Communities of reflection in nurse education programs: A qualitative multi-methods study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Practice Integration
• Professional Development

Background:

• Nursing students struggle to bridge theoretical knowledge with clinical practice.
• A novel concept, 'Communities of Reflection,' was developed to address this theory-practice gap.
• This concept involves interprofessional reflection groups during clinical placements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the meaning of 'Communities of Reflection' in enhancing theory-practice coherency.
• To understand participant perceptions of the concept's impact on their learning.
• To examine how reflection groups facilitate the integration of academic knowledge and clinical experience.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative multi-methods approach.
• Involved nursing students, preceptors, and faculty.
• Data collected via interviews, focus groups, written reflections, and observations.

Main Results:

• 'Communities of Reflection' promote shared engagement in nursing practice.
• Deeper levels of reflection are fostered within these groups.
• Creating a safe space and embracing vulnerability are essential for effective engagement.

Conclusions:

• 'Communities of Reflection' provide a valuable framework for theory-practice integration.
• An equitable theory-practice partnership is foundational for student outcomes.
• Emotions can act as catalysts for developing professional expertise.