I use reflection daily. Whether I am at clinical placement, classes, or in my everyday life.
It helps you analyse, recharge and readjust to positive and negative experiences.

Reflecting on clinical practice is now a part of the NMC Revalidation for Nurses and Midwives - to help them continue their professional development and lifelong learning.
But reflecting as a student is much more valuable. It can help students to adjust to placement cultures, atmospheres and staff. It can realign beliefs and thoughts regarding models of care. It can even pin point areas of research that need further study, or areas of interest.

Tools
Reflecting using a model is the best structure to start with. Gibbs (1988) Reflective cycle is the most common, however I tend to use the much simpler Rolfe et al's 3 question model (2011) to structure my personal, non academic reflections; What? So what? Now what?
It can be that simple.

The 'What?' is merely an explanation, in your own words of the day/situation's events
'So what?' is how this made you feel, why do you think it made you feel that way and why was that important?
'Now what?' How has this impacted upon you as a person/student/midwife?

More recently we undertook an assignment asking use to write a reflection - for that I used MacDonalds model of reflection (2014).  There are plenty of books to help with choosing the right model for you when reflecting.

Tips
Reflect as soon as possible after the event - use a diary, notebook or your phone to make notes. I sometimes record myself explaining the situation to better understand it.

One of my favourite student midwife blogs by Alison Brindle (alisonbrindle.wordpress.com) uses poetry to reflect on different situations along with blog posts. Check it out and other student midwife blogs to help with exploring reflecting styles.

My way of learning is enhanced by de-briefing. This is where the 'So what?' comes into it. 'Why do I feel the way I do?' and 'Why were decisions made?' are often the two questions I ask myself. If you find it hard to reflect writing down feelings is a good place to start.

Write down single words to express your feelings. Doubt, confidence, encouragement- explore why you feel this later on.

Use voice recording apps to describe the situation you're reflecting. Later on when transcribing you can reflect on how your voice sounded, the impact upon this. What you might do differently next time.

Frame reflections in question format. Use these to start conversations with mentors or other students and gain different knowledge and experience on situations you may be unsure of how to act in.

It's important to reflect on both the good and the bad. Counter balance. Remember that change can happen and by reflecting can pin point areas YOU can influence change.

Use twitter to engage with other students and midwives. #GetYourTweetOn.
(@RCM_SMF Campaign)



What are your tips for reflecting? How often do you use reflection? Share some experiences below in the comments or on twitter with #studentreflectiontips

Thanks,

Ruth x

twitter: @ruth_stmw
#GetYourTweetOn