Fundamentals of Nursing and Midwifery 2e

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C H A P T E R

Thoughtful practice: Self-awareness and reflection

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing this chapter, the learner should be able to accomplish the following: 1. Discuss the context of thoughtful professional practice in contemporary nursing and midwifery 2. Define the links between self-awareness and reflection 3. Explain the importance of self-awareness for professional self-assessment 4. Explain the various types of reflection 5. Discuss different reflective techniques and when and how to use them in practice 6. Define the links between thoughtful practice, motivation, moral agency and person-centred care 7. Discuss the barriers and criticisms related to reflection 8. Briefly explain the concept of empowerment as it relates to critical reflection.

KEY TERMS

clinical supervision critical incident analysis

emotional intelligence group reflection mentoring moral agency motivation

personal knowledge professional attributes professional portfolio reflection reflective cues

reflective models reflective practice reflective techniques self-awareness

critical reflection critical social theory cues

T HIS CHAPTER INTRODUCES THE CONCEPT of thoughtful practice and the first of its key components—reflective practice (Figure U3-1). Reflective practice as an individual attribute has been incorporated into the professional standards of nursing and midwifery. This chapter outlines some of the models and strategies that are referred to in the stan- dards and other nursing and midwifery literature for increasing reflective practice through improving self- awareness. It provides practical examples as well as

opportunities for you to engage in self-awareness and reflective activities. Recognising the importance of reflective practice and the pivotal role it plays in learning from your experience will enable you to understand and appreciate that knowledge is embedded in practice and is therefore essential in further developing your clinical expertise. Thoughtful practice is dependent on the nurse or midwife being person centred. In order to be person centred, you must have an appreciation of the concept of empowerment, or how power is used or

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