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What? While on placement in a residential care setting, I encountered a situation where a resident with early-stage Parkinson’s wanted to self-administer their morning medication. He had done this independently for years at home and viewed the enforced administration routine in the home as “infantilising.” However, the facility policy required all medication to be administered by staff. The resident was visibly upset, and I witnessed rising tension between him and the carer.

What? During a recent placement in a residential care setting, I was tasked with observing a resident who had recently been discharged from hospital after a urinary tract infection. Although the nurse in charge noted their vital signs were within normal range, I observed subtle signs — like slowed responses, slightly unsteady walking, and confusion about time — that suggested possible lingering effects of delirium. I raised my concerns with the nurse, but initially, they were

https://www.simplypsychology.org/gibbs-reflective-cycle.html Introduction As I begin my journey into professional practice, reflection has emerged as a vital tool for growth. This entry draws upon Gibbs' Reflective Cycle (1988) to examine a situation from my placement in a care home, where poor communication during a handover affected patient safety. Reflecting on this moment helped me understand not just the problem, but how I think and act under pressure — and how I must im

Healthcare professionals face complex decisions every day that affect the lives and well-being of their patients. In this demanding environment, self-awareness emerges as a crucial skill that supports ethical practice and improves patient care. Understanding one’s own values, emotions, and biases helps healthcare workers navigate challenges with integrity and compassion. This article explores how self-awareness shapes ethical behavior in healthcare, offers practical ways to

Effective communication is the backbone of quality healthcare. When healthcare professionals communicate clearly and empathetically, patient outcomes improve, errors decrease, and trust builds. Yet, communication challenges remain common in healthcare settings due to stress, time pressures, and complex information. Reflective practice offers a powerful way to improve communication skills by encouraging healthcare workers to think critically about their interactions and learn

Failure in patient care is often seen as a setback, but it can also be a powerful source of learning and improvement. When healthcare professionals examine mistakes and adverse outcomes carefully, they uncover valuable lessons that lead to safer, more effective care. This post explores how embracing failure in healthcare can transform patient outcomes and strengthen the entire system. Why Failure Happens in Patient Care Healthcare is complex and fast-paced. Providers make d