Nursing Reflective Essay using Driscolls reflective cycle

Nursing Reflective Essay using Driscolls reflective cycleIn this reflective account essay, I will be describing nursing skills that I undertook during my practice placement, using Driscols (2000) reflective cycle, a recognised framework for reflection to demonstrate my ability to reflect on different nursing skill. According to Driscoll’s (2000), there are three processes when reflecting on one’s practice. They are: What (what happened), so what (what were you feeling, what was good/bad about the experience and Now what (if it happens again what you would do differently). The application of Driscolls reflective cycle will enable me link theory to practice.As outlined, in the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC, 2004), the practice of reflection will allow me to explore, through experience, area for development in providing the necessary quality of care (Taylor, 2006). Reflection is a significant part of attaining knowledge and understanding, to reflect on experiences which could be positive or negative allowing for self criticism (Bulman and Schutz, 2004).My 1st skill will explores how communication can be enhanced for clients with communication impairments which I raised in one of the multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT). I will be drawing from knowledge and experience gained from that meeting which involve social workers, speech & language therapist, adult nurse, mental health nurse and a carer experience. Names have been changed to maintain confidentiality (NMC, 2007)1st skill:I discover the level at which nurses and support worker communicate with service user are not up to standard simply because they have an impairment see Appendix 1This now lead me to carry out a research on this issues which I discover that it has been estimated that there are 2.5 million people in the UK with communication impairment (Communications Forum, 2008). It is estimated that 50% to 90% of people with intellectual disabilities have communication difficulties and about 60% of people with intellectual disabilities have some skills in symbolic communication using pictures, signs or symbols (Fraser & Kerr, 2003).The World Health Organization’s classification of impairment, disability and handicap relating to communication disorders are impairment which disruption the normal language-processing or speech production system e.g. difficulty with finding the right words or with reading sentences, reduced spelling ability and reduced ability to pronounce words clearly (World Health Organization, 2001).Communication is ‘a process that involves a meaningful exchange between at least two people to convey facts, needs, opinions, thoughts, feelings and other information through both verbal and non-verbal means, including face to face exchanges and the written word’. (DH, 2003)Communication is a two-way process, involving at least two people who alternate in sending and receiving messages (Ferris-Taylor, 2007). When the message is received, it is interpreted and normally a response is given. In some people there may be a delay in response time as result of communication impairment. This was the problem encountered by Mr Kee whilst I felt frustrated sometimes as I felt nurses/support workers were not patient enough with him.I propose both verbal and non verbal communication is important when dealing with Mr Kee as it is important to ensure the message put across is clear. There is a need to devise a strategy to communicate that would promote empowerment, building on existing strengths so as not to reinforce a sense of helplessness and power imbalance. Studies have showed that by using verbal and non verbal communication techniques appropriately can help us nurses/carers and families to communicate and enhance the communication experience for Mr Kee. For example we should create conducive environment, listen carefully to what he is trying to say, observing his body language, using positive body language to convey warmth and reassurance, speaking slowly, using short and simple words, give Mr Kee opportunities to talk in indirect ways and to express himself, I tried emphasis the need for us nurses/support worker to be creative, adaptable and skilful to avoid disempowering Mr Kee because of his communication impairment (Allan 2001, Feil & DeKlerk-Rubin 2002 and Alzheimer’s Association 2005). ‘One of the ways in which people with dementia are disempowered in communication is that of being continually outpaced, having others speak, move and act more quickly that they are able to understand or match’ (Killick and Allan, 2001, pp. 60–1)The MDT experience has emphasised the importance of interprofessional working together as it encourages holistic care to be delivered. The learning gained from this experience will impact my future practice in various areas which include communication and empathy. I am mindful of the challenges faced by Mr Kee and this has increased my knowledge in clinical practice where I have observed that mental illness can impair patient’s ability to communication, for example dementia, schizophrenia, depression and psychosis cause’s cognitive impairment which can interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly, to distinguish reality from fantasy, to manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others, which often hinders the development of a therapeutic relationship. I have learnt a lot about The Mental Capacity Act, 2005 provides guidance as to what factors should be taken into consideration when making a decision in someone’s best interest.As a qualified nurse my role would be to ensure decisions are made on behalf of the service user after much consultation with the service user as communication advocacy is universally considered a moral obligation in nursing practice as it is the crucial foundation of nursing (McDonald, 2007) Effective advocacy can transform the lives of people with learning disabilities enabling them to express their wishes and make real choices.In Mental health nursing, empowerment usually means the intent to ensure that conditions are such that the individual can act as a self advocate (Webb, 2008)]This experience has highlighted the difficulties that may be encountered in communicating and gaining valid consent which I will be aware of in future practice.In conclusion steps towards better health care can be made by providing encouragement and support to improve communication between nurses/support workers and carers with communication disabilities [Godsell and Scarborough, 2006]. In order to battle any restriction for Mr Kee to access good hea……………………………