Reflective Paper: Nurse-client Relationship

For this assignment, reflect upon a previous client encounter that was challenging. Write a narrative centered on the nurse-client relationship that incorporates the key points discussed in this week’s presentation.

Reflective papers are recognized as an important contributor to clinical education and practice. Reflective writing uses a personal or professional experience to enhance self-awareness and facilitate professional growth. This is not simple storytelling. Reflective writing allows both writer and reader to examine complex, ethically ambiguous, troubling, or inspiring situations to enhance critical thinking skills and promote emotional awareness. The goals of are to: a) emotionally engage the reader, b) present the humanistic side of an experience, c) stimulate deep reflection, d) increase self-awareness, insight and empathy, and d) facilitate appreciation for multiple perspectives and interpretations.

In this course, reflective writing assignments are based on the DEAL method (Ash & Clayton, 2009). DEAL is an acronym for describe, examine and articulate learning. Specific instructions for the assignment will vary depending on the topic for the reflective paper. Please read carefully.

There are three distinct sections of the paper (sub-headings):

I. DESCRIBE: Describe a client encounter that had a significant impact on your clinical practice. (use first person). Write a THICK narrative/story about the experience. A thick description is defined as “…describing a phenomenon in sufficient detail so that one can begin to evaluate the extent to which the conclusions drawn are transferable to other times, settings, situations, and people. It is NOT a factual account without interpretation. The goal of the storyteller is to create a space in which the reader feels as if they are part of the story; not just a casual observer. It is helpful to provide a descriptive title for the story. Something that immediately communicates a deeper meaning to the reader.

Click here for further information about a thick description.

II. EXAMINE (to look closely and explore deeply for learning): The purpose of this section is to externalize the experience for examination as well as to deconstruct (critique dominant understandings of a topic). For this reflection paper, we are exploring the nurse-client relationship.Consider the following questions as you examine the experience. These questions are for your consideration. Please feel free to expound as you deem appropriate. This is your experience; your opportunity to reflect and learn:

1. What are the main themes embedded in the narrative?
2. How did the experience affect you personally and professionally? Your ability to engage with clients?
3. How did the experience impact your own value system and/or ethical standards?.

ARTICULATE LEARNING: The purpose of this section is to reflect on your answers in the previous section and write a summary statement.

Respond to the following questions:

1. What did I learn about myself? About my client?
2. How did I learn it?
3. Why does it matter?
4. What will I do in the future (professionally and personally)?