How To Write A Clinical Reflection

Introduction Prior to my admission to the nursing program, I have cared for sick family members and provided them with their physical and emotional needs. I felt that it came as a second nature to care for people. Although I have cared for sick family members, I never would have thought that nursing takes more than just being caring. To be a nurse, you need compassion, perseverance, understanding, maturity and critical thinking skills.

The Patient

During my psychiatric clinical rotation, one particular patient who stood out was the patient who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. This patient was admitted due to increased confusion and disorganization with mild auditory hallucinations. At the time of admission, she presented with circumstantiality

Consequently, she began to accept, trust and share with me her thoughts and concerns. I realized then that she was not just another oddity or another ‘freak of nature’, but a human being who was suffering and needing support and care. She was a person not so unlike me with the same rational fears. She feared of being kept against her will and be purposely medicated and being alone.

Personal Reflection

Although this patient was hearing voices and having difficulty organizing her thinking, her wishes were not so unlike my own. She also wished for freedom, independence and a good life free from biases and scrutiny from other people. In fact, she has shared with me her desire to go home and not be held longer against her will. Furthermore, I realized that this patient was just like any other patient in a medical-surgical floor with the same basic needs. She needed security, safety, care, consideration and respect, all of which we desire to provide to all of our patients whichever hospital/department they may be.

However, there may be times when we are faced with patients with some mental issues, we may just want to avoid and pass them on to someone whom we think fit to provide them