Schon Reflective Model in Nursing

Schon Reflective Model in Nursing

During nursing school, it is common to study nursing theories and models, which will continue to be relevant when practicing in a hospital setting. This is a fundamental aspect that all individuals planning to enter or currently enrolled in nursing institutions must embrace. Theories provide a foundation for the decisions made by nurses in real-life situations and serve as a guiding framework for experiments and treatment methods.

Introduction to the Schon Reflective Model in Nursing

Let’s delve into Donald Schon’s theory or reflective model. As a nursing student, you might wonder who Schon is and what the Schon reflective model entails. Donald Schon is one of the theorists who developed the reflective model theory known as the Schon Reflective Model in Nursing.

Understanding the Schon Reflective Model in Nursing

Donald Schon’s reflective model, proposed in 1983, emphasizes that professionals, including nurses, are like artists who can refine their skills during the delivery of their services. He argues that practitioners encounter situations that sometimes challenge their norms but find practical solutions to address them.

Schon’s reflective model is structured around three primary dimensions:

1. Occurrence (the experience): This represents the actual event or experience.
2. Mirroring (the art of reflecting): Reflecting on the experience, which involves analyzing it.
3. Working (taking action after the reflection process): Implementing actions based on the reflection.

The core focus of Schon’s reflective model is on action and inaction. Here are the main principles of the model:

Reflection on Action (After an Experience)

Reflection on action occurs after an event or experience. It involves evaluating the experience and then taking action. Schon suggests that at this point, professionals should:

– Think quickly and decisively.
– Develop a solution promptly.
– Implement the chosen remedy.

Reflection in Action (During the Situation)

Reflection in action takes place while professionals are in the midst of a crisis or situation. It requires quick decision-making and action while in the situation. During in-action reflection, professionals should:

– Attend to the situation in real-time.
– Think swiftly while managing the situation.
– Make instant decisions on the next steps.
– Implement decisions almost immediately.

Schon’s theory underscores the importance of professionals thinking quickly during critical situations, drawing from past experiences to address present crises. It emphasizes the need for continuous reflection during and after situations.

Schon’s Views on Reflection

Schon’s theory includes several key concepts related to reflection:

1. Understanding of the Unspoken: This concept revolves around recognizing knowledge that is not explicitly communicated or formally studied.

2. Ladder Reflection Model: Schon describes this as the ability to cycle between action, reflection, and further action. Similar to ascending and descending a ladder, it allows learners to revisit and refine their reflections.

3. Learning in Action: According to Schon, this type of knowledge is acquired through the performance of duties. It is practical knowledge gained through hands-on experience.

4. Reflection-in-Action (Real-Time): Schon refers to this as learning during the action itself. This involves adjusting and adapting in real-time, which is crucial for nurses in dynamic healthcare settings.

5. Reflection-on-Action (After an Event): This type of reflection occurs after an event or situation has concluded. Schon argues that it is valuable, particularly in recognizing the importance of in-action, especially during emergencies.

6. Practical Application in the Workplace: Schon contends that in a rapidly changing world, simply imparting knowledge to learners and expecting them to apply it in real-life situations is not the best approach. Instead, he suggests that professionals engage in reflective actions to facilitate ongoing learning.

7. Effective Attention: This concept assesses a student’s readiness to apply new information effectively. It evaluates their ability to use newly acquired knowledge and receive feedback based on their actions.

Evaluation of Schon’s Model

Evaluating Schon’s model of reflection reveals its advantages and its relevance in nursing practice. When nurses apply Schon’s theory, they gain a deeper understanding of why events unfold as they do, allowing them to assess potential outcomes more comprehensively.

Through this model, nurses can identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This self-awareness enables them to make informed decisions, act with care, and base their arguments on established research and personal experiences. Ultimately, this approach contributes to their continuous learning and professional growth.

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Relevance of Schon’s Theories

Schon’s theories remain highly relevant to practitioners today, especially in teaching and emphasizing the importance of quick thinking in emergencies. This relevance is evident in the nursing field, where quick decision-making by professional nurses is critical in saving lives, particularly in resuscitation, ventilator management, and cases with unusual symptoms.

Advantages of Schon’s Reflective Model

Schon’s reflective model offers several advantages:

1. It provides a structured framework that can be applied in practice.
2. It guides students who may feel uncertain in real-life situations.
3. The model encourages students to critically evaluate situations from multiple angles.
4. It allows students to assess the success of a process once it is completed.
5. It promotes intuitive thinking and quick decision-making.
6. It fosters adaptability and creativity in students.

Pros and Cons of Schon’s Reflective Model

While Schon’s model has many advantages, it also has some limitations:

Pros:

1. The model provides a clear and practical framework for reflection.
2. It assists students in navigating challenging situations.
3. It encourages a holistic evaluation of situations.
4. It helps students gauge the success of their actions.
5. It promotes intuitive thinking and prompt decision-making.
6. It encourages adaptability and creativity.

Cons:

1. Adherence to the model’s rules may limit nurses’ ability to think creatively.
2. It may not be immediately applicable in all real-life situations.
3. It may not suit students who are not fast learners.

Summary of Schon’s Reflective Model

Donald Schon’s reflective model emphasizes that professionals learn and develop their skills best through real-life experiences. This learning occurs during the action itself and afterward, through reflection. The model suggests that professionals can make informed decisions by drawing from research and past experiences. Key elements include reflection on action (after an event) and reflection in action (during a situation). Schon’s theories continue to be highly relevant in the nursing field, particularly in promoting quick thinking in critical situations.

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