Practice-based reflection: learning grounded in practice

Abstract

Using a reflective methodology, grounded in a deep understanding of nursing practice, this study explores and describes the process by which nurses prepare themselves to facilitate patients to make meaning of their experiences of ill-health and hospitalisation. Six Registered Nurses, working in either an acute Oncology or Surgical Unit were interviewed twice. Analysis of the data involved a combination of entering into a 'practice-based reflective process', reflection-in-action, constant comparative analysis, coding and categorisation. Reference points for this practice-based methodology are from grounded theory, but this is not Grounded Theory research. The practice-based reflective process is put forward as the process by which nurses prepare themselves to facilitate meaning-making. Learning how to facilitate meaning-making is an informal and opportunistic process involving mentors and reflection. A framework for developing this skill is presented in this thesis.