Reflective practice: a guide

Reflective practice is an important concept to the development of nursing as a profession. Nurses need to become reflective practitioners, especially within the current changeable climate. Many practitioners however, find reflective practice confusing and feel unsure how to proceed. This paper attempts to remove some of the mystery surrounding this issue. The skills needed for reflection are identified from a review of the literature. These include self-awareness, critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation. A suggested activity for developing reflective skills is provided as well as a format for keeping a learning diary.