Reflective practice: a critical incident

Reflection identifies one's professional capabilities, increases knowledge of self and improves understanding and management of patients. Conducting reflective practice is conducive to professional development and growth. A complex medical and nursing management of a psychiatric emergency is illustrated through this critical incident. Psychiatric nurses play a key role in deescalating the aggressive behaviour of psychotic patients. Through reflection, the basic tools of psychiatric nurses are reviewed and the prime components of psychiatric therapy are discussed.