Nursing students’ perceptions and experiences of reflective practice: A qualitative meta-synthesis

Abstract

Reflective practice is a vital component of nursing education. It allows for the integration of core theoretical knowledge and the clinical experience. Despite a small and growing body of literature exploring the nursing students’ perceptions and experiences of this process, a review of the qualitative literature has not been published. The purpose of this meta-synthesis is to examine the qualitative data of nursing students’ perceptions and experiences of reflective practice. This meta-synthesis provides a model that suggests quality reflection results in an improvement in practice. Students perceive that quality reflection occurs when all facets of this model have been met. This encompasses an understanding of knowledge including, learning and the barriers and enablers to knowledge, as well as self-discovery including, facing emotions and personal growth. Understanding these experiences and perceptions will permit further understanding of the motivations and factors that influence the quality of reflective practice.