Are you struggling to write a nursing reflective essay?

Well, do not worry, you are not alone in this journey. And you are definitely not DUMB. The nursing reflective essay is one of the hardest things that students have to face during their academic journey.

So, you can say that it is a shared trauma among nursing students. Reflective Writing is not child’s play. It requires a great amount of effort and skills to write a perfect one. And most importantly, you need the right guide to write it correctly.

Luckily, you found me! And now you do not have to struggle with your reflective essays anymore. I will tell you the 5 simple steps to complete your essays without any worries.

It might seem hard at first. But once you get hold of it, you will find it really easy. So, in this blog, we will learn about how to write a nursing reflective essay in just 5 easy steps. Let us get started!

What is a Reflective Essay?

A reflective essay is an essay in which you report about an experience and then reflect on what it meant to you.

So, when writing a reflective essay, you need to ask yourself questions like:

• What happened at that time?
• How did you feel?
• What did you learn from that experience?
• How will it impact your nursing practice

Hence, it is not simply telling a story. But rather it is about reflecting on what you went through carefully and presenting what you have learnt.

Thus, reflection is an essential tool in nursing as it allows you to deliver better patient care, learn about your strengths and weaknesses. And develop personally and professionally.

You can also consider other Student Nursing Reflection Examples to improve yourself.

Why Reflective Writing Matters in Nursing

Now that we know what reflective writing really means. Let us understand why it is so important in the field of nursing.

Well, there are many reasons that make it one of the most effective academic writings in nursing. Here are some of them:

• Nursing actually involves real people, problems, and emotions.
• Reflecting helps you learn from your experience
• Reflecting is something that will turn you into a better thinker and communicator.
• It allows you to be more effective in your future judgment.
• It demonstrates to your teachers or supervisors how you develop as a nurse.

Hence, reflection is not a one-time affair. But rather something that you will continue to do throughout your entire career in nursing. As you educate yourself with each shift, each patient, and each challenge.

5 Easy Steps to Write a Nursing Reflective Essay

It is time to move ahead and check out the five simple steps that you can use to write your nursing reflective essay.

These steps include the tips and a Reflective Journal Nursing Example to guide you like a pro. So, here we go:

Step 1: Choose the Right Experience

So, the first step to writing your nursing reflective essay is to choose a meaningful experience from your nursing practice.

This must be something that you care about. Hence, it can be anything like:

• An instance when you acquired a new skill.
• A scenario that was a challenge.
• Some proudful moment
• Something that helped you realize your values

Hence, select an experience that assisted you in developing or one that made you doubt your way of doing things. So, this provides you with fine material to ponder.

Tips for Choosing the Right Experience

Now, you must be wondering what the right experience as nurses are constantly dealing with such situations and challenges that are good to consider.

But let me make it easy for you. Here is what you need to ask yourself:

• Was this scenario able to influence my thoughts?
• Did I learn something from it?
• Do you think it was emotionally important?

Thus, when the answer is yes, then you must have chosen a good event to write about. Also, if you are having trouble choosing the right experience, connect with the professionals and ask them to write my nursing essay for me. By getting it done by the professionals, you can learn how to craft a solid reflective essay.

Step 2: Describe What Happened

After selecting your experience, the second step is to explain the situation in a clear manner. So, you really have to play the part of storyteller here. All you need to make sure of is that you are doing it in a simple and clear manner.

Include every important detail, like when, where, or how it happened. You should include who was involved. But do not include their real names, just name it like “My patient” or “My Supervisor.”

Thus, it will help your readers imagine the situation in their minds.

Example:

“It was my initial clinical rotation in the emergency department. I was requested to look after a patient who was in bad pain. Initially, I was scared but also willing to assist.”

So, you do not have to create a long narrative. Just sufficient to provide the context of your reflection.

Step 3: Reflect on Your Thoughts and Feelings

Now, this is the part where you will actually be reflecting on your experience. So, you have to think deeply about what really happened.

It is not that hard. Here is a quick checklist for you to help you write this part. This is what you need to explain here:

• What were you thinking during that particular experience?
• How does it feel?
• What makes you act in that way?
• What really surprises you?

They are definitely not fixed. But they are the basics of reflective writing. Just remember that reflective writing is done in the first person i.e., with the use of I statements. Hence, this makes it intimate and sincere.

Also, you need to follow the right format. Do not worry, I will help you Learn Format correctly to ensure accuracy.

Questions to Help You Reflect

• What has this experience helped me to think differently?
• Is there any way I would do it differently next time?
• What aspect of my nursing practice has been enhanced due to this experience?

For example:

“At the beginning, I felt dazed as this patient was in great pain and I was not sure what to do. However, I came to understand the significance of communication in providing comfort as I took time to listen and ask questions.”

So, honesty and thoroughness here is a demonstration of real thought, not mere description.

Step 4: Analyze and Learn

Once you have given an account of what you think and how you feel. The next thing to do is to interpret the experience.

So, you have to look a little bit deeper at:

• What made things happen the way they did?
• How do your actions impact you or your patients?
• What nursing school theories or lessons relate to this occurrence?

Hence, at this step, you do not simply explain your feelings but you consider meaning.

For example:

I got to know that good communication is not only about speaking clearly. It is also about listening, understanding, and empathy. This relates to the patient-centered care models that we studied in class.

So, this is one of the areas where you demonstrate to your teacher that you are not merely recalling an event. But you are interpreting it on a different level.

Step 5: Look Forward — What Will You Do Next?

This is the last section of your essay where you look at the future.

So, here you write about what you have learned. And how you will apply this learning in your nursing practice.

Again, here are a few questions to ask to yourself. They include:

• What can you do differently the next time?
• Has this experience taught me about my practice?
• What are my desired areas of improvement?

So, this section indicates growth and planning. And that is what reflective essays are supposed to portray.

How to Structure Your Nursing Reflective Essay?

Now is the time to learn a format nursing reflection example.

Obviously, every essay follows a basic structure that everyone needs to follow. Just like this, the nursing reflective essays have 3 main parts in their essays.

A clear structure is important to understand, as it helps your readers to follow your thoughts without any trace of confusion. So, here is the basic structure of a nursing reflective essay.

1. Introduction

You must have heard that first impressions are the last impression. Well, that is true. And you have to write a strong intro for your reflection to grab the attention of your readers right away.

No need to exaggerate it. Just keep it simple and to the point. And it will turn out perfectly for you.

2. Main Body Paragraphs

This is the place where most of your writing will happen.

So, this is exactly where you have to follow these 5 steps to write a perfect reflective essay for your nursing.

Write it in a paragraph. And only address one point at a time. Trust me, this is the key to effective writing.

3. Conclusion

Your conclusion wraps everything up.

Here, you should:

• Briefly summarize what you reflected on
• Highlight the key lessons you learned
• Explain how this reflection will help you in future nursing practice

Avoid adding new experiences in the conclusion. Just focus on what you have already discussed.

A Pro tip: If you are struggling to structure your essay, consult with the professional at nursing essay writing service. From introduction to conclusion, they will guide you what you have to do.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, writing a nursing reflective essay does not always have to be stressful for students. If you know the right steps and format, then it will become really easy for you.

So, make sure that you follow these 5 simple steps to make sure that you are going on the right track while writing your essays. Do not forget to follow the format and you are good to go.

Just keep practicing, and it will become easier for you.

Happy Writing!