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In this assignment I will reflect on, my journey from carer to student nurse, reflecting on my thoughts and experiences. I will outline my strengths and weaknesses using two models of reflection to compare. I have chosen to use the models of reflection, Gibbs (1988) as this reflective cycle is fairly straight forward; it encourages a clear description of a situation. Kolb (2004) learning cycle shows; learning theory through your experience.

My interest for the health care profession started when I was employed as a community care worker. This involved all aspects of care mainly with the elderly. For example, hygiene, nutrition, mobility, medications. I feel that hand’s on care is strength of mine, this developed initially in this area of work. Kolb’s (2004) states four different learning styles. When completing the assessment learning style, I noted that I fall into the category of accommodating (doing & feeling). In detail this means using a practical / experimental approach to new challenges and to set targets that can to be reached. This is a good description of how I have worked throughout my caring profession. A great learning curve for me was mixing with all the varying personalities and caring for each individual need. The NMC (2008) code of conduct says your first concern is the care of the person, treat them as individuals and respect their dignity. This job gave me great satisfaction, being able to help and comfort people in need. I am able communicate very well, using verbal and non-verbal language with respect to each individual person. I have always received positive feedback from my work colleagues in regards to my communicating skills. This skill has developed over the years due to my experience in the health care setting. Verbal and non-verbal (oral & written); involve several different parts of our nervous system that help us assimilate overall meaning, (Holland, Jenkins, Solomon, Whittam 2003). I reflect back on experiences that has been a nature of concern, i.e. communication barriers, I analyse and evaluate on these experiences, which helps me to adapt myself professionally. As my learning style is identified as ‘accommodating’, Kolb (2004) assessment indicates, I like a new challenge and a different experience to carry out plans. I am aware of my limitations in different situations and during conflicts; I try and resolve these in a professional manner. I stay calm and take into consideration the patients feelings. You have to build a trusting relationship between you and the patient.
My job search then took me into the hospital setting. I had an interview for a support worker in the plastic and burns theatre department, I am aware that I am a very nervous person when it comes to interviews. I now have learnt from past experiences that when you attend interviews it is best to read into the background of the position you’re applying for and give the interviewer good feedback, prepare yourself. Gibbs (1998) “Reflect upon experience to examine what you would do if you was in that situation again”. Non-verbal communication is important; maintain a good posture and give good eye contact. Effective communication covers a wide scope of practice. Face to face communication offers the highest skill for interaction communication (Holland, Jenkins, Solomon, Whittam 2003), I have developed on this skill working within the hospital. Each day in the clinical area is different and new skills and knowledge is learnt continuously throughout the working environment. Learning never ends. During my career in theatre I acquired qualifications I thought I would never achieve, I have always previously relied on my practical skills not my theory work to get me through life. I now know that theory is as important as practical. It has been a challenge to gain these qualifications due to working and studying at the same time but I find it easier to perform practically. I am aware that a theory basis is also required and is of great importance as is practical. Kolb’s (2006) learning cycle shows that knowledge comes through experience. I feel confident doing it this way. Whereas Gibbs (1998) is a very popular model used in the medical setting, suggests you think and feel, experience, reflect and then put into action.
This leads me to my position now as a student nurse, it has taken me many years to build up the confidence to leave the practical setting and go into full-time education as a student at university. I feel that at present my ability to achieve a good written assignment is low. It’s not the research I have a problem with it’s the structuring and the overall content of the essay. Writing essays is an important and valuable aspect of the educational process; also part of a student’s existence (Burnard & Morrison 1993).This is something that I will develop on with experience. Presentations are not a problem I enjoy the findings, planning and the group work.
I am slowly learning the knowledge around social policy; this has never been a subject that I have never had to look in depth at. I have never initialised research previously, this makes me feel frustrated and anxious, but I will get to grips with this in time. To strengthen in this subject I try really hard to concentrate in lectures and read the notes prior to attending the session to give me an insight of the information being discussed. I have decided to concentrate on this and block out any negative thoughts I have and think positive. To understand more I have decide to gather information by researching into the subject, i.e. media, TV, magazines, books and journals. Burnard & Morrison (1993) says being able to bring different information together, quickly will make an important difference to your work as a student nurse. I now subscribe to the nursing standards there’s lots of information in this journal, not all is relevant and can be used in all essays but it provides knowledge of the nursing profession today.

I am a strong and determined person; this is a good strength of mine, which will get me to my goal in life of being a qualified nurse. The more I achieve the higher up the ladder I want to reach.I am looking forward to improving my knowledge and skills throughout my student life. I recognise my weaknesses and strengths, by pairing these two together it will help me achieve and overcome if not all, but most of my weaknesses. Hopefully the underpinning weaknesses that are left to achieve will in the future become positive and make me an excellent qualified nurse.