Introduction

This assignment will reflect on the effectiveness of my clinical and interpersonal skills in relation to my position as a nurse in a busy critical care unit. It will primarily focus on one particular patient and the care they received by myself in their immediate post operative period. In accordance with the NMC’s code of professional conduct names will not be used to protect the patient’s confidentiality. NMC (2008).

Reflection is an important tool for all health care practitioners. It can improve our skills and help us understand the choices we make while in practice. Williams (2001) states that “Reflective learning involves assessment and re-assessment of assumptions and critical reflection occurs whenever
Evaluation
Gibbs encourages the person to look at the experience and critically reflect on what was good or bad about what had happened. The positive points about the experience were that the patient was comfortable and relaxed when she left the recovery room. I felt that I remained calm and professional throughout the experience. I did not show my feelings of frustration to the anaesthetist but remained determined to be an advocate for my patient and ensure she received the safest but most effective care she could have. This experience has given me the opportunity to reflect on my practice and to find ways to improve upon my nursing and communication skills.

The recovery room is the area where patients recover from the immediate effects of anaesthesia and surgery and provides a setting for the detection and treatment of early post-operative complications, Allman (2000). As a recovery nurse in a very busy and stressful environment it can sometimes be difficult to manage the requests of the anaesthetist with the immediate needs of a particular patient. This involves using interpersonal skills and being confident being your own abilities as a nurse while remaining professional and respecting your colleague’s professional judgement. It can sometimes be a fine balancing act. As the anaesthetist needed to return to theatre to begin the next surgical