Benefits and Challenges of Reflection in an Undergraduate Nursing Programme

1. Benefits and Challenges of Reflection in an Undergraduate Nursing Programme Isabel Dosser and Jackie Nicol Edinburgh Napier University September 2013

2. Aim • To share personal and professional experience of facilitating reflection in an undergraduate programme • To discuss the benefits and challenges of facilitating reflection for student nurses

3. Sighthill campus

4. Background • Reflection is a key component of the undergraduate programme at Edinburgh Napier University • 1500 students currently on the programme • Reflection is timetabled in every practice placement module • Key requirement of the Nursing and Midwifery Council

5. How? • Individual – with e.g. reflective diary, reflective account in placement books, theory modules • Recommended reading in theory trimesters • One to one- e.g. Mentor, academic staff or peers • Group- e.g. Classroom setting, practice placements

6. When? • At beginning of programme • Personal development sessions – one to one • Individually in practice • Formal group reflection embedded within placements throughout three year programme

7. Where? • In practice with mentors and peers • Out with practice • In University

8. Benefits • Encourages reflective practitioners • Raises self awareness • Enhances personal development • Good learning tool • Group discussion can promote an in depth approach to learning • Shared learning

9. Challenges • Challenges for students in practice • Lack of insight • Lack of motivation • Lack of time • Consequences of reflection • Lack of engagement/encouragement from mentors • Inconsistency in approaches to facilitation • Distractions in the environment • Tiredness

10. Challenges • Challenges for facilitators • Awareness of learning styles • Awareness and understanding of theory • Environment • Time in practice/university • Attendance at ENU is not mandatory for adult learners (including reflection sessions) • Maintaining a consistent approach within school of nursing

12. Success! • A personal student from the September 09 BN (Adult) cohort, developed a paper which was published in July. • Powley, D. (2013) Reducing violence and aggression in the emergency department Emergency Nurse 21 (4): 26-29

13. On Reflection • There are a number of benefits and challenges when facilitating large numbers of students • Motivated students and facilitators overcome practical obstacles • Personal experience confirms that many students benefit from varied • Many students flourish and complete the programme as reflective practitioners

15. Diolch Thank You