Caring for a patient with COPD: a reflective account

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Professional Development
• Healthcare Ethics

Background:

• Reflective practice is a known concept in nursing.
• Johns' (1994) model provides a framework for analyzing nursing practice and enhancing professional growth.
• Understanding reflective practice is crucial for nurses' self-awareness and skill development.

Observation:

• A nurse reflects on caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a community setting.
• The reflective process involved analyzing personal feelings and actions during patient care.
• The experience focused on the final stages of the patient's life.

Findings:

• The nurse gained a deeper understanding of reflective practice and its impact on professional development.
• Key issues identified include the development of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.
• Feelings of guilt arose when reflecting on perceived shortcomings in patient care during critical moments.

Implications:

• Reflective practice enhances self-awareness and professional growth in nurses.
• It highlights the importance of therapeutic relationships in patient care, especially in chronic and end-of-life situations.
• Addressing guilt through reflection can improve nursing practice and emotional well-being.