NUR1399 – Foundations of Nursing Practice Assignment

Introduction

My placement involved helping a person with multiple chronic health complexities manage their medication schedule, with an emphasis on person-centred care. To reflect on this episode, evaluate my awareness, and explore areas for improvement, I have used Gibbs' Reflective Cycle. This model provides a structured framework for assessing experiences and planning for future practice in nursing.

Description

The situation occurred during one of my medication distribution shifts. I was attending to Mrs. Johnson, an 80-year-old patient diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, and osteoarthritis. Upon entering her room, I was met with evident frustration and anger. She expressed her dissatisfaction with not being informed about her medications including their purpose, side effects, and potential interactions. She felt left out of decisions about her treatment, which negatively affected her sense of autonomy.

Feelings

I immediately empathized with Mrs. Johnson. Her feelings of helplessness were apparent. I felt regret that I hadn’t previously taken the time to ask about her preferences and concerns regarding her medications. It was clear that she valued having a say in her treatment and that my failure to recognize this had impacted her trust and comfort level with the care process.

Evaluation

The event emphasized the importance of respecting patient autonomy as a central tenet of person-centred care. While I had a sound understanding of the theoretical principles behind this approach, I failed to translate that into action. My lack of engagement with Mrs. Johnson’s preferences meant that her experience was less positive and empowering than it could have been.

Analysis

The National Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Standards for Practice emphasize the importance of involving patients in care decisions. As nurses, we are expected to promote autonomy and collaborate with patients. Including Mrs. Johnson in medication-related decisions would have enhanced her empowerment and contributed to her overall well-being.

My approach had contributed to her feeling of disempowerment. This reflection made me realize the need to develop better communication strategies. Person-centred care goes beyond simply providing information—it requires empathy, active listening, and collaborative decision-making. A nurse must recognize and respect the values, preferences, and lived experiences of every patient.

Through this analysis, I realized that fostering a respectful and empathetic relationship can significantly improve patient outcomes. Addressing patients’ individual stories, preferences, and values allows nurses to tailor care that is not only clinically sound but also emotionally and ethically appropriate.

Conclusion

This experience helped me understand the impact of empowering patients in their treatment decisions. The time I spent with Mrs. Johnson taught me that patients' perceptions of care are shaped by how much we involve them. Going forward, I aim to engage patients more meaningfully by improving my communication and listening skills, ensuring they feel respected and heard.