Formalization of a training method to develop reflective practice and emotional skills in nursing students

Varia
By Élisabeth Donnaint, Claire Marchand, Rémi Gagnayre
English

Context: Among health professional skills, emotional skills and reflective practice are very important. This article proposes a reflection on a training method used in a French nursing school. The method aims to develop the reflective practices and emotional skills of nursing students. Method: The training method was tested out with fifteen students. During an individual interview, the students were invited to describe an emotionally-loaded situation that they had experienced during a clinical internship. The trainer stimulated the student using a technique that drew on the latter’s own speech, allowing the student to deepen his reflection. After experimentation, the trainer analyzed his own practice using the method. Students’ opinions and the trainer’s logbook were analyzed. Results: The students declared to have improved their capacity for analyzing, their self-knowledge, and their emotional skills. They appreciated the technique and the support provided by the plan. All students expressed feelings. The analysis allowed for the specifying of the stages, principles, and foundations of the method, as well as the conditions of its implementation. The transfer of the technique in relation to nurse trainers is described. Conclusion: The analysis of the training method testifies to its relevance in helping nursing students to realize reflective practice from an emotional clinical care scenario. More research is needed to assess its effects and limitations.

Keywords

  • nursing students
  • reflective practice
  • emotion skills
  • training method
  • Interview on educational follow-up
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