This essay will allow for in depth reflection and give the opportunity to critically discuss my actions and performance. I have chosen to follow the Gibbs model of refection (Gibbs 1988) (Appendix 1) as this allows for the expression of thoughts and feelings. This model is also less structured than others which and will allow me to offer deeper explanation and critical analysis on a less structured level (Wilding 2008).
To maintain confidentiality, the location of the clinical placement and the names of those involved will be omitted from the essay in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code of conduct (2008). In order to follow the Gibbs model of reflection, the remainder of this section will now concentrate of examining the description of the incident and the feelings of those involved.
The incident that I wish to discuss arose during my first week of clinical placement in an older adult psychiatric ward and those involved were my mentor, a female patient and I. After settling in quickly to the ward it was highlighted to me by my mentor that I had very good relationships with both staff and patients. It was for this reason that my mentor suggested that I conduct unsupervised 1:1 care plan reviews. This situation has a great significance to me as this was the first opportunity I have had to engage with clients unsupervised and take sole responsibility for a patient. Developing skills in