[Solved]: APPENDIX – REFLECTION The purpose of this…

APPENDIX – REFLECTION The purpose of this reflection is to describe my feelings, using the Gibbs reflective cycle 1. Description of what happened The student nurse was faced with several incidents that would make me feel uncomfortable in the workplace. A nurse carrying out a catheter insertion into an elderly patient with dementia without asking for consent or explaining the procedure to him. Seeing another student taking photos containing confidential information in the ward and posting them on social media. A third incident involved an enrolled nurse giving an injection to a patient that is outside of her scope of practice. Lastly, an emergency was called after a nurse gave a patient the wrong dose of medication and they ended up in a coma. 2. Feelings about the situation and what occurred Student nurses are reminded constantly of the importance of confidentiality, patient rights, working within our scope of practice and always taking time to follow the six rights of medication administration – double check medications. When I have been on placement, I have often thought what a huge responsibility I am going to have when I graduate, and it feels scary to think about. If I saw a nurse not explain something to a patient, I would feel shocked. It seems so basic to explain and ask for permission to continue. I would feel angry that a student nurse took photos and posted them on social media. The whole day would have made be feel anxious, frustrated and uncomfortable. 3. Evaluation of the experience As a student nurse, I like to think that I will never make a mistake when it comes to my job, but that is not realistic. In this case, the student saw how people work when they are busy, under stress and not thinking about the repercussions of their actions. Although the student was exposed to negative experiences, I think they should feel positive that they were able to recognise that legal and ethical boundaries that were crossed. 4. Analysis of the situation The student nurse was aware of the incidents as they occurred, she even determine that there may have been ethical and legal consequences of others actions. When we are learning, it can be difficult to understand why our decisions are so important, and it is not until we are on placement that we can put theory into practice. As a student it often feels easier to ignore something that has happened rather than questioning it. 5. Conclusion Like the student in the case study, I have been in situations, on placement, where it feels like there is a great divide between theory and reality. I have questioned some things, but I have usually got the feeling that because I am a student I don’t understand what has occurred. Some advice I have been given is to observe and get my hours but don’t question or make waves. It is disheartening that there are practicing nurses who do not practice ethically and within the scope of the law. 6. Action Plan From my experiences on placement, and in life, I know how important it is to have a strong ethical foundation and understand legal requirements so I can have the confidence to advocate for patients and to report misconduct. I understand that when people get busy and stressed they cut corners, but when that happens in nursing it could cost a person their life. With continuing education, and regular reflection I think people become more aware of the importance of keeping a high ethical standard and also it will remind them of legal ramifications. This reflection has reinforced the weight of responsibility that comes with being a nurse. While it’s daunting, it’s also strengthened my resolve to become a nurse who upholds the profession’s highest standards.