Using Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle to Improve Nursing Communication in Challenging Situations

Application of the Reflective Model

The Gibbs reflective model is an effective practice that helps medical staff process their communication problems better. This technique is well-formed and requires specific steps such as description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan (Sekarwinahyu et al., 2019). This way, practitioners and nurses can systematically review their experiences and reflect on past mistakes or situations that should have turned out differently.

This model should be used because it is practical and contains the necessary steps, the passage of which can significantly facilitate the task in reflection. With the help of structuring, this model is a convenient, universal tool for use in any situation. In this case, the Gibbs reflexive model will analyze a complex conversation between a nurse and a resuscitator. This approach is relevant because it will allow us to describe the situation and feelings experienced during communication (Harithuddin, 2021). In addition, this is done for further analysis and evaluation to draw up a plan that will help act in similar situations.

Gibbs Reflective Cycle will allow a general idea of what happened by placing and indicating the location of all key players. A further important step in applying the model is assessing the emotional state and the degree of stress experienced by the medical worker (Britt et al., 2021). This feelings stage will allow the nurse to concentrate on her emotions and understand their responses to the conversation. Further evaluation is crucial in understanding and internalizing the nurse’s strengths and what needs to be worked on more (Zhan et al., 2023). In this way, the medical professional can analyze the situation using critical thinking, which will help identify problems and their source. Further findings in the Gibbs scheme are needed to clarify areas for further improvement.

Description of Challenging Conversation

The defiant conversation occurred at the moment when the nurse initiated a medical emergency team call for a patient who was 3/52 weeks post-op. The patient had two abdominal drains on suction and IDC and was on intravenous therapy and patient-controlled analgesia. The patient was irritable, did not understand what was happening, experienced discomfort, and tried to get rid of attachments. During the conversation with the nurse, the resuscitator asked about the situation and the manipulations performed.

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The resuscitator was dissatisfied with what the nurse had done and did not hide his irritation by telling the nurse that they did not understand how to help the patient and that the treatment plan should be followed. This public conversation, which took place in front of other colleagues and patients, made the nurse feel insecure and incompetent. At the same time, the discussion was not planned and prepared, which made the nurse feel uncomfortable. This could have been avoided by better preparation and review of the patient’s personal history before making the decision to move (Buheji & Buhaid, 2020). At the same time, the nurse did not try to object to anything without defending her position, thinking that nothing could be changed.

Analysis of Challenging Conversation

The conversation with the resuscitator of the intensive care unit was difficult and unpleasant, primarily because it was happening in front of other people. The situation made the nurse feel insecure about their competence and professionalism because they were publicly told what had been done wrong. The presence of other doctors, visitors, and patients hurt the situation, as it increased the feeling of embarrassment. However, despite this, after analyzing what the resuscitator said, it can be concluded that the criticism was constructive and was misperceived due to incorrect presentation.

Due to unexpected reprimands in front of colleagues and patients, pointing out errors could not be perceived as they should. This experience may help the nurse understand the importance of good preparation for challenging conversations involving bystanders (Carissa Fehr & Seibel, 2022). The lack of such practice left the nurse confused and unable to explain her position. In the future, when getting into similar situations, the nurse will be able to assess the needs of the patient better, keeping in mind past experiences. This, in turn, will improve the quality of care provided in the clinic.