There is no use denying the fact that nursing is a very important aspect of the health service and society on the whole. Being an integral part of human life, this issue develops along with our society and technologies, obtaining new peculiarities. With this in mind, it is possible to say that nowadays the issue of nursing can be characterized by a great number of significant changes (Olsen, 2014). Resting on this fact, it is also possible to suggest that nursing education should also be altered for it to be able to promote the development of professional skills among specialists and increase the level of their efficiency (Amos, n.d). Moreover, nurses should be ready to act under modern conditions (Somerville, 2004). That is why it is vital to teach them how to do it.
The article The issue of Critical Reflection in Baccalaureate Nursing Education by Karen M. Butler is devoted to this very issue. The author tends to show the necessity of changes in traditional ways of education and the necessity of the development of critical thinking and reflection among specialists in this sphere. The article investigates the theoretical basis for reflective practice and underlines its importance for the further development of baccalaureate education (Butler, 2004). The author states the fact that the issue of critical reflection will become very helpful in terms of developing scientifically based and, at the same time, contextualized thinking. The author cogitates about this issue, supporting her work with clear evidence and the ideas of some other researchers.
The author also tries to show the great importance of the practice of reflection, which allows a person to analyze all his/her actions in order to understand mistakes or efficient measures better and use them. Additionally, the author also introduces Schons idea about the great importance of personal experience and its analysis. Empirical science is compared with the swamp, while the knowledge based on experience seems to be the best way to overcome problems that professionals face in their work. With this in mind, it is possible to say that reflection is taken as the only efficient way to develop professional skills and knowledge as it helps to structure information and use it in practice. Moreover, there are two types of reflection. They are reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action. As it becomes obvious from their title, the first type of reflection is connected with the analysis of actions while engaged in them and the second one means looking back on the whole situation trying to understand its most important aspects.
Moreover, the author also states the fact that reflective practice can influence the development of different ways of knowing (Butler, 2004). To prove the statement the table is given, it which Carpers Ways of knowing are shown, and some possible examples of their usage are suggested. Empirical knowledge can be used to rethink all information obtained during the lectures while aesthetic knowledge can be used in clinical experience (Butler, 2004). At the same time, personal and ethical knowledge can be used for experimental learning and decision-making. All these ways of knowing to suggest a wide range of possibilities for reflection.
Having analyzed the article, it is possible to make a certain conclusion. First of all, it should be said that the traditional approach to the issue of baccalaureate nursing education should be altered to become more efficient (Asselin & Cullen, 2011). Under these conditions, the practice of reflection should become one of the most important aspects of the work of any specialist.
References
Amos, L. (n.d.). Baccalaureate Nursing Programs. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Web.
Asselin, M & Cullen, A. (2011). Improving practice through reflection. Nursing2011, 41(4), 44-46. Web.
Butler, K. (2004). The issue of Critical Reflection in Baccalaureate Nursing Education. Nursing Leadership Forum, 8(4), 138-145.
Olsen, N. (2014). Self-reflection: Foundation for meaningful nursing practice. Reflections on Nursing Leadership, 39(2), n. pag. Web.
Somerville, D. (2004). A practical approach to promote reflective practice within nursing. Nursingtimes, 100(12), 42-25. Web.