Reflective essays are one of the most common nursing assignments in the UK, Ireland and Australia, and Gibbs’ cycle (1988) is still the model most programmes ask for. The six stages are simple. Writing them well is not, because the marks sit in the later stages.
Keep the description short
Students often spend half the word count describing what happened. Markers want enough detail to understand the event and no more. Anonymise everyone, including the ward or placement, to stay within your professional code.
Feelings and evaluation
Be honest about how you felt, then judge what went well and what did not. Avoid turning this into a list; one or two specific points carry more weight.
Analysis is where the marks are
This is the stage that needs literature. Explain why things happened using theory, research and policy, such as human factors, communication models or your regulator’s code (NMC in the UK, NMBI in Ireland, NMBA in Australia).
Conclusion and action plan
Finish with what you learned and a realistic action plan. “Read more about X” is weak; “complete the trust’s sepsis e-learning module and practise ISBAR handovers with my practice assessor” is strong.
See past reflective prompts on our nursing questions page.