Reflection as defined by Mullally ( 2002), is "a consciously and systematically thinking about personal actions". For nurses, reflection is also the ability to review, analyse, and evaluate situations, during or after events this means looking back at an experience, analysing the events and learning from this experience.
The Experience.
On this particular day, I was asked by my mentor, Vivian (pseudonym) to observe the assessment of Susan (pseudonym). The rational for choosing Susan's case was that I played the role of a participant observer in Susan's care, and because of the importance of assessment in nursing. In addition, this experience was very important to me, as it was the first that I actually participated as a student nurse. .
Susan was admitted to the ward with a right knee infection following post total knee replacement one month ago. She had a fall in her bathroom, which led to her admission. Vivian explained that the model used in the ward when assessing a patient during admission, is the Roper activity of living model. .
Vivian knocked quietly on Susan's door, before entering the room and called her name softly so as not to alarm her. Vivian introduced herself to Susan and explained to her that I was a student nurse and if she minded my presence during the health assessment? Susan replied that she did not mind. Vivian sat next to Susan as she used both open and close questions to elicit information about her illness and the symptoms she was experiencing. Susan was very co-operative and interesting to talk with. At the end of the assessment, Vivian asked me to measure Susan vital signs while she supervised me. I moved close to Susan and ask for her consent, which was granted. I did the measurement, starting from the simplest one the temperature, then blood pressure, pulse and respiration. When I finished doing the measurement, Vivian asked Susan if she had any questions she said no but as we were about to leave, Susan called me by name and asked what the equipment on the wall on top of her bed was for.
