be a great fit for the nursing program; you must also share a story that shows how well you contributed to nursing care.

Failing to Share Your Experience

You will lose points when you fail to include nursing-related experiences in your reflection essay. Mentioning that you want to be a nurse is great, but failing to show specific events that led to the desire will cost you a great point.

Plagiarizing Your Essay

Plagiarism is a serious academic offense because it is considered taking other people's ideas and using them as your own without crediting the author. So, provide relevant citations and references for any ideas that aren't your own. Also, an AI will not write your essay as a human writer would. 

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Sample of a Nursing Reflective Essay 

The following is a sample of a nursing Reflective essay using Gibb's Model of Reflection. Use this sample to guide you when writing your own.

Introduction  Communication is an important element in healthcare practice as it determines patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes. This essay will focus on reflecting on an experience I went through with a 40-year-old diabetic patient who also had a foot infected with an ulcer. When I approached the patient to sign the consent form, I noticed that he wasn't happy because of the news given to him about his health. I concluded that there must be a communication dilemma. I will reflect on the experience using Gibb's Model of Reflection. Using this model, I will identify and discuss the actions taken to resolve the issue. Description  This incident happened a few months ago when I was working as a wound nurse in a Methodist hospital in my hometown. I was part of a care team handling the case of a 40-year-old male patient with diabetes and an infected diabetic foot ulcer. After careful examination, a team comprising various specialists concluded that his leg needed amputation below the knee. After making this decision, the team left, and I was asked to give the patient a consent form to sign. When I came back from retrieving the form, I noticed the patient looked sorrowful because of the news given to him. Feelings  As soon as I saw the patient, I knew what he was going through. He perceived the situation to be irreparable, but I wasn't sure whether to console the patient or not. I was powerless and couldn't imagine what he was going through. At the same time, I was startled that the team left without showing any compassion. They could have handled the situation more delicately. I, on the other hand, could have relayed the information better. I wasn't sure whether my approach would be acceptable or appropriate. Evaluation  I always go back to that particular situation and wonder whether I could have acted better. The situation helped me better understand the importance of good communication in patient care, particularly in therapeutic care. Before the incident, I didn't acknowledge the role of nurses play in caring for patient's emotional needs. I realized nurses must show compassion and console patients in their low moments.  Analysis  Most healthcare professionals do not know how to deliver bad news to patients. They find the process extremely challenging and always feel psychologically unprepared. This has a negative impact on patients and could lead to bad health outcomes. Furthermore, how information is relayed could impact a patient's adherence to treatment. Because of these effects, multiple protocols and approaches were developed to help with communicating bad news to patients. One of the approaches that was proposed is emotion-centered. This proposes that a healthcare provider acknowledges how sad the patient is and builds a professional relationship based on empathy and sympathy. Action Plan I now understand the essence of communicating bad news with compassion. The experience allowed me to look closely at different aspects of my professional development that needed more improvement. Thus, I plan to be more empathetic and speak up in support of patient's emotional and psychological well-being, especially when presented with traumatic news about their health. Additionally, I now understand I am not powerless when dealing with a sorrowful patient. I believe I have learned from my experience, and I'm not able to communicate well with patients any more. Conclusion  The experience allowed me to value good communication in nursing and the need to incorporate it into daily nurse-patient interaction. Nurses must learn how to deliver bad news and manage patient's sorrow. This has been and will continue to be my biggest priority in patient care. References Street Jr, R. L., Makoul, G., Arora, N. K., & Epstein, R. M. (2009). How does communication heal? Pathways linking clinician–patient communication to health outcomes. Patient education and counselling, 74(3), 295-301. Buckman, R. (1992). Breaking bad news: why is it still so difficult? BMJ: British Medical Journal, 304(6842), 886. Ptacek, J. T., & Eberhardt, T. L. (1996). Breaking bad news: a review of the literature. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 276(6), 496-502.

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How to Write a Nursing Reflective Essay as a BSN Nursing Student

• November 29, 2023

Welcome to NursingWriters.net, your go-to resource for expert information and guidance on writing nursing essays. In this article, we will provide you, as a BSN nursing student , with a comprehensive guide on how to write a compelling nursing reflective essay. Reflective essays are a personal reflection on your experiences in the nursing profession, and we are here to help you navigate this writing challenge.

As a busy nursing student, we understand that you may have limited time to spare. That’s where NursingWriters.net comes in, empowering you to excel in your BSN program by providing expert guidance on different writing and comprehension challenges you may face. Let’s dive into the world of nursing reflective essays and discover how you can effectively express your thoughts and insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Reflective essays allow nursing students to reflect on their experiences and personal growth in the profession.
• A nursing reflective essay is different from a personal statement, focusing on self-reflection rather than academic achievements.
• Key elements to include in a nursing reflective essay are the inciting incident, personal reflections, vivid details, and actions taken.
• The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide a clear thesis statement.
• The body paragraphs should delve into the writer’s reflections and emotions with specific examples and anecdotes.

What Is a Reflective Essay in Nursing?

A reflective essay in nursing is a powerful tool that allows nursing students to analyze their experiences, emotions, and actions related to their nursing practice. It provides an opportunity for self-reflection, critical thinking, and personal growth. Reflective writing can help nurses develop a deeper understanding of their own practice, improve patient care, and enhance their professional development.

Reflective essays in nursing differ from personal statements in that they focus on specific experiences and their impact on the writer’s growth and development. These essays require the writer to critically reflect on their actions, emotions, and thoughts, and identify ways to improve their practice. By examining their experiences and applying reflective frameworks, nursing students can gain valuable insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth.

When writing a reflective essay in nursing , it is important to follow a structured approach. This includes describing the incident or experience, analyzing personal thoughts and feelings, exploring the actions taken, and reflecting on the outcomes and implications. By structuring the essay effectively, nursing students can communicate their reflections in a clear and organized manner.

Key Elements to Include in a Nursing Reflective Essay

When writing a nursing reflective essay, it is important to include key elements that will make your essay comprehensive and impactful. These elements will help you convey your thoughts and experiences clearly, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of your reflections on nursing practice.

Inciting Incident or Event

The first key element to include in your nursing reflective essay is the inciting incident or event. This is the moment or experience that triggered your reflection and made a significant impact on your practice. It could be a challenging patient encounter, an ethical dilemma, or a personal realization. By describing this event in detail, you set the stage for your reflective journey.

Personal Reflections

Your nursing reflective essay should also include personal reflections on the experience. This is where you delve into your thoughts, feelings, and emotions related to the inciting incident. Reflect on how the event made you feel, what you learned from it, and how it has influenced your growth as a nursing professional. Be honest and vulnerable in your reflections, as this will allow the reader to connect with your experience on a deeper level.

Vivid Setting and Descriptive Details

To create a vivid and engaging narrative, include specific details that paint a picture of the setting and the people involved. Describe the physical environment, the interactions between healthcare professionals and patients, and any other relevant details that contribute to the overall context of the experience. This will help the reader visualize the situation and understand the complexities of the event.

Actions Taken

Finally, it is important to describe the actions you took in response to the inciting incident. Discuss how you applied your nursing knowledge and skills to address the challenges or opportunities presented by the event. Reflect on the effectiveness of your actions and whether there were any areas for improvement. This demonstrates your ability to critically analyze your own practice and make informed decisions.

By including these key elements in your nursing reflective essay, you can create a comprehensive and impactful piece of writing that showcases your growth and development as a nursing professional.

How to Write the Introduction of a Nursing Reflective Essay

The introduction of a nursing reflective essay plays a crucial role in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the entire essay. It should provide a concise overview of the main points that will be discussed and create a sense of curiosity and engagement. Here are some tips to help you write an effective introduction for your nursing reflective essay:

• Start with an intriguing opening line: Begin your introduction with a captivating statement or anecdote that relates to the topic of your essay. This will grab the reader’s attention and make them eager to continue reading.
• Provide context and background information: Give a brief overview of the event or experience that you will be reflecting on in your essay. This will help the reader understand the context and significance of your reflections.
• Present a clear thesis statement: Your thesis statement should clearly state the main purpose of your essay and the specific points or themes that you will be exploring. This will give the reader a preview of what to expect in the body of the essay.

By following these tips, you can craft an introduction that captivates the reader and sets the stage for a compelling nursing reflective essay.

“As I walked into the busy hospital ward on my first day of clinical rotation, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Little did I know that this experience would become a pivotal moment in my nursing journey, shaping my understanding of empathy, communication, and patient-centered care. In this reflective essay, I will delve into the details of this encounter and explore the personal and professional growth that resulted from it.”

With an attention-grabbing opening, providing context, and presenting a clear thesis statement, your introduction will set the stage for a compelling nursing reflective essay that captures the reader’s attention and lays the foundation for your reflections.

Nursing Reflection Essay Tips and Examples

Writing a nursing reflective essay requires careful consideration and thoughtful analysis. Here are some tips to help you craft an impactful and meaningful reflection essay as a BSN nursing student . Additionally, we will provide examples to illustrate how these tips can be applied.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Reflection Essay:

• Start by choosing a specific experience or event that had a significant impact on your nursing practice. This could be a challenging patient encounter, a critical incident, or a personal realization that transformed your perspective.
• Reflect on the experience and consider how it affected your emotions, thoughts, and actions. What did you learn from the experience? How has it shaped your growth as a nursing professional?
• Focus on the key aspects of the experience that were particularly impactful or meaningful to you. Avoid including unnecessary details or deviating from the main message of your reflection.
• Use specific examples, anecdotes, or patient scenarios to support your reflections. This will make your essay more engaging and relatable to the reader.
• Consider the ethical implications of the experience and reflect on how it has influenced your approach to patient care and decision-making.
• End your essay with a reflection on the implications of your learning for future nursing practice. How will you apply the lessons learned to provide better care and improve patient outcomes?

Now, let’s take a look at two examples of nursing reflective essays to further illustrate these tips:

“During my clinical rotation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), I encountered a complex patient case that challenged my critical thinking skills and decision-making abilities. The patient was a middle-aged woman who had undergone a complicated surgery and experienced numerous post-operative complications. This experience taught me the importance of collaboration within the healthcare team and the significance of advocating for the patient’s best interests…”

“One of the most significant experiences during my nursing education was my time spent in the pediatric oncology unit. Witnessing the resilience and bravery of children facing life-threatening illnesses had a profound impact on my perspective as a nurse. It taught me the importance of providing holistic care, not only addressing physical needs but also supporting emotional well-being and promoting a positive environment for healing…”

These examples demonstrate how personal reflections, specific details, and professional insights can be incorporated to create a compelling nursing reflective essay. Remember to structure your essay in a clear and organized manner, ensuring that your reflections flow logically and coherently.

By following these tips and utilizing examples, you can create a compelling nursing reflective essay that showcases your growth and development as a nursing professional.

How to Conclude a Nursing Reflective Essay

The conclusion of a nursing reflective essay serves as the final reflection on the writer’s growth and learning from the experience. It is an essential part of the essay that summarizes the main points discussed and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The reflective essay conclusion should bring closure to the essay by restating the thesis statement and highlighting the key takeaways from the essay.

To write a strong and impactful conclusion, start by restating the thesis statement in a clear and concise manner. This reminds the reader of the main focus of the essay and reinforces its significance. Next, summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs, highlighting the most important insights and reflections. This helps to reinforce the main ideas and ensures that they are not overlooked in the final reflection.

In addition to summarizing the main points, a thought-provoking statement or future outlook can be included to provide a sense of closure and leave the reader with something to ponder. This can be a reflection on how the experience has influenced the writer’s future practice or a call to action for continued personal and professional growth. By ending the essay on a strong and meaningful note, the conclusion enhances the overall impact of the nursing reflective essay.

A well-crafted conclusion is essential for a nursing reflective essay as it reinforces the main ideas, leaves a lasting impression on the reader, and provides a sense of closure. By following these tips, nursing students can create a powerful and impactful conclusion that enhances the overall effectiveness of their reflective essays.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Reflective Essay

Writing a nursing reflective essay can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can also be a rewarding experience. Here are some helpful tips and strategies to guide nursing students in their essay writing process:

• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm ideas, reflect on your experiences, and write and revise your essay. Starting early will help you avoid last-minute stress and allow for a more thoughtful and polished essay.
• Conduct thorough self-reflection: Before you begin writing, take the time to reflect on your experiences and emotions related to your nursing practice. Consider how these experiences have shaped your growth and development as a nurse, and what lessons you have learned along the way.
• Organize your thoughts and ideas: Create an outline or a rough structure for your essay to ensure a logical flow of ideas. Group similar thoughts and reflections together to create cohesive paragraphs, and use headings or subheadings to further organize your essay.
• Seek feedback: Share your essay with trusted peers or instructors and ask for their feedback. They can offer valuable insights, provide constructive criticism, and help you refine your essay to make it stronger and more impactful.

Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the technical aspects of your essay:

• Grammar and spelling: Proofread your essay carefully to ensure it is free of any grammatical or spelling errors. Use grammar and spell-check tools, and consider asking someone else to review your essay for a fresh perspective.
• Coherent writing style: Use clear and concise language to convey your thoughts and reflections. Avoid excessive jargon or technical terms, and focus on communicating your ideas effectively.
• Formatting guidelines: Follow any formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or institution. Pay attention to font style, size, spacing, and citation style if required.

By following these tips and strategies, nursing students can approach their reflective essay writing with confidence and produce compelling and insightful essays that showcase their growth and development in the nursing profession.

Reflective Tools and Models for Nursing Reflective Essays

Reflective tools and models can provide structure and guidance for nursing students when writing reflective essays. These tools help organize thoughts and experiences, allowing for a more comprehensive and meaningful reflection. By utilizing reflection models , nursing students can enhance their reflective writing skills and deepen their understanding of their own growth and development as healthcare professionals.

Gibbs’ Reflective Model

“Reflective practice is both an art and a science that requires ongoing commitment and practice.” – Gibbs

Gibbs’ Reflective Model is a widely used reflection framework in nursing. It consists of six stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan. This model encourages a structured approach to reflection, allowing the writer to systematically explore their thoughts and emotions, analyze the situation, and identify areas for improvement or further development.

Dewey’s Reflective Thinking Model

“We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience.” – Dewey

Dewey’s Reflective Thinking Model focuses on the importance of reflection as a tool for learning and growth. It emphasizes the need to actively engage with experiences, thoughts, and emotions, and to critically evaluate them in order to gain deeper insights and understanding. This model encourages nursing students to think analytically and develop a continuous learning mindset.

Kolb Reflective Model

“Knowledge results from the combination of grasping experience and transforming it.” – Kolb

The Kolb Reflective Model is based on the concept of experiential learning. It consists of four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. This model encourages nursing students to engage in a cyclical process of learning, where they actively participate in experiences, reflect on them, conceptualize their insights, and apply their learning in real-life situations.

Schön Reflective Model

“Reflection-in-action is the heart of the learning process.” – Schön

Schön Reflective Model emphasizes the importance of reflection in the midst of action. It focuses on the ability to think and adapt in real-time, making decisions based on professional knowledge and experiences. This model encourages nursing students to develop a reflective mindset that allows them to learn and grow while actively engaging in their practice.

Benefits of Reflective Writing in Nursing

Reflective writing plays a crucial role in nursing practice, offering numerous benefits for nursing students and professionals alike. By engaging in reflective writing, nurses can enhance their self-awareness, develop their critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper understanding of patient experiences. This section will explore the advantages of reflective writing in nursing and its significance in healthcare.

Enhanced Self-Awareness

Reflective writing fosters self-reflection, allowing nurses to examine their thoughts, emotions, and actions in various clinical situations. Through this process, they gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This heightened self-awareness enables nurses to provide more effective and compassionate patient care, fostering a patient-centered approach.

Improved Critical Thinking

Reflective writing encourages nurses to think critically about their experiences and the impact of their actions. It requires them to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of their decision-making and problem-solving skills. By reflecting on past experiences, nurses can identify areas where they can enhance their clinical practice and make informed decisions based on evidence and best practices.

Increased Empathy and Understanding

Through reflective writing, nurses develop a deeper empathy and understanding of patient experiences. By reflecting on their interactions with patients, nurses can recognize the emotions, fears, and challenges faced by individuals in their care. This increased empathy enables nurses to provide more holistic and patient-centered care, improving the overall healthcare experience for patients.

Continuous Professional Development

Reflective writing is an essential tool for nurses’ continuous professional development. It allows them to document their growth, learning, and achievements throughout their nursing career. By regularly engaging in reflective writing, nurses can identify areas for further development, set goals for improvement, and ensure they are providing the best possible care to their patients.

Overall, reflective writing in nursing is a powerful tool that empowers nurses to enhance their self-awareness, critical thinking skills, and empathy. By engaging in this practice, nurses can continuously improve their clinical practice, provide high-quality patient care, and contribute to the ongoing development of the nursing profession.

Nursing Reflective Essay Examples

Looking for inspiration for your nursing reflective essay? Here are some examples that showcase different experiences, reflections, and growth in the nursing profession.

These examples demonstrate how nursing reflective essays can provide valuable insights into personal experiences, reflections, and professional growth. They serve as excellent references to help nursing students develop their own reflective writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of the nursing profession.

Writing a Nursing Reflective Essay for Nursing School Application

A nursing reflective essay can be a powerful tool for nursing school applications. It allows applicants to showcase their self-awareness, critical thinking skills, and passion for the nursing profession. When writing a nursing reflective essay for a nursing school application, there are a few key tips to keep in mind.

Reflect on your passion for nursing

Start by reflecting on what drew you to the nursing profession and why you are passionate about it. Consider your personal experiences, such as volunteering or shadowing healthcare professionals, and how they have shaped your desire to become a nurse. Highlight your commitment to providing compassionate and quality patient care.

Share personal experiences in healthcare settings

Provide specific examples of your experiences in healthcare settings, such as clinical rotations or internships. Reflect on the challenges you faced, the lessons you learned, and how those experiences have impacted your growth and development as a future nurse. Discuss any significant interactions with patients, healthcare teams, or mentors that have shaped your understanding of the nursing profession.

Align with the nursing school’s values and mission

Research the nursing school’s values, mission, and educational philosophy. Ensure that your reflective essay aligns with these principles and demonstrates your commitment to the school’s mission. Use the nursing school’s prompts or essay questions as a guide to structure your essay and address the specific criteria they are looking for in applicants.

By following these tips, you can write a compelling nursing reflective essay that effectively conveys your passion for nursing, showcases your experiences, and aligns with the nursing school’s values. Remember to proofread your essay carefully for grammar and spelling errors and seek feedback from mentors or trusted individuals in the nursing profession to ensure your essay is clear, concise, and impactful.

(Table) Tips for Writing a Nursing Reflective Essay for Nursing School Application

Writing a nursing reflective essay can be a transformative experience for BSN nursing students. It allows them to gain valuable insight into their own growth and development as future healthcare professionals. Throughout this comprehensive guide, we have provided expert information and guidance on how to write a compelling nursing reflective essay.

By understanding the purpose of a reflective essay and the key elements to include, nursing students can effectively showcase their personal experiences and reflections. Incorporating reflection models such as Gibbs’ Reflective Model or Kolb Reflective Model can also provide structure and depth to their essays.

At NursingWriters.net, we are dedicated to empowering busy nurses and providing them with the tools they need to excel in their BSN programs. Whether it’s writing a reflective essay or any other writing challenge, we are here to support and guide nursing students towards success.

What is a nursing reflective essay?

A nursing reflective essay is a personal essay where the writer reflects on their own experiences and how those experiences have shaped their growth and development in the nursing profession.

How is a reflective essay in nursing different from a personal statement?

While a reflective essay in nursing focuses on the writer’s personal experiences and reflections, a personal statement is more of a formal document that highlights the writer’s qualifications, achievements, and future goals in the nursing profession.

What are the key elements to include in a nursing reflective essay?

The key elements to include in a nursing reflective essay are the inciting incident or event, personal reflections on the experience, specific details to create a vivid setting, and a description of the actions taken by the writer. It is important to avoid including academic details and excessive focus on emotions.

How should I write the introduction of a nursing reflective essay?

To write an engaging and informative introduction for a nursing reflective essay, you can grab the reader’s attention with an intriguing opening line, provide context and background information, and present a clear thesis statement. Focus on the specific event or experience that will be the main focus of the essay.

How should I structure the body paragraphs of a nursing reflective essay?

The body paragraphs of a nursing reflective essay should have a clear structure. Use the first paragraph to present the thesis statement and provide background information on the event. Use subsequent paragraphs to explore your reflections, emotions, and actions taken. Use specific examples and anecdotes to make the essay more engaging.

How should I conclude a nursing reflective essay?

To write a strong conclusion for a nursing reflective essay, you can summarize the main points discussed in the essay, provide a final reflection on your growth and learning from the experience, restate the thesis statement, and leave the reader with a thought-provoking statement or future outlook.

What are some tips for writing a nursing reflective essay?

Some tips for writing a nursing reflective essay include starting early, conducting thorough self-reflection, organizing your thoughts and ideas, and seeking feedback from peers or instructors. Pay attention to proper grammar and spelling, coherent writing style, and adhere to any formatting guidelines provided.

How can reflective tools and models help with nursing reflective essays?

Reflective tools and models provide structure and guidance for nursing students when writing reflective essays. Models such as Gibbs’ Reflective Model, Dewey’s Reflective Thinking Model, Kolb Reflective Model, and Schön Reflective Model can be used as frameworks for organizing thoughts and experiences in a nursing reflective essay.

What are the benefits of reflective writing in nursing?

Reflective writing in nursing offers benefits such as enhanced self-awareness, improved critical thinking skills, increased empathy and understanding of patient experiences, and continuous professional development. It promotes lifelong learning and helps improve patient care.

Where can I find nursing reflective essay examples?

You can find nursing reflective essay examples that showcase different experiences, reflections, and growth. These examples incorporate personal reflections, specific details, and professional insights into nursing practice. They demonstrate the diversity of topics and experiences that can be explored in nursing reflective essays.

How can I write a nursing reflective essay for nursing school applications?

To write a nursing reflective essay for nursing school applications, reflect on your passion for nursing, personal experiences in healthcare settings, and future goals in the nursing profession. Address specific prompts and align the content with the nursing school’s values and mission.

How can writing a nursing reflective essay benefit BSN nursing students?

Writing a nursing reflective essay allows BSN nursing students to gain insight into their own growth and development as future healthcare professionals. It helps improve critical thinking skills, self-awareness, and understanding of patient experiences. It also promotes continuous professional development.

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Nursing Reflective Essay: Examples + Useful Writing Tips [2024]

Do you need to write a reflective nursing essay? Whether you are a nursing student or already working, we know that you may be too busy writing papers. We’ve prepared information for you about reflection models and nursing reflective essay examples, writing instructions, and templates for the outline. This article will teach everything you need to make writing your essay easier.

So, how do you write an academic reflective essay?

What Is a Reflective Essay?

15 best reflective essay topics: nursing, nursing reflective essay examples, reflective tools and models, reflective essay writing tips, reflective essay body paragraphs, how to conclude a reflective essay.

In a reflective essay, you express your thoughts based on your knowledge, beliefs, reflections, and experiences. A reflective essay is best described as an exceptional and personal essay: you will have a lot to think about, comprehend, and explain. You have to demonstrate the feelings that you have experienced before. It should be honest. If you have any opposing thoughts and feelings about the topic, you should write them.

The peculiarity of a reflective essay, unlike an analytical one, is in the expression of thoughts based on personal experience.

How long does a reflective essay last? It’s simple. It depends on your topic and how you express your thoughts. But you have to remember that this is a highly brief type of essay, and you can do it with a few pages.

You can check out the 100% free essay samples to see it all.

What Is a Reflection in Nursing Essay?

Nursing involves many aspects of work, and reflection is one of the critical tools for developing professional competence and personal skills. In nursing, reflection is important because it provides all the prerequisites for further personal growth. It is a reflection that will allow you to take a broader look at your strengths and weaknesses and assess your prospects.

Think of your nursing reflective essay as a chance to reflect on your career, skills, and personality, which will lead to further improvement.

• Empathy and support in nursing.
• Communication with patients is one of a nurse’s most important tasks.
• Nursing is the art of caring for the patient during illness.
• The key is not to cause harm but to help afterward.
• Time management in nursing.
• The Patient’s Interests Come First.
• Why did I become a nurse?
• Doctor- patient confidentiality in nursing.
• The importance of enhancing soft skills for the nurse.
• Nursing knowledge should not be limited to narrowly professional information.
• Reflective essay on the internship .
• Nursing culture and ethics .
• Deontology of nursing and its synthesis with my personal experience.
• Nursing clinical reflection essay.
• Nursing issues for the elderly.

To better understand what reflexivity is, let’s look at examples based on these articles:

Scientists from different fields of science invented many models to simplify the process of reflection. Below are reflection models you can use in your essay nursing writing practice.

Gibbs’ Reflective Model

In 1998, Graham Gibbs introduced his reflexive model to the world. Gibbs’ model is a cycle and, therefore, excellent for analyzing repetitive experience.

It covers 6 stages:

• Description. What happened? Don’t judge or try to conclude yet; just describe.
• Feelings. What were your reactions and emotions? Again, don’t begin to analyze them yet.
• Evaluation. What was good or bad about the experience? Make value judgments.
• Analysis. Were different people’s experiences similar or different in importance?
• Conclusions. What conclusions can you draw in a general sense from this experience and your analysis? What conclusions can you draw about your particular, unique personal situation or way of working?
• Personal action plans. What steps are you going to take based on what you have learned? What are you going to do differently in this situation next time?

Dewey’s Reflective Thinking Model

John Dewey believed that reflective thinking is the active, persistent, and careful evaluation of a belief or assumed form of knowledge, the grounds for that knowledge, and the additional conclusions to which knowledge leads.

John Dewey’s Reflective Model was one of the first and has been the foundation for many other models. He identified five steps of reflective thinking:

• Step 1: Identify the problem.
• Step 2: Investigate the issue.
• Step 3: Generate several possible solutions.
• Step 4: Evaluate the options and select the best answer from the combination of solutions.
• Step 5: Test and implement the solution.

Kolb Reflective Model

The Kolb Reflective Model or “Kolb cycle” focuses on transforming information into knowledge. The basic four steps of the Kolb model are as follows:

• Concrete experience. Anyone should already have experience in the field or area they want to learn.
• Observation and reflection . This stage implies analyzing the person’s experience and knowledge .
• Forming abstract concepts . A model describing the information and expertise is built at this stage . Ideas are generated, interrelations are made, and new information is added concerning how everything works and is arranged.
• Testing in new situations . The last stage implies experimentation and testing the model’s applicability and concept . The result of this stage is a direct unique experience. Then the circle closes.

Schön Reflective Model

Donald Schön’s reflexive model was described in the book ‘ The Reflexive Practitioner .’ He explained how professionals solve problems with a kind of improvisation that is perfected through practice.

Schön’s reflective model , like his writings, is based in many ways on the Dewey we already know

• Action reflection involves reflecting on an experience you have already had or an action you have already taken. It involves considering what could have been done differently and the positive aspects of that interaction.
• Reflection in action involves reflecting on your efforts as you make them and considering issues such as best practices throughout the process.

Bouds Reflective Model

David Bouds paired with Schön to explore the limits of reflective practice. This model is based on learning by doing. By analyzing his own experience, the practitioner begins to understand better how to improve certain things.

Bouds suggests that by reflecting, a person may be unconsciously learning. In reassessing the events of his life, he systematizes and classifies emotions, ideas, and results, as well as results, and compares past goals with results.

Past experiences, experiences, and ideas require constant analysis attention to feelings. This leads to new perspectives, commitment to action overall positive changes in behavior.

Driscoll Reflective Model

John Driskoll proposed a simple model of reflection at the beginning of the 21st century. It involves reflection through extended answers to questions we are already familiar with. The scholar linked the three basic questions to the stages of the experiential learning cycle and then added trigger questions that must be answered to complete the process of reflection.

Step 1: What? Sets out to recall what happened as objectively as possible, without criticizing anything that happened

• What exactly happened?
• What exactly did you do?
• Was anyone else involved?
• Was it a good experience? Or a bad experience? Or both? And why?

Step 2: So what? It requires you to slow down and start looking for patterns or meaningful moments. The key here is to bring in concepts that help shed light on what is going on.

• How did you feel at that particular moment?
• How did you react?
• Why did you react that way?
• Did you feel the same way about the situation then as you do now?
• Did you experience conflict with your values?
• Do you think past cases influenced your experiences in this situation?
• Who else was involved in the situation? How did they feel? And how did they react? And why did they react that way?

Step 3: Now what? Encourages beginning to transfer new knowledge into future situations and other contexts.

• What did you learn from reflecting on this situation/experience/incident?
• Could you have prevented the negative consequences?
• And how might you have done so?
• What would you have done differently if a similar situation arose in the future?
• What could you have done to better prepare for it?
• Where did things go wrong last time, and what would you focus on now?

5R Framework

The 5R Framework was developed in 2002 by a group of scientists as a universal system of reflection, later modified.

It focuses on five basic steps, each addressing one aspect of reflection. Thinking through the five stages, an individual will engage all of the major reflection components, allowing you to create a critically meaningful review based on your experience.

• Report. What do you see and hear? Write it all down.
• React. What do you think is happening? What works well and what doesn’t? How do you feel about the situation you are reflecting on? What is it about this situation that makes you feel this way?
• Relate. How do my perceptions of this situation relate to my personal and professional experiences? How do they relate to my knowledge and skills? Through what “lens” do you view this situation? From the perspective of classroom management or collaborative learning? Do you need professional development in terms of content knowledge?
• Reason. Do you relate your point of view to someone else’s and how it affects the situation? Does sound practice support your strategies, or do you use different approaches? How does your point of view affect how you understand the problem? Could another point of view be helpful?
• Reconstruct. What did you learn from this observation, and how will it affect your practice?

CARL framework

The CARL framework of reflection involves going through four stages: context, action, results, and learning. The vastness of this model gives a lot of information, and even at the first stage, you can already get a lot of valuable data. But this is also its main disadvantage because it makes the model more complex.

The framework has four steps:

• Context : Description of the context of the experience.
• Action : Explanation of the action taken.
• Results : Explanation of what your actions led to.
• Learning : Identification of the experience and knowledge gained.

Now that we’ve covered the basic concepts let’s write a reflective nursing essay.

Reflective Essay Outline

How to make a reflective essay? First, write an outline.

Any reflective essay is a statement of thoughts about something, and the outline acts as a sketch in which you write them down. Creating it is the first step to creating high quality and vivid essay.

What would make a good outline structure for a reflection essay? Structure all your knowledge. Write what you want to see in the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Here is the reflective essay outline template:

• Hook: Use a catchy statement to set the tone and introduce the article.
• Mention the main points.
• Thesis statement: Include all the important points and ideas in one statement.
• Topic sentence: Carefully explain the first idea in one sentence.
• Proof of topic or idea: Use authoritative sources to support the idea.
• Idea analysis: Apply logic and rational thought to the idea and information from the source.
• Topic sentence: Carefully explain the second idea in one sentence.
• Topic sentence: Carefully explain the third idea in one sentence.
• Repeat the statement of the thesis.
• Review the main ideas
• Final, concluding sentence

Reflective Essay Thesis

A thesis statement is a condensed version of the paper in which you must briefly explain your position. The point is for your audience to read it and understand your work.

To make a good thesis statement for a reflective essay, you need to formulate your thought on paper. To begin with, think well about the problem, and develop your attitude toward it. That’s why the thesis statement should be created after writing the outline. It is unnecessary to give everything out in advance to the reader because later, you will unfold this thought more broadly.

After successfully developing the thesis statement, you can proceed to the actual writing.

And so, below, you can see examples of the reflective essay introduction and conclusion. Learn what its body of it is.

How to Start a Reflective Essay? Examples

You need to start any paper in the right way. How to write a reflective essay introduction? Check these examples:

• Practice and theory do not always agree. Not all of the medical reference books that I have been able to study are fully applicable in practice. John Kimble’s case is a testament that it is often necessary to rely on them and consider the specific situation. He complained of dizziness, and the doctors advised him to get a blood iron test. The test showed that there was nothing wrong. But as it turned out later, this was an erroneous result because Kimble had eaten redfish rich in iron the day before, which temporarily raised the iron in his blood.
• I had always dreamed of becoming a nurse, but my fear of blood robbed me of all desire to study. But still, my passion and ambition made me pull my will into a fist. I had to change and forget what fear of blood was. I lived my dream, which helped me overcome one of my fears.
• A few years ago, I went through a severe emotional crisis. I had always dreamed of going to the University of California, as it is one of the most prestigious medical universities in the United States. But unfortunately, I failed my entrance exams, so I had to study at the university in my hometown. My failure seemed like a disaster, but now I realize it was a real blessing.

The essay’s body carries arguments, explanations of the topic, and the main body of information.

Each paragraph should begin with short introductory sentences, and the body of the sections should be divided into several parts. This will help you better structure what you have written and help the reader navigate through the text.

It is worth remembering about argumentation. There should be several things that you rely on in your position. Describe each of them in detail in a separate paragraph. Observe the semantic sequence. A mistake, in this case, will be to repeat twice the same argument in different words. It will give the reader the impression that there is nothing to say.

You should also remember about transitions in a reflective essay. Move smoothly from one aspect to another and take your time.

How to end a reflective essay? In conclusion, you should focus on pulling together all of the material, summarizing all of the points made and what you have learned. Try to include a few moments about why and how your attitudes and behaviors changed. Here are some examples:

• Was the practice of volunteer nursing helpful to me? Absolutely! I was grateful for these weeks because I learned a lot. But most of all, I have learned my Soft skills, which will help me get used to my professional activities.
• At that moment, I thought about who would be the priority in that situation, and I still believe it was the patient. If the same problem were to arise again, I think I would do nothing but speak up and justify my decisions. I recognize and know that time management and prioritization are essential skills in nursing, and I hope that my skills will improve with practice.
• I reflected on how personal values can affect professional practice from the incident. Still, it is crucial to consider that the organization has its own set of values to follow, regardless of personal values. Finally, in reflecting on the incident, I was able to discuss the importance of quality assurance monitoring and health care evaluation both in general and during the incident, which allowed me to consider what conclusions were drawn from the incident and how to prevent similar situations occurring again.

So, now you have examples and an idea for writing a reflective nursing essay. Writing your paper will become many times easier and faster.

If this article was helpful, share it with your friends and colleagues!

❓ What Is the Purpose of Writing a Reflective Essay?

A reflective essay aims to express one’s thoughts about a previous experience, including how one changed in the process and what one learned. It is often described in a diary entry; they are intended to demonstrate how the author’s thoughts have changed over time.

❓ What Makes a Good Reflective Essay?

A reflective essay is a combination of both objective and subjective elements. We mix scholarly analysis with personal experiences. This type of paper should explain to readers how our experience influences our behavior and what lessons we learned.

❓ What Are the 3 Basic Parts of Reflection Paper?

An essay should have a clear structure and must contain three parts. It should have a clear introduction reflecting the problem, then the central part with an analysis of the causes, and the conclusion with possible solutions to the problem or how it affected the author.

❓ What Is the Best Reflective Model to Use in Nursing?

One of the best options for nurses is the Gibbs model. The model is accessible and extremely simple. Therefore it can be operated without any problems in any situation.

• Reflection toolkit: The University of Edinburgh
• Essay Conclusions: University of Maryland
• Thesis Statements: UNC Writing Center
• A short guide to reflective writing: University of Birmingham
• Outlining: Harvard College Writing Center
• Reflective Practice in Nursing: ZU
• Critical self-reflection for nurse education: NCBI
• Essay Structure: Harvard College Writing Center
• Essay Structure: UAGC Writing Center
• General tips for academic reflections: The University Of Edinburgh
• Reflective essays – ANU
• Writing An Essay Title – Illinois Valley Community College
• Nursing Essay Help: Medical Essay Writing Service in UK
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How to write a nursing reflection paper [+nursing reflective essays], bob cardens.

• August 23, 2022
• Essay Topics and Ideas , Nursing

Reflective writing is a skill that every nurse should learn. As health professionals, we are constantly confronted with ethical decisions that we must make. In order to be effective in our roles, we need to be able to think critically and reflect on our experiences. This reflection can be done through journaling , but it can also be done through writing reflective papers. Here’s a guide on how to write a nursing reflection paper and nursing reflective essays that are both effective and meaningful.

What You'll Learn

What is a reflection paper?

A reflection paper is a type of writing that helps you to look back on your experiences in school, work, or life and to think about the ways in which you have grown or changed as a result. A reflection paper can be a simple document that you write yourself, or it can be a more formal piece that you submit as part of a coursework assignment . Reflection papers can be helpful in several ways.

They can help you to reflect on your experiences and to take stock of what you have learned . They can also help you to change or improve your behaviour in future situations.

There are many different ways to write a reflection paper , and the format will depend on the context in which it is being written. However, there are some general principles that all reflection papers should follow.

• Reflect on what you have learned in the past year or so.
• Take stock of your accomplishments and failures during this time period.
• Think about how your experiences have changed you as a person.
• Identify any skills or knowledge that you have acquired during this time period that you would like to share with others.

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How to write a reflection paper in nursing

Reflection papers are important for nurses to complete as part of their professional development . They can provide nurses with a unique opportunity to reflect on their own experiences, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop plans for future development. Here’s a guide on how to write a nursing reflection paper and nursing reflective essays that are both effective and meaningful.

1. Prioritize your reflection When writing a reflection paper , it is important to prioritize your thoughts and feelings. Start by listing the main points that you want to address in your essay. Next, focus on detailing these points in a clear and concise way. Finally, be sure to provide a conclusion that ties all of your ideas together.

2. Assess your own skills Before you can identify any areas where you need improvement, it is important to assess your own skills and strengths. Include questions like the following in your reflection paper: What have I done well in my career as a nursing student ? What do I enjoy doing most in my work as a nurse? How have my performances as a nurse impacted patient care ? How have I developed as a professional over the past year ? This information will help you identify areas where you are strongest and should continue developing those skills. It will also allow you to identify any areas where you may need additional training or practice.

3. Reflect on your experiences When you are writing a reflection paper , it is important to think about the emotions that you experienced during the events that you discuss. This can be difficult, but it is important to remember that emotions are a part of every human experience . Try to be as candid as possible while still maintaining a degree of objectivity.

4. Analyze your experiences When you are writing a reflection paper , it is important to analyze your experiences in order to understand them better. Ask yourself questions like the following: What were some of the challenges that I faced during this time period? How did I respond to these challenges? What did this experience teach me about myself? What did this experience teach me about my profession? How can I use what I have learned from this experience in the future? By analyzing your experiences, you will be able to better understand both the good and bad moments from your past year and career as a nurse.

Reflection papers can be a helpful tool in nurse development . By following these tips, you will be able to write an effective and meaningful reflection paper .

Reflection Paper Example

Nursing Leadership Style Reflective Essay Assignment

Personal and Professional Accountability in Nursing

Opportunity Analysis and Plan for Professional Development

What should be included in a reflection paper?

Reflection papers should include an overview of the patient’s care and a personal reflection on what was learned during the course of that care. Additionally, reflection papers should address specific issues or questions that arose during the patient’s stay in the hospital setting. Finally, reflection papers should offer any suggestions or advice that the nurse may have for improving patient care in the future.

Tips for writing a reflection paper in nursing

Reflection papers are a great way to document your learning in nursing . They can be used as an important tool to evaluate your own progress and growth as a nurse or to share your thoughts and experiences with others.

Here are some tips for writing a reflection paper in nursing:

• Think about what you want to communicate in your reflection paper. There are many different types of reflection papers, so think about what would be most helpful for you as a nurse. Some common focuses include assessment of skills, clinical experiences , professional development, and personal growth.
• Start by writing down your thoughts and feelings about the experience or class you’re writing about. This will help you to organize your thoughts later on in the paper.
• Take time to reflect on the content of the class or experience you’re reflecting on. What did you learn? What did you enjoy? What challenges did you face ? How did you overcome them? These are all important questions to ask yourself when writing a reflection paper.
• Choose a specific topic or theme to focus on in your reflection paper , and then research related materials on that topic. This will help you to develop a well-rounded perspective on the topic and to communicate that perspective effectively in your paper .
• Organize your thoughts into logical sections, and then write prose that is clear, concise, and easy to read. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points, and stay away from theological or philosophical rambling.

Writing a reflective paper can be difficult, but it is an important part of nursing. A reflective paper should help nurses learn from their experiences and grow as professionals . By reflecting on the care that they provide, nurses can identify areas for improvement and work to make changes in order to provide the best possible care for their patients. Here’s a guide on how to write a nursing reflection paper and nursing reflective essays that are both effective and meaningful.

How to write a reflection essay in Nursing

Nursing is an incredibly challenging and rewarding career choice. In this article, we will explore the basics of writing a reflective essay , which is a type of writing that helps you reflect on your experiences as a nurse and consider what it has taught you about yourself. We will provide tips on how to structure the essay , outline key points, and give you some ideas for reflective quotes to use.

What is a reflection essay?

When you write a reflection essay , you are writing about your own life experiences and how they have affected you. A reflection essay can be about anything that has affected your life, from a personal experience to something you have read or seen. The purpose of a reflection essay is to allow you to explore your thoughts and feelings about what has happened in your life and to learn from them.

How do I write a reflective essay?

There is no one way to write a reflection essay . What matters most is that you take the time to reflect on your life experiences and share what you have learned from them. You can start by brainstorming some ideas for topics that might interest you, then begin writing down your thoughts and feelings. Be honest with yourself- if something feels uncomfortable or difficult, try not to censor yourself. Let the words flow out of you without restraint.

What are the steps of writing a reflective essay?

There are a few steps to writing a reflective essay in nursing . First, you should assess the importance of reflection for your career. Second, identify what you learned from your experiences in nursing. Third, document your reflections in a cohesive and meaningful way. Fourth, share your reflections with others to gain feedback and improve your skills as a nurse .

As you continue,  thestudycorp.com  has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is  place an order  with us. Here’s a guide on how to write a nursing reflection paper and nursing reflective essays that are both effective and meaningful.

Guidelines for writing a reflection essay

Reflection essays are common assignments for nursing students. They can offer a chance to reflect on their own learning and growth as nurses, and to share that experience with others. Here are some tips for writing a reflective essay:

• Choose a topic that interests you.
• Write about a specific experience or event from your nursing career.
• Consider how the experience has affected you personally.
• Share what you learned from the experience, and why it matters to you as a nurse.
• Reflect on how your experiences have shaped who you are as a nurse today.
• Share any advice you have for other nurses who are struggling to find their path in the profession.
• Thank your readers for taking the time to read your essay.

Tips to help you write a reflective essay

Writing a reflective essay can be a difficult task, but with the right tips, it can be a rewarding experience. Here are four tips to help you write a reflective essay effectively:

• First, make sure that your essay is focused. Make sure that each paragraph addresses a specific point of your reflection. If your essay is scattered or unfocused, it will be more difficult to write effectively.
• Next, be honest with yourself. Don’t try to sugarcoat your thoughts or hide the truth behind your reflection. Be vulnerable and open up about what you’ve learned from the experience. This will help readers understand and connect with your essay.
• Finally, use descriptive language when describing your experience. Use concrete images and words to help readers imagine what you’re talking about. This will help them understand the emotions that you were feeling during the experience.

These tips should help you write a reflective essay that is both effective and enjoyable to read. Here’s a guide on how to write a nursing reflection paper and nursing reflective essays that are both effective and meaningful.

What to include in your reflection essay

In order to write a reflection essay on nursing , you will need to think about what inspired you when you initially became interested in the field. Why did you choose nursing as your chosen profession? Reflect on the reasons why you are passionate about this career and share them with your readers. Additionally, make sure to describe the important aspects of your nursing experience and how it has shaped who you are as a person. Finally, be sure to offer advice for aspiring nurses out there.

How to write a reflection essay in Nursing?

Reflection is a necessary part of nursing. It allows nurses to think critically about their practice and how it can be improved. Reflecting on experience also allows nurses to develop self-awareness. When writing a reflection essay , it is important to follow the three steps analysis, reflection and evaluation.

In order to begin the reflective process, nurses should first assess their experience. This can be done by thinking about the specific aspects of care that were observed during the writing process . For example, did you feel empowered as a nurse during your reflections? Were there any areas in which you felt unsure or uncomfortable? Once the experience has been assessed, it is important to begin reflecting on it.

In order to understand why things happened and what lessons could be learned from the experience, nurses need to reflect on their thoughts and feelings at the time of the event. This includes everything from recalling what was going through your mind as you performed the task to analyzing why certain decisions were made. It is important, to be honest with yourself, and allow your thoughts and feelings to surface without censorship.

After reflecting on the experience, it is important to evaluate what was learned. This can take many different forms, such as writing a list of positive and negative outcomes that came from the experience. It is also important to think about ways in which the experience could have been improved. By evaluating the experience, nurses can learn from their mistakes while still making progress.

Nurses should always keep in mind the three steps of reflection when writing a reflective essay . By following these steps, nurses can develop a deeper understanding of their practice and learn from their experiences.

Reflection essays are a powerful tool for nursing students to use when reflecting on their experiences in the profession. They can provide insight into how nursing has contributed to your personal growth and development, help you identify areas where you need to continue developing as a nurse , and provide you with opportunities to share your clinical skills and knowledge with others.

When done well, reflection essays can provide nurses with a unique perspective on their career path and help them see both the good and bad moments of their experience in the profession .

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Nursing Reflective Essay: Example, Outline, & Writing Guide

A nursing reflective essay is a piece of writing where the writer examines their clinical or medical experiences and reflects on personal outcomes. Composing an impressive reflection requires a lot of creativity. It tends to be a challenging experience for most students.

We are here to make the writing process less intimidating. In this article, we will give you:

• a guide on how to apply a reflective cycle framework;
• four writing prompts with different topics;
• and a nursing reflective essay example.
• 🏥 Nursing Reflection Importance
• ♻️ Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle
• ✍️ Essay Outline
• 📝 Writing Prompts
• 💡 Essay Topics
• 📑 Essay Example

🏥 Nursing Reflective Essay: Why Is It Important?

A reflection is a practice of thinking through and interpreting your memories, experiences, and actions to understand yourself and learn from your analysis. Reflective writing also helps you develop critical thinking skills. Students are taught to identify what works well and what needs improvement by writing an essay on the nursing profession.

There are many different approaches to this kind of writing. To write a good reflection, it’s useful to follow a clinical writing framework . A framework helps you situate your ideas, concepts, and theories into the existing knowledge.

The most famous one is Gibbs’ reflective cycle . It’s commonly used by health professionals. Below we will discuss this framework and tell you how to apply it to your reflective essays.

♻️ Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle in Essay on Nursing Profession

Graham Gibbs developed his reflective cycle in 1988 to give structure to any learning process. It is an effective action-based model that can be used in reflective essays for nursing students to work through any experience in 6 stages.

Let’s examine if this framework’s format will work for you. Have a look at these statements:

• You want to reflect on your experience and transform it into a learning model.
• You want to unravel repeated behavior patterns.
• You want to understand why you do things the way you do.
• You want to do better in the future.

If they describe your intentions, then Gibbs’ reflective cycle is exactly what you need.

Think about a nursing experience or a situation that didn’t turn out as you expected. These questions will show you what to include for each stage.

✍️ Nursing Reflective Essay Outline

Here is a great example of how to apply Gibbs’ reflective cycle . Pay attention to the contents of each essay part.

Topic : Dealing with death at the scene in paramedic practice.

📝 Essay on Nursing Profession: Writing Prompts

Now that you’ve learned about Gibb’s reflective cycle, it’s time to choose a topic. These prompts should give you some writing ideas. And if you won’t find anything suitable, you are always welcome to use our topic generator .

Mentorship in Nursing Essay

Mentorship is a topic suitable for a reflection essay. This writing prompt involves an assessment of a person who was mentoring you. Alternatively, you may reflect on your own experience as a mentor. You aim to analyze what makes an effective mentor and how it correlates with their mentees’ performance.

You can start with assessing the current situation and then produce an action plan for a student nurse. Reflection examples may include evaluation of one’s competence and knowledge they possess. Make sure not to mention any real names.

Remember that the goal of this essay is not to criticize but improve the mentoring experience for you or your mentees.

Below is an example of a nursing essay that focuses on mentorship:

• Mentoring and Coaching in Nursing

Importance of Communication in Nursing Essay

The importance of communication skills in a nursing career is another topic suitable for a reflection essay. Here is what you can write about:

• Patients open up about the true extent of their symptoms if they can trust their nurse. Show how lack of communication can result in patients misunderstanding treatment protocols and failure to receive proper care.
• If you’ve ever dealt with compassion fatigue, you can use your reflection essay to raise awareness of this issue.
• Evaluating the importance of non-verbal communication during extreme situations could be a great reflective essay topic. Nursing students will definitely benefit from it.

Below are some examples of nursing essays that focus on communication:

• Communication with Patients in Mental Health Nursing
• Nursing Communication: Translational Research
• Silence, Power and Communication in the Operating Room
• Novice Psychiatric Nurses’ Communication Strategies

Leadership in Nursing Essay

Leadership is a crucial part of effective healthcare. In a reflective essay, you can explore it in various ways:

• Say whether you agree that all nurses need to possess leadership skills. Discuss how it improves the patient’s recovery chances.
• You can write about your own leadership journey and what was required of you to become a great leader.
• You may also write about a real-life situation where a lack of leadership resulted in poor patient care quality. This way, you’ll turn that experience into a reflection.

Below are some examples of nursing essays that focus on leadership:

• Personal Philosophy of Nursing and Leadership
• Organizational Leadership and Interprofessional Team Development
• Nursing Leadership: Advancing Workforce Intra-communication
• Leadership Strategies in Nursing Practice
• Nursing: Complex Leadership Discussion

Compassion in Nursing Essay

Compassion is a strong foundation of trust. As a nurse, your goal can be to discuss that genuine compassion is about a deeper level of connecting with your patients. This topic is perfect for a reflection, and here are some of your options:

• You may want to examine your strategies for providing patients with a sense of security.
• You can also discuss how to make them feel heard and recognized. Many patients feel like their concerns are not acted upon and ignored. Show its importance in your reflective essay.

Below are some examples of nursing essays that focus on compassion:

• “Mindfulness and Compassion-Oriented Practices at Work ” by Orellana-Rios Quantitative Review
• Physician-Assisted Suicide: A Challenge for Living
• Patient Satisfaction Influences Health Outcomes

Note that there is another compassion in nursing essay sample at the end if this article.

💡 Nursing Reflective Essay Topics

In this section, we have collected topic ideas for you to write a reflection on your nursing education and experiences.

• The clinical experience course reflection.
• Patient case reflection: Providing palliative care to an older adult.
• Reflections on the DNP essentials .
• Nursing reflection: An ethical-legal challenge.
• Postoperative complications: A reflection on possible causes.
• Reflection on nursing fundamentals .
• Nursing leadership reflection: Clinical decision unit .
• A reflection on misdiagnosis and its outcomes.
• Community and public health nursing reflection .
• Different types of reflective models .
• Patient dissatisfaction: A nursing reflection on what went wrong.
• Reflection on the interview with a registered nurse .
• Aspects of reflective practice models.
• Reflect on a difficult nursing procedure that you performed well.
• Nursing’s metaparadigm: Personal philosophy .
• Personal philosophy of culturally competent nurses .
• A reflection on personal experience in mental health nursing.
• Nursing practice personal experience.
• Personal worldview and model of leadership .
• A nursing reflection on care for terminally ill pediatric patients.
• Nursing personal leadership: Reflection.
• Personal teaching experience: Additional roles of nurses.
• Reflecting on family-centered care in nursing.
• The relevance of nursing theory to personal professional beliefs and values.
• Personal philosophy of scholarship in nursing .
• A reflection on clinical experiences in the critical care unit.
• The development of the personal philosophy of nursing.
• The personal experience in leadership among nursing.
• Reflecting on the importance of providing support to women in maternity care.
• Personal philosophy of nursing.
• Nurses’ experiences during advanced level nursing education.
• Self-reflection in nursing educators: A tool for identifying personal knowledge gaps.
• Nursing practice experience in the elderly care.
• Sharing knowledge learned from a practicum project.
• A reflection on challenges in translating scientific evidence into clinical practice.
• Nursing students in the clinical learning environment.
• The learning strategies in nursing .
• A nurse’s reflection on skills acquired during a clinical internship.
• Professional learning experience in nursing.
• Online learning during working towards a doctoral degree.
• Reflect on your knowledge about a specific health condition.
• Lifelong learning in the nursing career .
• Lack of proper hand washing in my community.
• A nursing reflection on cultural awareness and the importance of culturally sensitive care.
• My nursing philosophy and beliefs.

📑 Critical Reflection Essay Example: Nursing

Finally, let’s have a look at this nursing reflective essay sample. It will inspire you and help kickstart your writing process.

The Role of Compassion in Nursing Care of Terminally Ill Patients

Introduction: Some people define compassion as being nice to people. However, it is much more than that. My personal experience showed me that compassion is an essential quality for a nurse. Thesis: Compassionate care in nursing gives a deeper level of connecting with patients and provides them with a sense of security. Description of the event: It is easier to know what compassion is after a person experiences it firsthand, as I did with one of my patients. My patient was a young woman from Pakistan in the last stages of lung cancer. We provided her with proper treatment and medication so we could make her feel as comfortable as possible. Telling someone that they are going to die so early is not easy. Being a compassionate nurse means being honest and open, so I informed the girl and her parents of every step. Feelings: No matter how often I tell people the bad news, it is always hard. To be compassionate means to treat your patients with care and understanding. It means to relate to them and what they are going through, what sacrifices they must make along the way. After each chemotherapy treatment, the young girl had cravings for ice cream. I found a way to get it for her. Since then, we have had a powerful bond. Comforting my patient did not feel like a job or duty; it felt like the most human thing to do. The girl lived for two more months. She was not scared because her family and I were by her side. Evaluation: I still remember coming home after those long shifts and not being able to sleep. As an experienced nurse, I knew dealing with death was a part of my job. The last thing my patient and her family needed was my anxiety, fear, pity, and remorse. Being a compassionate nurse is a noble and demanding job. It is not just about being nice to terminally ill patients. It is about developing a deeper level of connection to help them feel secure. Analysis: Cancer care is a high-emotion service. The feeling of powerlessness, lack of control, and grief is essential to it. My job was to keep calm, even when I felt emotionally drained. I may never understand what my patients are going through, but I can get to know them. What they need is to be heard. Findings: The compassionate environment created by a nurse improves a patient’s well-being and can be a potential antidote to emotional and mental exhaustion, fear, and depression. Action plan: In addition to work experience and skills, managers must make hiring decisions based on candidates’ humanistic values. Evaluating their capacity for compassion can prove helpful in hiring. Conclusion: As a nurse, I managed to temper lung cancer’s emotional and mental impact on my patient. Being compassionate was key to it working out. Now you know everything about writing a nursing reflection paper. And if you have already written an essay and want to listen to it, you are welcome to use “Read my Paper” tool . We hope that reading our guide will encourage you to look back at your experiences and learn from them. Good luck with your professional nursing career!

❓ Essay on Nursing: FAQ

How do you write a good nursing essay.

– Always make sure you understand the assignment. – Find the topic that interests you. – Do your research and create an outline. – Write the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. – Make sure that your essay’s content is connected to your thesis. – Don’t forget to proofread your paper.a

How do you write a reflective essay in nursing?

A reflection essay allows you to examine your clinical or medical experiences and reflect on personal outcomes. Choose your topic and start by writing an outline. You can use Gibbs’ reflective cycle to help you unravel deeper behavior patterns by analyzing your experiences in 6 simple steps.

What is a nursing essay sample?

A student nurse reflection example can give you some ideas of what to write about. For instance, if you need to write a “Why I want to be a nurse” essay, a sample can provide you with reasons such as the desire to help other people.

How do you write an essay for nursing school application?

The secret to writing an impressive admission essay is to make it a unique personal statement. – Explain why you chose to be a nurse. – Give examples when you went above and beyond to care for someone. – Reflect on your qualifications.

🔗 References

• Gibbs Reflective Cycle: Routledge
• A New Model of Reflection for Clinical Practice: Nursing Times
• Revalidation Requirements: Reflection and Reflective Discussion: Royal College of Nursing
• Reflective Practice in Health Care and How to Reflect Effectively: NIH
• Reflection as an Educational Strategy in Nursing Professional Development: An Integrative Review: Lippincott Nursing Center
• Applying the Gibbs’ Reflective Model: Manchester Metropolitan University
• The Purpose of Reflection: Purdue College of Liberal Arts

• Nursing School

How to Write “What Nursing Means to Me” Reflective Essay

The “what nursing means to me” reflective essay is something often asked of students entering an accelerated nursing program, a master’s level course for nursing, or some other specialized program. Unlike a nursing school letter of intent or nursing school application cover letter, the “what nursing means to me” reflective essay gives you a chance to state and defend an argument regarding something you feel deeply about, namely, being a nurse. It can detail professional setbacks or successes. It can be a venue to express opinions and criticism of the profession. You can also write about important personal events in the past, before you became a nurse, which had some impact on why you chose this profession. This article will explore the nature of the reflective essay, its essential elements, the structure of an excellent reflective essay and provide examples.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 11 min read

What is a reflective essay.

A reflective essay is like a regular essay, but the subject matter is you. You must state a thesis about yourself and choose a specific event from your past or something similar on which to build an argument supporting your thesis. The main impetus of a reflective essay is to get you to reveal growth and how a particular event in your life changed you, your perceptions, beliefs, and so on.

But there are other things a reflective essay can reveal about you. In the context of writing a reflective essay connected with a nursing school application resume, you can also use the essay to state your larger career goals and ambitions as a nurse and how you see the role changing and evolving.

How does the “what nursing means to me” reflective essay differ from a nursing school personal statement? Part of the answer is that a personal statement can include many different details from the past and does not have to take the form of a standard essay – introduction, thesis statement, supporting arguments. You can write a personal statement without including anything about your professional achievements or anything directly related to nursing. But a “what nursing means to me” reflective essay is the complete opposite. It is aimed at exploring how being a nurse or nursing student has directly impacted your worldview.

Depending on where and why you are asked to write a “what nursing means to me” reflective essay, there may be certain content and style guidelines you must follow, based on that program’s requirements. Some reflective essays use prompts or questions about nursing to give you a starting point for what to write. In these cases, how you write is up to you, but there are certain elements that are key to every outstanding reflective essay that you should incorporate into your writing. Here, we list elements you can include in the body of your essay to create a template of what your essay should look like.

The Inciting Incident 

In university, reflective essays tend to revolve around coursework and materials to show how you’ve interacted with them. But according to many nursing essay writing services , a “what nursing means to me” reflective essay can structure itself around a catalyzing event. A traumatic injury. A death in the family. Moving to a new country.

If you haven’t been given instructions on what to write about in your “what nursing means to me” reflective essay, then you can choose a specific, life-altering event in your past that had and continues to have an impact on you. Many reflective essays take this path, but you do not have to, especially if you are asked to write about something else.

If you do write about a specific incident, be as specific as possible. Who did it involve? Where did it take place? What was the lead-up like? Of course, if you have word limits, then you can cut out unnecessary parts in your second draft, but for your first draft, you should be as detailed as possible and then make cuts later.

Personal Reflections 

The most obvious point of a reflective essay is to reflect. Nursing school admissions officers want to know how you interpreted, compartmentalized, and dealt with an extreme situation related to being a health care worker, since everyone knows that being a health care worker exposes you to things most people never see. You can talk openly about what you’ve experienced in the nursing profession or during your schooling and, finally, express emotions you were not able to at the time. However, those emotions must also connect with an action you took later on to show that they led to some deep-seated change in your personality or outlook.

Specific Details 

The topic of your essay should focus on a specific time, place, or incident and not stray into generalities. You want to place your readers in a setting they can understand, so that they can see the story as it unfolds. Remember: show, don’t tell. This is your personal story, so enrich it with specific details, like the time of year, the weather outside, some important event that happened at the same time, anything that makes the universal personal.

Your Actions 

After you set the scene with vivid descriptions and a concrete location, you can start to bring yourself into the narrative. Take a step-by-step approach to write about how the specific event unfolded – before/during/after – and make sure to detail as much as you can about each step.

You can write about what your expectations were beforehand and what happened afterward. What was the aftermath like? What did you feel, physically, emotionally? What did you do? Were you in any danger? You can talk both about your physical and emotional reactions but remember that a reflective essay should walk a fine line between being a subjective and objective retelling of a major event so do not go too far either way.

Academic Details/Achievements 

The reflective essay sits apart from other documentation like a nursing school recommendation letter and is not a place for you to recite your professional or academic CV. All the information about your academic achievements (GPA, transcripts) has already been reviewed, so the audience is not interested in hearing about it again.

Your reflective essay is a space for you to encapsulate something about yourself in a calm, measured tone. Of course, you can mention things about school that impacted you personally or an event that took place during your education, but reciting your CV looks boastful and misses the point of the reflective essay.

Too Many Emotions 

The “what nursing means to me” reflective essay can contain many powerful emotions, but the language should always remain coherent and precise. You do not want to dwell on positive or negative emotions but instead, use them to push along your overall narrative. You can explain about how something made you feel, but then transition to what actions those emotions made you take.

Introduction 

The introduction of any essay should present the topic about which you are going to write and hook the reader with an intriguing line. Afterward, you can briefly mention where you are in your career (registered nurse, nursing school applicant, grad school candidate) for context, but most of your introduction should be about the subject matter at hand, like the event you want to talk about or the general themes you want to explore.

You can also present your thesis in the introduction or keep it for a later paragraph if you want to structure your essay that way. After the introduction, you can begin to narrow your focus down to the inciting incident and move closer to finalizing your argument. You can also begin inserting background elements of your narrative like when and where it happened.

Thesis Statement/First Paragraph 

If you put your thesis in the introduction, you can begin positing your arguments supporting it in the first paragraph of the body section. But you can also put your thesis here and begin expounding on your arguments in the proceeding sections. If you are writing about a specific event, this is where you would set the stage for what happens next.

Build your narrative toward a climax by describing where you were, what you were doing, and what expectations you had. When you reveal what happened, use that as a springboard to talk about the aftermath – how the event affected you and what you began to understand about it – which is what will lead you to your second paragraph.

Second Paragraph 

The second paragraph can contain the “reflective” part of your essay, where you unpack the event and examine how it impacted you. You want to mention how you changed and how you began to see things differently while also expounding on the potential growth that this moment presented for you as a person and as a health care professional.

Conclusion 

The end of your essay should tie into the thesis and summarize the best argument supporting it. You can draw from the body section to make the connections between your thesis and the other sections and ultimately land on a conclusion. It should reveal something significant you learned or realized because of that event and how it continues to shape you.

“What Nursing Means to Me” Reflective Essay Samples

“what nursing means to me” reflective essay sample #1 .

Things came into focus when I started coughing up blood. Up until then I was sure things would get better and that the danger would pass. Even though a doctor had told me I needed to be hospitalized, I thought nothing was wrong and that I would be okay. I told him to give me some antibiotics and send me home. But from one minute to the next, in the space of a heartbeat, something gave way, and I would not be the same again.

I have been lucky most of my life. I had never been seriously ill or broken anything. I had family members succumb to illnesses, but I hadn’t so much as scraped an elbow. I never thought about my fragility and vulnerability until I was forced to reckon with them when I was hospitalized with pneumonia.

Going to the hospital in an ambulance for the first time was nerve-wracking. I lay in the gurney with an oxygen mask over my face as the paramedics looked at my vital signs. I was feverish, short of breath, and still coughing, so there was barely any time to think or reflect. Things had progressed so fast that I had left my house still in my pajamas.

One of the first things that happened when I got to the hospital was that the attending nurse took my hand and told me, “You’re in good hands now, darling.” It was such a small gesture. She must have done it for everyone who came in, terrified, scared, and lonely. She knew what they were feeling, which is why she said it to everyone.

I spent almost two weeks in the hospital recovering, but that nurse came to see me every day and spent time with me, even with her busy schedule. She made the time. It was after one of her visits that the thought of being like her one day came into my mind. I was in my first year of undergrad and still hadn’t thought about my future.

The experience of being seriously ill made me realize how much we depend on the strangers who have committed their lives to helping the infirm. It is a vital role that nurses play in helping the ill feel whole again, often more so than doctors, because nurses spend more time with patients than any other health care professional.

The nurse who greeted me at the hospital entrance also helped me bring things into focus. Seeing up close the damage an illness like pneumonia can cause was one wake-up call, but the nurse who comforted me when I felt like the world was ending also woke me up. She met my fear and anxiety with compassion and understanding. She created the mold that I now wish to fill with my career and advancement in the nursing profession.

It was bright and sunny the day my mother died. She died in the early morning, and when I looked out the window of her room – she died at home – I could see people waiting for the bus, going on their way to work, completely unaware that I had lost the most important person in my life.

I wanted to go outside, tears streaming down my face, and tell everyone my mother had died. I wanted to spread my grief. I wanted the world to stop and acknowledge my loss. Grief was something new, and I didn’t know how to manage it.

I went on anti-depressants and began to self-medicate as well because I couldn’t stand the pain. I was going down a self-destructive path, and no one in my immediate family knew what to do. It was only through circumstance that my path was corrected before it led farther into darkness.

One afternoon, months after my mother’s death, I was at her house, arranging and organizing her belongings, when the palliative care nurse who had treated my mother at home came by to collect the medical supplies that had been left behind. It was pure luck that I was at home when she came.

I answered the door and invited her in. I explained what I was doing, and she told me why she was there. We went to the kitchen because she said she had some papers for me to sign. I don’t know why exactly, but between putting the kettle on for some tea and signing the papers, I started to cry. It was something I had been doing regularly, breaking down in public or suddenly, without warning. But that day, I showed my vulnerability to the right person.

The nurse, named Sylvia, rose immediately and gave me a hug. She held me as I wept and then began to tell me that she still mourns her sister. Her sister had died from the same illness as my mother and, according to Sylvia, had suffered just as much. Sylvia told me that she had dealt with her sister’s passing by pushing herself through nursing school. She wanted to memorialize her sister’s memory through the work she does every day as a nurse. Instead of letting her sister’s death tear her apart, like my mother’s death was doing to me, Sylvia took motivation from it and committed to becoming a person who helps people transition from life to death.

Sylvia told me that the pain never goes away, but it does lessen and when you are helping save lives and taking care of the most vulnerable people, it lessens even more. That day, Sylvia showed me the heights nurses can reach through their empathy and knowledge, not just as nurses but as human beings. Sylvia’s strength was my scaffold during an unsteady time, in addition to being the light that inspired me to become a nurse myself.

The thoughts in a reflective essay are your own, so you should not shy away from saying as much as possible, like the fact that you were afraid or felt negative emotions like anger, hatred, or despair. This is what the reflective essay is all about. If your essay is about a specific event in your past, then you should write about it in detail. You can allude to it in your introduction and build up to it through your main paragraphs, or not mention it at all in your introduction and reveal it later.

Being any kind of health care worker is demanding and stressful, but it can also be rewarding and humbling. The “what nursing means to me” reflective essay is the perfect way to talk about a moving or troubling incident in the past if you hadn’t had the chance to explore it before. It is not always possible for nurses and other health care professionals to express the emotions that come with the job, and working with a nursing essay writing service can help you craft a truly impressive account of an event that marked you deeply. 

This essay is meant to help you express what is most important to you about being a nurse and reveal how you stay motivated. 

The purpose of the essay is to let nursing school admissions officers know how you understand and interpret the nursing profession and what aspects of it appeal to you the most.

You can structure your essay around a specific event and then describe what happened before, during, and after this event. You can also talk about why this event means so much to you or what about it reflects the best aspects of nursing.

You should think about the reasons you wanted to become a nurse and what about your character or personality will sustain you throughout your career.

The length of your essay depends on the requirements of your particular program or school, since they all have different requirements.

A personal statement is a general background story of why you want to pursue a degree or get into nursing school, but a reflective essay specifically asks you to pick a particular moment and think about how it affected your career. So, a reflective essay is the reverse of a personal statement: rather than relating how personal experiences have shaped your personality, you write about how being a nurse has changed you personally.

A letter of intent looks at how your education, work experience, and anything else related to the nursing profession has prepared you to become a nurse, and also asks what you plan to achieve. A reflective essay does not focus on academic achievements but asks you to interpret a moment in the past. 

Not all nursing schools or graduate programs will ask for a reflective essay. Admission requirements are different for every school, so make sure you know what they are before you apply. 

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Reflective Nursing Essay

Reflective nursing essay generator.

Have you ever written a diary where you keep accounts of anything you want to say? May it be in the form of a reflection. Like say at the end of the day, you had done this and done that. It could be work related or personal. A lot of people often keep or write down a reflection paper not because it is necessary or to be used in school or class, but to be able to reflect on the day’s events and be able to release the tension that they may have hid while going about their day. For nurses, this may seem more common than you think.

These reflective essays that nurses do practically helps the majority of them to see how they settle with issues within their work and how they may be able to assess their work or their patients with it. In a way it also helps them take up a way to write what they please and find a way to reflect on it. In general, it is a helpful tool. But how helpful is it you ask? Why is it important? Head on over to the examples and the definition to see. While you’re there, take a sneak peek at the tips to write a good reflective nursing essay.

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What Is a Reflective Nursing Essay?

To start off, we know what a reflection essay is or what a reflective essay is. We know that a reflective essay is a kind of essay that a person writes to reflect on either a topic they are told to write it for or to reflect about either their work, their school or their personal life. In this case, a reflective nursing essay works the same except this is mainly for how nurses are able to reflect on their job , and to be able to use it as practice for their careers. The purpose of a reflective nursing essay is to be able to let nurses be comfortable with their work. To have a good chance to understand and to explore who they are and what they do. They are also able to write about their patients and how they may reflect on that experience. In addition to that, writing a reflective nursing essay gives them good practice from their course and work. Of course when you write your reflective nursing essay, there are also things you need to consider. Watching how you write and what you write would be the most important thing to consider.

How to Write a Reflective Nursing Essay?

Are you planning on writing a reflective nursing essay? Either for practice or for work. As we know that making reflective essays are necessary, they can also be a bit of a challenge especially if you have no idea where and how to begin. However, there is a solution for that. Just as with any problem, there is always a solution and this one is no different.

1. Begin With a Simple but Concise Introduction

The first tip we have is to begin your introduction with a simple but concise paragraph. This is the beginning of your reflective essay. This is the first thing your readers are keen on knowing what you are going to be writing about. Make sure that you do not divulge too much information nor the lack of it. Simple introductions are there to keep your readers’ curiosity.

2. Make It Personal for Your Readers

Another important thing to remember is that when you write your reflective nursing essay, make sure to make it personal. This is one way of getting your readers to sympathize or to empathize with you. The more personal you are to reflecting about your work, patient or personal life, the more your readers are able to understand you.

3. Reflect on What You Have Gone Through

Aside from making it personal, give yourself a short reflection on what you have learned and gone through. From your experiences at work, to your experience with a patient or even from your personal life. Reflect and write them down. Reflect what you have learned and write about it.

4. Assess and Evaluate Your Reflection

In addition to the three tips, it is also good to try and assess and evaluate what you think of your reflection. This means that do you know how far you have gone through, do you understand why you felt this way. Basically comparing your past notes to help you with your full assessment on your reflection.

5. End Your Essay With a Happy Note

Lastly, end your essay on a happy note. In a way that your readers would know that regardless of how you may have felt, you learned something worthwhile. Hence it is best to end on a happy note. But if your reflection may cause you some hurt, end it the same way but with a positive and hopeful mindset.

What is a reflective nursing essay?

A kind of essay that is used by nurses to reflect on the events that may trigger something from them. This essay helps them in a way they are able to understand and be able to write it down and reflect on it.

How long is a reflective nursing essay?

A reflective essay could be as written a page long or as short as three paragraphs. Depending on the one who is writing it.

How helpful is a reflective essay to nurses?

A reflective nurse essay is helpful as it helps them practice taking notes. Either for their patience, for themselves or about their work. Having this as practice not only helps them, but it also gives them the opportunity to open up from their surroundings by reflecting and observing.

It goes without saying, writing reflection essays do help. A nurse’s job is not considered the easiest nor is it considered the sweetest job in the world. They have to go through a lot of emotional turmoil and a lot of emotional stress. A reflection nursing essay is simply a right tool for them to let it all out and still be able to reflect on what they have learned through their days or through the moments of work.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a Reflective Nursing Essay on a significant patient care experience.

Discuss the challenges of adapting to rapidly changing health care environments in your Reflective Nursing Essay.

Nursing Reflective Essay: Example Outline and Guide

Are you a nursing student? Then, you will definitely have an assignment to compose a nursing reflective essay. This task might be quite tough and challenging. But don’t stress out! Our professionals are willing to assist you.

First and foremost, let’s figure out what’s reflective writing. In a few words, such essays are based on your experiences, feelings, views on something, etc. For nursing students, reflective papers help to practice their skills and expand their knowledge.

In case you are wondering how to master nursing essay writing, you are on the right page. This article will provide tips that will help you write an outstanding student nurse reflection: examples of what to include in it, what to avoid, and what reflection ideas to use.

• ✒️ Analytical Essay
• ✒️ Reflective Essay

⭕ Outline and Draft

• ⭕ Revise and Edit
• ❓ Reflecting
• ❗ Essential Parts
• ⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid
• 💡 Additional Tips

🔗 References

🆚 analytical vs. reflective nursing essay.

Basically, nursing essays can be divided into different types.

The most common ones are analytical and reflective essays. These two styles are the most suitable for nursing papers. They either argue a particular perspective (analytical) or base the narration on previous experiences (reflective).

This focus is what differentiates one type of essay from another, as both analytical and reflective nursing essays can be quite similar stylistically.

✒️ Nursing: Analytical Essay

Speaking of structural parts, the basic outline for an analytical essay on nursing can look like this:

• Introduction. The introduction is your first paragraph, which usually consists of two parts. First, you have to capture the reader’s attention. Then, you aim to create a clear thesis statement to demonstrate your position.
• Providing evidence. Each of your arguments should have at least one piece of evidence. If you have more to share, it’s even better. However, you have to keep the word count in mind. So, make strong points to keep your essay concise.
• Practical use of evidence. There’s no point in providing evidence that wouldn’t have any real use in practice.
• The judgment of evidence. Here, you’ll demonstrate your critical thinking abilities. Prove that your evidence is indeed strong and valid.
• Conclusion. First, summarize what’s been said in your essay. Then give your own opinion on it.

✒️ Nursing: Reflective Essay

A reflective nursing essay usually consists of the following elements:

• Introduction. It explains the whole purpose of the essay and tells readers what to expect. The most crucial part of the introduction is the thesis statement. Usually, it’s the last sentence of the intro. Your thesis should be concise and clearly reflect your position.
• Description of the situation. Since a reflective essay is based on previous experiences, describing those events is the core part of the paper. Again, this section should contain only the most important and valuable details.
• Sharing of personal feelings. The section demonstrates how you react to situations and how you’re able to gain control over those emotions.
• Evaluation of experience. This part is a summary of what skills and knowledge did you get from experience.
• Reflection and opportunities for learning. The part is closely connected to the previous one. While previously you were just giving a summary, here you’ll describe what this situation made you understand. Also, elaborate on your future path of self-development.
• Conclusion. This one is simple. Just summarize all the information you discussed in your essay.

We’ll now tell you about the writing preparation process.

✍️ Reflective Nursing Essay Writing Guide

Creating a nursing reflection essay is a long and challenging journey that requires total concentration on a task. That’s why it is essential to turn your “study mode” on and devote yourself to the essay writing process.

No doubts, you might get too overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to get done. But don’t worry! We know how to avoid anxiety. Just follow out tips and write an outstanding nursing reflection paper!

⭕ Remove the Distractions

Yes, it’s as simple as that. Ironically, most of the major problems usually happen at this initial stage. So, you just need to know how to overcome them right away.

• Turn all the gadgets off (yes, even your cell phone).
• Make sure to get rid of anything around you that could potentially catch your attention and distract you from writing.
• Get earplugs if necessary.

Then, get in your “ study mood .”

• Go through all your pre-game rituals — visit the bathroom, eat, drink, meditate, etc.
• Get fun out of the way. Dedicate some time for yourself so that you won’t have the temptation later.
• Prepare the essentials — open your notebook or create a Word document and make sure you have all the necessary notes and resources ready.

After you create perfect conditions, make another significant step to start writing. Research is an essential part of any academic work, even if you’re telling your personal story.

Here’s where you can start your search for brilliant ideas:

• your college library;
• your course readings;
• scholar.google.com ;
• online nursing journal articles;

And no matter what topic you’re going to discuss, don’t forget that most nursing essays use a similar pattern:

You still need to remember what we talked about in the very beginning—your story has to be unique. Use these questions as a framework, and fill the essay with unique content. If you’ve answered most of these questions, you’re halfway to your excellent grade.

No wonder outlining is a vital part of the essay writing process. It helps to reach the logical flow of ideas and organize all the arguments and examples in the right order. Also, you can easily edit a well-developed structure if something seems wrong. It’s always better to change the part of an outline rather than rewriting the entire paragraph.

Your reflective essay outline should look approximately like this:

• Point 1 (evidence, examples, other supportive details)
• Point 2 (evidence, examples, other supportive details)
• Point 3 (evidence, examples, other supportive details)
• Restatement of thesis statement
• Final memorable statement

After creating an outline, it would be a great idea to write the rough draft of your nursing reflective essay. This step will help you to avoid all the possible mistakes before submitting the paper.

⭕ Proofread and Revise

Polishing your essay is the last but not the least step of the writing process. So, take it seriously and don’t waste your chance to submit a flawless work. Revise your rough draft, make sure your ideas are coherent and supporting evidence is logical, and then create a final version of the essay.

We created the checklist of what you should take into consideration while revising your nursing reflective essay. Don’t hesitate to use it!

• make sure you meet the writing style requirements;
• check whether all in-text citations have the corresponding reference list entry;
• make sure you followed the proper structure (introduction, three body paragraphs, conclusion);
• get rid of all grammar and punctuation mistakes;
• double-check whether your ideas are clear and the supporting details are logical.

📝 Reflective Essay: Nursing School Application

Although people say there is a lack of nurses in the United States and a high demand for good specialists with a stellar education, it is not that easy to pass a nursing school admission.

What’s the reason for this?

It seems like nursing schools are looking for outstanding students, who have made a firm decision to become a nurse and will contribute to the community of the school and the field of healthcare in general.

You need to showcase this capability in your nursing application essay, where you reflect on your goals or experience. In the following sections, we’ll explain how to write it.

❓ Reflecting on Your Goals

Here’s a question you should ask yourself.

“Why do I want to become a nurse?”

As curious as it may sound, some students do not have that answer. If you are one of them, you might want to reconsider your decision.

Being a nurse is stressful. It requires dedication, a strong philosophy, and stable mental health. And if you’re unsure about your choice — try to make up your mind as soon as possible. Getting a nursing education is a serious step in your life. So, be confident about your choice not to regret it later. The video below will give you an idea of what a day in the life of a nurse is like.

If your intentions are firm and you’re sure about your career goals, then we’re here to help you cope with all those “Why I chose nursing” essays.

• Know where to begin with your nursing essay. A good idea would be to find several nursing essay examples first. You will see that many students do not try to be creative. The same boring stories can be found in numerous essays. And it seems that those stories are taken from the same articles. This does not sound impressive at all. Repeating familiar stories is quite a critical mistake, and you should avoid it. We’ll talk more about common errors in nursing essay writing later, so keep on reading. Look through nursing paper examples and try to make your essay on nursing career different. Make it stand out from the crowd.
• Base your essay on a true story. Think about any situation from your clinical placement, which your reflective nursing essay will be based on. Describe what happened, who was involved in the case, why it impressed you, etc. By doing this, you’ll demonstrate a complete understanding of the situation. Your essay will show that you’re able to comprehend what’s happening and make the right decisions, even in critical cases. These are skills that every nurse should have.
• Write a personal essay. Now, proceed to describe your feelings. Follow these three questions: How did you feel in that situation? Why? What were your actions, actions of other personnel? Be sure to tell how much you care about what happened. It’s a great way to show how sympathetic you can be.
• Evaluate the event. Another stage of writing the reflective nursing essay is an evaluation of your experience. Why do you think it is a valuable experience for you? How did it contribute to your personal and professional development? Self-development is among the most important aspects of professionalism for a nurse. And you must not forget to show that you have this capability.
• Choose the right focus. It’s common for students to concentrate on a story that deals with the nursing profession. This is a strategy that you too can follow when writing your nursing essay. Make sure that the narrative focuses on you instead of other nurses or patients. It is your essay, so be sure to write about your personal experience. You have to tell the reader about all the lessons you have learned and explain how it helped you come up with a decision to become a nurse.
• Allow yourself to fantasize. There’s another critical subtopic you should cover in your nursing essay. Tell what other actions you could take and whether you would repeat them if you are to face the same situation.

Next, we’re going to talk about the parts that make up a well-written nursing essay. So, stay with us!

❗ Essential Application Essay Parts

You probably know that competition in nursing schools is especially severe compared to other educational institutions.

Your paper should be outstanding if you want to be accepted. Below, you’ll find a list of the most significant parts of any nursing admission essay. These parts contain all relevant info that the admission officers want to know about an applicant.

• Is there someone who influenced your decision?
• Was there an event that had an impact on your choice of a career?
• Do you know what particular kind of nursing you want to do?

These are essential questions to answer in the nursing school essay. You do double-duty by responding to these questions. Not only will you explain how you decided to become a nurse, but you’ll also make sure that your intentions are truly firm.

• Show what you’re worth. You need to tell about your experience in the nursing field. This is a job where you need at least some background experience. If you have never seen a syringe in your life, your nursing essay will hardly convince anybody. So, make a personal statement. And make it strong.
• Prove that you’re ready. You need to show that you are prepared to be a nurse and ready for all nursing hardships. Nursing is emotionally and physically exhausting. That’s why you need to demonstrate the best of your personal and professional values. Prove to the admission counselors that you are capable of completing the nursing job.

⚠️ Nursing Reflective Essay: Mistakes to Avoid

As we have mentioned before, the competition is going to be tough. It is not easy to enter a nursing school even with the best scores and a high GPA. So, your essay should be of the highest quality!

One of the best ways to ensure your works’ flawlessness is to learn the most common mistakes and avoid them in your paper. Below, you will find the list of the most critical errors for a nursing application essay. Investigate them here:

• Not including your own nursing story. Without a real-life story, a nursing application essay seems very weak. Listing personal qualities that a nurse should possess is not enough. Tell a story that will show the admission officers how helpful you were while providing care to somebody.
• Not sharing your experiences. Your nursing application essay will undoubtedly lose a couple of points if you do not mention some nursing-related experiences. A strong intention to become a nurse is great, of course. However, if you have no idea what nursing is all about, your essay will not be convincing.
• Not providing sufficient reasons to support your intentions. It is ridiculous to remind about that, but some students still fail to mention why they want to enter a certain school. Make sure to avoid this mistake in your nursing application essay.
• Plagiarizing. Plagiarism can cause you to fail your paper or be rejected by the schools you’re applying for. More importantly, plagiarizing isn’t ethical. To avoid any potential issues, make sure to cite all your sources and provide an authentic and unique story.
• Repeating yourself. This problem is widespread in the introduction and conclusion. If you need to connect the first and the last paragraphs, don’t just rewrite the info from the introduction into a conclusion. Rather synthesize your thoughts and finish your essay dynamically.

💡 Nursing Reflective Essay: Additional Tips

We’ve come to the point where you can go ahead and start writing your nursing essay. But there’s one more thing…

The process of writing a nursing essay has its own tips and tricks. So, we simply couldn’t let you go without sharing a few of them.

Hopefully, you’ll find these nursing school essay tips useful:

• Always start working on your student nurse essay with studying assignment instructions. It is the best way to find out what exactly will be assessed in your paper.
• Do not hesitate to ask your tutors for help and advice. Whether you believe it or not, but they do not want you to fail student nurse assignments and essays.
• To prepare a good student nurse essay, you will have to find and read quite a lot of nursing literature. Mind that it usually takes a lot of time. So, start researching early.
• Student nurse essays have a standard structure. Thus, make sure you have all the necessary paragraphs. Do not forget about specific terminology that should be used in your works. Also, remember about the proper formatting of your paper (e.g., MLA, Chicago, or APA format).
• How to summarize an article without plagiarizing ? Keep your text balanced. When looking through your draft, pay attention not only to the logic of your narration. Also, check how much of the paper consists of your own thoughts and what percentage is a review of other people’s work.

With these tips in mind, it’s now your time to shine!

Nursing Reflective Essay Topics

• Strengths and weaknesses of nursing professionals.
• Analyze the methods clinical nurses use to deal with moral distress.
• Examine the types of errors in nursing.
• Describe the role of technology in nursing care.
• The role of the nursing professional in patient advocacy.
• Peculiarities and importance of nursing interventions in the pre-op period.
• The crucial role of communication in nursing.
• Is MSN course worth studying?
• Examine the importance of cultural competency in nursing practice.
• What is the best nursing recruitment strategy and why?
• The critical role of QSEN competencies in becoming a better nurse.
• Collaboration and communication issues in nursing practice .
• Personal integrity and accountability in nursing practice.
• Describe the aims and key concepts of nursing care delivery model.
• Analyze the basic nursing theories.
• Discuss the occupational health and safety risks of practicing nurses.
• How to reduce the rate of workplace burnouts in nursing profession.
• Advantages and disadvantages of becoming a clinical nurse leader.
• Analyze the main reasons for nursing shortage.
• Describe the challenges of family nurse practitioner and the ways to overcome them.
• The importance of nurses providing care for elderly at home .
• Examine the elements that the nurses should take into account to improve the care of diabetic patients.
• Why knowledge and application of psychological theories are vital for nursing practice.
• Why is it necessary to integrate cultural competence in nursing practice?
• Do Christian values play an important role in nursing practice?
• Discuss the significance of evidence-based practice to nursing.
• Explain how a nurse can use a personal digital assistant to enhance performance.
• The challenges of language barrier and cultural diversity in nursing practice.
• Cultural sensitive approach in nursing and health care.
• Describe ethical and moral dilemmas of nursing.
• Why strategic management is important to a trained nurse.
• Discuss the issues of combining a nursing job and Jewish traditions.
• The issue of aging of the nursing population.
• Analyze the peculiarities of Cuban-American culture and its influence on nursing practice.
• The role of nurses in healthcare delivery.
• The issue of applying theory to practice to manage stress in nursing.
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of different leadership styles in nursing.
• Examine the specifics of women’s nursing.
• The leadership role of nurses in the healthcare system.
• Explain how a nurse can be a cultural broker of the community.
• Why do people choose to become nurses?
• The types and benefits of technologies used in nursing profession.
• Analyze why a mandatory overtime in nursing profession is a controversial solution.
• Describe the reasons of burnout in nursing profession.
• How to resolve the nursing shortage problem.
• Discuss the effective strategies to improve nursing ratios.
• Psychological effects of COVID-19 that result in hospital nursing shortage.
• Compare and analyze the specifics of the community virtual ward model with the inpatient nursing care model.
• The importance of clear vision to nursing leaders.
• Discuss whether the use of social media can violate ethical nursing practices.

Writing a nursing essay doesn’t have to seem so difficult anymore. So, go forth and do it. Make it flawless because it’s your very first step on the way to success.

Also, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts! Did we miss something? Want to add more helpful info? Write about it in the comments below!

Further reading:

• How to Write an Expository Essay in Simple Steps
• Essay on Dengue Fever: How to Write + Free Examples
• Objective Essay Writing: How to Write, Topics and Examples
• French Essay Writing: How-to Guide and Examples

🤔 Reflective Essay in Nursing FAQ

A good essay of this kind is a reflection of personal feelings, impressions, and motivation. It should be based on a real-life example. Describe an unusual situation you’ve faced during the clinical placement program. Analyze the emotions it provoked, what could have been improved, etc.

Before you start writing, focus on your personal impressions provoked by a certain event or topic. Then put them down and organize cohesively. Do not forget about an appropriate introduction and a memorable conclusion.

If you are to write a good application essay to progress your career as a nurse, start with formulating your personal motivation to pursue this occupation. Draft the arguments and relevant examples, and then distill the right wording to make your paper persuasive and impressive.

It is a good idea to read some examples of reflective essay conclusions, but make sure that your own version is personal and sincere. A reflective essay is all about your own thoughts and perceptions, so you may simply paraphrase and summarize them.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Nursing — Reflective paper on nursing

Nursing: a Reflective Paper on Challenges Encountered

• Categories: Medicare Nursing Nursing Theory

About this sample

Words: 1727 |

Published: Oct 4, 2018

Words: 1727 | Pages: 3 | 9 min read

Table of contents

General overview, challenges in medical and medication supervision, difficulties in the pharmaceutical knowledge, improvement strategies to tackle these identified challenges.

• Works Cited
• Patient advocate
• Unsupervised clinical practice
• Supervision and mentorship/ preceptorship
• Interaction/ liaison within the team
• Counselling
• Accurate and timely documentation.

Adherence to the policies and procedures

Use of technology, development of proper plans and prioritization.

• Levett-Jones, T., & Bourgeois, S. (2011). The clinical placement: An essential guide for nursing students. Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Ott, J., & Ross, C. (2014). The Role of Supervision in Mediation Errors. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 10(2), 74-78.
• Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2012). National safety and quality health service standards. Retrieved from https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated/National-Safety-and-Quality-Health-Service-Standards-second-edition.pdf
• Burke, M. A., & Dufault, M. A. (2018). Building resilience in nursing students: An integrative review. Journal of nursing education, 57(12), 699-706.
• Casey, D., Burke, E., Houghton, C., & O’Donoghue, D. (2018). Physiotherapy students’ perceptions of their readiness to work as newly qualified professionals. Physiotherapy Practice and Research, 39(2), 121-128.
• Dieterly, D. L., & Schafer, J. C. (2016). Nursing students' experiences of bullying and incivility in clinical settings: a qualitative study. Journal of Nursing Education, 55(7), 365-370.
• Hafsteinsdottir, T. B., Beckstrand, R. L., & Bond, A. E. (2019). Transition shock in new graduate nurses: A theoretical yet realistic framework. Nursing Forum, 54(2), 250-256.
• Kelly, J., & Ahern, K. (2018). Nursing student anxiety in simulation settings: A mixed-methods study. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 19, 34-41.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2015). Delegation: Concepts and decision-making process. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/Delegation_consensus_final.pdf

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Nurturing Leadership: 4 Key Strategies for Reflective Practice in Nursing

5 min read • February, 21 2024

Nursing leaders play a pivotal role in guiding change to enhance patient care and improve professional practice environments. Reflective practice stands out as a cornerstone for effective leadership, allowing nursing professionals to evaluate their experiences critically and foster continuous improvement. This article delves into four key reflective practices that can empower nursing leaders to drive meaningful change.

The Power of Reflection in Nursing Change

Reflective practice is more than a method; it's a mindset that enables nursing leaders to learn from their actions, make informed decisions, and engage their teams in the journey towards excellence. By incorporating reflective practices into their leadership approach , nurses can better navigate the complexities of healthcare, adapt to challenges, and implement strategies that align with their goals and values.

Understanding Your Change Goals

Q: What did you say you were going to do? A: Begin by revisiting your initial objectives. Clear articulation of your goals lays the foundation for accountability and sets the stage for impactful change. Reflect on the scope of the changes you envisioned and the outcomes you aimed to achieve. This honest appraisal is your first step towards meaningful progress.

Assessing Your Actions

Q: What did you actually do? A: Reality often diverges from our plans. Assessing your actions with candor enables you to identify discrepancies between your intentions and your actual practices. Acknowledge both your achievements and the areas where you fell short. This recognition is crucial for realistic self-assessment and sets the groundwork for authentic growth.

Learning from Experience

Q: What did you learn? A: Every step in the change process offers valuable lessons. Reflect on the insights gained from your experiences and how they can inform future strategies. These lessons are the silver lining, providing clarity and direction for your next moves.

Planning Your Next Steps

Q: What do you need to do next? A: Armed with new knowledge, plan your forward strategy. Consider who needs to be involved, the resources required, and the timeline for implementation. This step is about translating insights into actionable plans that drive further change.

Incorporating Reflective Practice into Your Routine

Integrating reflective practice into your leadership routine doesn't have to be daunting. Start small with regular reflection sessions, encourage team discussions that foster collective learning, and set aside time for personal and professional development. Embracing reflection as a habit can transform your leadership approach and significantly impact your team's performance and well-being.

Reflective practice is an invaluable tool for nursing leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of healthcare and drive positive change. By focusing on these four essential aspects of reflection, you can enhance your leadership effectiveness, improve patient care , and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement . Start today by taking a moment to reflect on your practice and empower yourself and your team for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

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Nursing Leadership Style and Talents Required Report (Assessment)

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Introduction

Leadership characteristics and skills assessment, jung typology, reflection on professional leadership role.

Coordination of worker duties in a high-stakes situation is complex. Because of this, nurses are required to demonstrate leadership abilities that assure competency and safety. These characteristics stem from the nurse’s personality and directly impact their conduct, abilities, and relationships with patients and colleagues. As a result, a thorough understanding of one’s personality type can give vital hints about the strengths and defects that help and impede a nurse’s leadership position. This reflective essay critically examines the notion of nursing leadership, the ideal leadership style, and the most considerable talents required to become influential nurse leaders.

The fundamental qualities of healthcare companies that succeed in displaying sound business practices and maintaining healthy and happy organizational cultures include solid and effective nursing leadership built on trust, respect, and fairness. According to Cummings et al. (2021), successful nurse leadership practices significantly improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes. When nurse leadership substantially impacts both nursing and patient outcomes, it is critical to identify ideal nursing leader characteristics and understand how effective leadership practices may be implemented. A respected leader is well-qualified for their position and honorable in their judgments and actions. They attempt to create precise outcomes by assisting followers in achieving their goals and guiding them even when no authority is bestowed (Grossman & Valiga, 2017). They also understand each interprofessional team member’s tasks and scope of practice, including patients, to collaborate successfully to offer the quality of care possible (Quality and Safety Education in Nursing, 2012). Furthermore, my capacity to lead effectively depends on evidence-based practice, experience, and perseverance.

In this sense, a good leader should know health research methodologies and processes. Bianchi et al. (2018) suggest that crucial leadership skills such as developing a clear vision, using practical interpersonal skills, and providing continuing education to nurses are critical components of maintaining a commitment to evidence-based practice. In addition, using health research methodologies and procedures to develop new information for preparation and clinical decision-making based on evidence, clinical skill, and patient desires are other skills required for implementing evidence-based practice (Quality and Safety Education in Nursing, 2012). Academic nursing is evolving toward a new model and paradigm for nursing curriculum employing a competency-based strategy with the support of the new AACN Essentials (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2021). Furthermore, they also use their creativity to devise a strategy tailored to their work environment to settle problems and empower their subjects successfully.

People can be classified using the three criteria: extraversion or introversion, sensing or intuition, and thinking or feeling based on Jung’s theory of psychological type. The personality type can be identified by taking a test based on Carl Jung’s typological approach (HumanMetrics, n.d.). In this context, my personality type specified by the test was Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging (ISFJ). They are reliable workers, typically with perfect memory and remarkable analytic talents (HumanMetrics, n.d.). They are also adept with people in small groups or one-on-one scenarios due to their patient and genuinely empathetic attitude to dealing with others (HumanMetrics, n.d.). It is stated that traditional ISFJ occupations include teaching, nursing, religious work, medical work, and management (HumanMetrics, n.d.). In this sense, ISFJs are friendly and dependable coworkers and great employees, but they can be rushed and uneasy in managerial situations.

Nurse managers must provide leadership to sustain quality medical service by becoming aware of areas that need improvement, collaboratively selecting areas for intervention, and using communication skills to assess performance. Bianchi et al. (2018) state that patient communication and education are critical nursing skills when providing medical care. Cummings et al. (2021) support this idea and suggest communication as a leadership style needed for nursing leadership. Communication skill is also addressed in Teamwork and Collaboration QSEN competency. It is stated that a nurse should be able to examine the communication styles and preferences of patients and families, and other medical workers and use different communication techniques (Quality and Safety Education in Nursing, 2012). In addition, nurses must use communication techniques that reduce the risks connected with provider handoffs and care transitions and select communication styles that reduce the risks associated with authority gradients among team members.

I have learned much about leadership and management in nursing practice through course readings and discussion threads. In terms of my leadership abilities, I have acquired a diverse set of skills and knowledge in the field of nursing throughout the years. I am outgoing and versatile and have strong communication skills that allow me to interact with coworkers, patients, and their families. I understand the importance of choosing the right communication strategy and intention. One of the strengths of the ISFJ personality type is good communication skills. In this context, Wei et al. (2018) state that strengths-based leadership, or concentrating on employees’ strengths, is an effective strategy for increasing employee engagement and happiness. Thus, using my strength in communication, I would identify the strengths of other medical staff to engage them in work activities that capitalize on their finest qualities, resulting in positive organizational transformation.

To conclude, the significance of leadership in the nursing setting cannot be overstated. Leaders must have a high degree of leadership knowledge while also using the appropriate leadership style and abilities in all parts of work in the healthcare context. A good leader demonstrates honesty and trustworthiness while adopting a style appropriate for directing people and solving difficulties. In this sense, the course materials taught me the importance of equipping people with new skills to work together to create better and more positive patient-centered results.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). AACN essentials . Web.

Bianchi, M., Bagnasco, A., Bressan, V., Barisone, M., Timmins, F., Rossi, S., Pellegrini, R., Aleo, G., & Sasso, L. (2018). A review of the role of nurse leadership in promoting and sustaining evidence-based practice . Journal of Nursing Management, 26 (8), 918-932. Web.

Cummings, G. G., Lee, S., Tate, K., Penconek, T., Micaroni, S. P. M., Paananen, T., & Chatterjee, G. E. (2021). The essentials of nursing leadership: A systematic review of factors and educational interventions influencing nursing leadership . International Journal of Nursing Studies, 115. Web.

Grossman, S.C. & Valiga, T.M. (2017). Grossman and Valiga leadership characteristics and skills assessment. In the new leadership challenge; Creating the future of nursing (5 th ed.). F.A. Davis Company. Used with permission.

HumanMetrics. (n.d.). Discover your personality type . Web.

Quality and Safety Education in Nursing. (2012). Graduate-level QSEN competencies: Knowledge, skills, and attitudes . Web.

Wei, H., Roberts, P., Strickler, J., & Corbett, R. W. (2018). Nurse leaders’ strategies to foster nurse resilience . Journal of Nursing Management, 27 (4), 681-687. Web.

• The Individuation Concept According to Carl Jung
• Jung’s spiritual realm theories
• Carl Jung's Analytical Theory of Personality
• The American Association of Critical Care Nurses' Role
• Neuman Systems Model in Nursing
• The Importance of a Nursing Home
• Virginia Henderson: Nursing Theory
• Nursing Practice in Adult Daycare
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, June 25). Nursing Leadership Style and Talents Required. https://ivypanda.com/essays/nursing-leadership-style-and-talents-required/

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Example Reflective Essay using Rolfe Reflective Model

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The Rolfe model was developed initially for nursing and care education, but has become more broad in its subsequent applications, not least because of the clarity of the model and its ease of use. The three stages of the model ask you to consider, in turn, what happened, the implications of the occurrence, and the consequences for future conduct.

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The Words of Paul Revere: a Historical Reflection

This essay is about the historical details and significance of Paul Revere’s midnight ride on April 19, 1775. It explores the myth versus reality of his famous warning, often quoted as “The British are coming!” Contrary to popular belief, Revere likely said “The regulars are out!” or similar phrases to avoid alarming British patrols and because colonists still saw themselves as British. The essay also highlights the coordinated efforts of other riders like William Dawes and Samuel Prescott. While the legendary phrase has become a symbol of American independence, the true words and actions of Revere reflect the strategic and urgent nature of the revolutionary movement.

How it works

In the early hours of April 19, 1775, an American silversmith named Paul Revere embarked on a journey that would become legendary. His mission was clear: to warn the colonial militia of the approaching British forces. The words attributed to Paul Revere during his midnight ride, often quoted as “The British are coming!” have become an iconic part of American history. However, the reality of what Paul Revere said that night is both more nuanced and more reflective of the complexities of the revolutionary era.

Paul Revere’s midnight ride is a story deeply ingrained in the American consciousness, popularized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1861 poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride.” The poem, while stirring and memorable, took liberties with historical facts, shaping the narrative into a form that would inspire and unify the American people during a time of great division and uncertainty. According to historical accounts, Revere did not actually shout “The British are coming!” for several reasons. First, during that period, many colonists still considered themselves British, making the phrase somewhat anachronistic. Second, Revere’s mission relied on stealth; shouting loudly in the middle of the night would have likely alerted British patrols and jeopardized the mission.

In reality, Paul Revere is believed to have used a more discreet and practical warning system. He alerted the militia leaders and local Patriots with a more targeted message such as, “The regulars are out!” or “The regulars are coming out!” The term “regulars” referred to the British regular army, a phrase that would have been immediately understood by the colonial militia. This choice of words not only conveyed the urgency of the situation but also maintained the necessary secrecy to avoid detection by British forces.

Revere’s ride, while the most famous, was not a solo effort. It was part of a larger, well-coordinated alarm system involving several riders including William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, who also played crucial roles in spreading the alarm. This network of riders ensured that the warning reached as many people as possible in a short amount of time. The success of this system demonstrated the effectiveness of the colonial communication network and the deep commitment of the Patriots to their cause.

The phrase “The British are coming!” may not have been historically accurate, but its symbolic power cannot be denied. It encapsulates the spirit of the American Revolution: a call to arms, a warning of impending danger, and a rallying cry for those fighting for independence. The legend of Paul Revere’s ride, complete with its poetic embellishments, has served as a powerful narrative tool, fostering a sense of national identity and pride.

Reflecting on what Paul Revere actually said reminds us of the importance of historical accuracy and the way legends can evolve to serve larger narratives. While the mythologized version of events can inspire and unite, it is equally important to remember the real individuals and the actual words they used, which were often more complex and contextually rich than the simplified versions that have come down to us through history.

Paul Revere’s message, whether as “The regulars are out!” or “The regulars are coming,” carried a sense of immediacy and purpose that resonated deeply with those who heard it. It was a call to action that helped ignite a revolution and change the course of history. Understanding the true nature of his words allows us to appreciate the historical context and the strategic thinking behind the revolutionary movement.

In conclusion, while the exact words Paul Revere used may differ from the popular narrative, the essence of his message remains a testament to the courage and determination of the American Patriots. The story of his ride, embellished as it may be, continues to symbolize the fight for freedom and the enduring spirit of resistance. As we remember Paul Revere and his historic ride, let us also honor the accuracy of history and the real words that sparked a revolution.

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