Reflective Essay

When I started working at the GP's surgery carrying out new patient health checks, I did not have the access to the patient's medical records prior to an appointment, neither did I have the convenience of simply following the care plan. These privileges had previously allowed me to function as a community D-grade staff nurse. Although I had been shown, I still felt nervous. The excitement and pride of being in an innovative program were …

…only to identify my strengths and weaknesses in order to practice more effectively and safely, but also to facilitate my active participation in understanding the patient's perspective and the building of a productive nurse-patient relationship. These learning processes not only served my primary interest to learn practice nursing, but the endeavour of good relationships with the patient and other staff, resulting in a confidence in my practice. Indeed, I felt emancipated by the whole experience.