The Purpose Of Reflection In Action Is To Reflect Upon What
The Purpose Of Reflection In Action Is To Reflect Upon What One Has Le
The purpose of Reflection-in-Action is to reflect upon what one has learned or how one has performed as compared with one's expectations or goals. This assignment will provide an opportunity for students to share their experiences, thoughts, feelings and learning moments from this course. Self-understanding through reflection on life experiences, feelings, etc., is a core concept in Dr. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. The reflection should address at least three (3) of the following topics: learning moments or activities from the course, thoughts on evidence-based practice, evidence supporting Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, ethics in research, protecting human subjects in quality improvement or evidence-based practice projects, understanding or comfort level with statistics in nursing research and other reports, perceptions of MSN graduates’ roles in nursing research, creating and sustaining an evidence-based nursing environment, asking compelling clinical questions, lessons learned during literature reviews, or expectations for the course. The paper must be 3 pages long (excluding title and references) and formatted in APA 7th edition style.
Paper For Above instruction
The journey of nursing education emphasizes not only the acquisition of knowledge and skills but also the development of self-awareness and reflective practice. Reflection-in-Action serves as a vital tool in this journey, allowing nurses and nursing students to critically analyze their experiences, compare their actions to their expectations, and foster continuous growth. This paper explores three critical topics related to this reflective process: learning moments from the course, evidence-based practice, and ethics in research, providing insights into how these areas influence nursing professional development.
Learning Moments from the Course
One significant learning moment in this course was understanding the importance of integrating evidence-based practice (EBP) into clinical decision-making. Initially, I perceived research as an academic requirement; however, through course activities, I realized that EBP directly impacts patient outcomes and enhances the quality of care. Engaging in literature reviews and critical appraisal exercises heightened my ability to scrutinize research methodologies critically. A particularly enlightening experience was designing a clinical question using the PICO framework, which clarified how to formulate relevant questions that guide effective inquiry.
Additionally, collaborative discussions about case studies highlighted different perspectives on applying evidence in real-world scenarios. These moments fostered a deeper appreciation for the dynamic nature of nursing practice and the importance of staying current with emerging evidence. The course's emphasis on reflecting on personal practice encouraged me to evaluate my clinical decision-making critically, identifying areas for improvement and growth.
Thoughts on Evidence-Based Practice
My perception of evidence-based practice has evolved from viewing it as an optional academic exercise to recognizing it as fundamental to modern nursing. EBP involves integrating clinical expertise with the best available evidence and patient preferences to deliver personalized care. This approach ensures that interventions are scientifically sound and ethically justified, promoting optimal patient outcomes.
The process of evaluating research studies has shown me the importance of critically appraising the credibility, relevance, and biases within the literature. I have learned to utilize tools such as checklists and scoring systems to determine the quality of evidence. The implementation of EBP requires not only understanding research but also advocating for change within clinical environments—these skills are essential for MSN-prepared nurses aiming to improve practice standards.
Furthermore, I believe that fostering a culture of inquiry among nursing staff can facilitate the ongoing integration of evidence into practice, ultimately leading to enhanced patient safety and care quality.
Ethics in Research
Ethical considerations underpin all aspects of nursing research, especially when working with vulnerable populations. Understanding and applying ethical principles—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—are crucial in protecting human subjects. During the course, discussions about research ethics reinforced the importance of obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, and minimizing harm.
In quality improvement projects and evidence-based initiatives, ethical practice extends beyond formal research protocols to include transparency, respect, and accountability. As MSN nurses, maintaining ethical integrity helps preserve public trust and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. I also recognized the importance of institutional review boards (IRBs) in evaluating research proposals, safeguarding participants’ rights and well-being.
Overall, embracing ethical principles in research fosters a culture of respect and responsibility, essential traits for advancing nursing science while prioritizing patient safety and rights.
Conclusion
Reflecting on these topics has underscored the significance of continuous self-assessment and scholarly inquiry in nursing practice. By embracing evidence-based approaches and adhering to ethical standards, nurses can deliver high-quality, compassionate care. Reflective practice remains a cornerstone of professional development, guiding nurses to align their personal growth with the evolving demands of healthcare.
References
- Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2020). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
- Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
- Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring (Revised edition). University Press of Colorado.
- Hammersley, M. (2018). Ethical considerations in nursing research. Journal of Nursing Ethics, 25(2), 113-124.
- Gerrish, K., & Lacey, A. (2019). The research process in nursing (7th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
- LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2018). Nursing research: Appraisal and application of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier.
- American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Author.
- Fawcett, J. (2017). Analysis and evaluation of conceptual models of nursing. F.A. Davis Company.
- Greenhalgh, T. (2019). How to read a paper: The basics of evidence-based medicine (6th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
- Rosenberg, R. S. (2014). Ethical principles in nursing research. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 46(2), 107-113.