The aim of this assignment is to reflect on the management of a patient with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Reflective practice is associated with learning from experience, (Johns & Freshwater 1998) and viewed as an important strategy for health professionals who embrace life long learning (Department of Health 2000). Engaging in reflective practice is associated with the improvement of the quality of care, stimulating personal and professional growth and closing the gap between theory and practice (Benner 1984; Johns & Freshwater 1998).
Central to Johns’ idea of reflective practice is the goal of accessing, understanding and learning through direct experience. It is this that enables the practitioner to…show more content… The complex nature of septic shock and MODS is one good example where proactive and creative nursing measures need to be implemented. In dealing with Mr Cox, I was caught in the situation where critical decision-making was required to determine the priority of care.
My awareness of the nursing process (assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, intervention and evaluation) and the background knowledge of MODS and septic shock, made it possible for me to intervene appropriately with the support of senior nursing and medical staff. Improved confidence and social support can reduce negative stress in the workplace and improve productivity (Olaffson 2002).
Nurses are socialised to maintain life and alleviate discomfort, and on reflection I was aware of an uncomfortable feeling during the shift and a strong impression that Mr. Cox was suffering due to pain. Although Mr. Cox was unable to communicate and his suffering could not be clearly quantified, his general rigidity could be observed, I was alleviated when the anaesthetics agreed I could re-commence sedation following a sedation hold (Refer to description).
Personal
Johns’ (1995) encourages the individual to reflect on how they influenced a situation. Carper (1978) refers to this as ‘personal’ knowing; a discovery of self-and-other in the context of practice. To practice personal knowing one must have a commitment to subjectivity - seeing the person as a subject rather than an illness (Johns,
