Using emotional awareness to facilitate reflection in nursing practice.

Abstract

Reflection is considered an essential skill for nurses, but concerns have been raised that it may be ineffective in improving the delivery of care. This article discusses the importance of emotional awareness when reflecting on clinical practice to enable nurses to identify in-depth, honest insights into their responses and actions during challenging situations. The author argues that if reflection is undertaken without the necessary emotional awareness, there is a risk that it may become a superficial, task-oriented professional requirement, rather than a meaningful activity that supports professional and personal development. The article also explains how nurses can use emotions as a trigger for authentic reflection.