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  • Essay / Critical thinking and experience with a patient...

    The purpose of this essay is to critically analyze a clinical incident involving an adult with congenital heart disease (CHD). I will define reflection, then select a model of reflection and critically reflect on the incident demonstrating my new acquired knowledge. Finally, I will suggest how nursing practice should change to improve the care of this patient group. Reflection is a key part of the human learning process. It can be used to justify certain aspects of practice and legitimize the knowledge that results from it, as opposed to traditional forms of learning. Definitions of reflection vary depending on the author's discipline. After reviewing the literature, Bulman (2008, p.2), a nurse, defines it as "the examination of practice experience so that it can be described, analyzed, evaluated and used to inform and change future practice.” It is a personal process that requires honesty, openness, self-awareness, courage and a willingness to act on criticism. It recognizes that feelings and emotions influence actions. Critical reflection involves careful examination and questioning of personal, social, historical, cultural, and political assumptions and perspectives that are embedded in actions. It is an active process of making sense of events, situations, and actions that occur in the workplace (Oelofsen, 2012). It transforms a situation in which confusion and doubt reign into one that is clear and coherent (Dewey, 2010). Schon (1983) identified “reflection on action” and “reflection in action.” In reflection on action, professionals consciously examine their past practice to better understand and improve future practices. In reflection-on-action, expert professionals examine their experiences and responses as they occur and adapt in the middle of the document.... ..or in-depth history taking and information sharing. As my knowledge of ACHD grows, this will need to be revisited. Now that I have developed a better knowledge of ACHD and am more familiar with ACHD nurses and doctors, I will not hesitate to ask them for advice if necessary. In conclusion, my newly acquired knowledge about ACHD will allow me to ask the right questions. . Future reflection will help me develop this further. This is supported by Dewey (2010) who states that it is impossible to think against an idea if one has not experienced a similar situation. This will help me move forward on the path of Benner (1984). I will share my knowledge with my colleagues and patients and encourage others to enroll in the course. Finally, I will support the introduction of patient passports for ACHD patients to improve communication between patients and healthcare professionals..