Introduction
This essay critically appraises and evaluates my professional attributes and self-development as a nursing student through reflective practice, following the completion of an academic essay on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp), medication, and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Reflective practice is a cornerstone of nursing education, enabling practitioners to assess their skills, identify areas for growth, and enhance patient care (Johns, 2017). By examining my experience of researching and writing the essay, I aim to explore my strengths and limitations in critical thinking, research skills, and understanding of mental health interventions. This reflection will also consider how these attributes align with professional nursing competencies and inform my future development. The essay is structured into sections focusing on my critical appraisal skills, time management, and emotional intelligence, concluding with implications for my ongoing learning.
Critical Appraisal Skills
One of the key attributes I developed while writing the essay on CBTp, medication, and MI was the ability to critically appraise academic literature. Engaging with peer-reviewed studies and NHS guidelines allowed me to evaluate the efficacy of these interventions in mental health nursing. For instance, I found that while CBTp is effective for some patients with psychosis, its success often depends on individual factors (Morrison et al., 2014). However, I initially struggled to synthesise conflicting evidence, indicating a limitation in my analytical depth. This process revealed a need for further development in distinguishing between high-quality and less reliable sources, a skill vital for evidence-based practice in nursing (Aveyard, 2019). Reflecting on this, I recognise that my understanding of complex interventions has grown, yet I must continue honing my ability to critically evaluate diverse perspectives with greater confidence.
Time Management and Organisation
Another professional attribute tested during this task was time management. Writing a comprehensive essay required balancing research, drafting, and revision within a tight deadline. I initially underestimated the time needed to understand MI’s application in encouraging medication adherence, which delayed my progress. This experience mirrors real-world nursing challenges, where effective prioritisation is essential (Yoder-Wise, 2019). To address this, I began using structured timetables, which improved my efficiency towards the essay’s completion. Nevertheless, this reflection highlights an ongoing need to refine my organisational skills, as delays could compromise patient care in clinical settings. Indeed, developing such discipline is crucial for managing caseloads and meeting professional standards in nursing practice.
Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness
Engaging with topics like psychosis and medication adherence also prompted reflection on my emotional intelligence. Researching patient experiences with mental health interventions evoked empathy but occasionally clouded my objectivity in evaluating evidence. For example, reading about medication side effects made me overly critical of pharmacological approaches, a bias I later corrected by consulting broader literature (NICE, 2014). This process underscored the importance of self-awareness in nursing, where personal emotions must not hinder professional judgement (Goleman, 2011). Reflecting on this, I realise that while empathy is a strength, I must balance it with analytical detachment to ensure holistic care. This insight is a valuable step in my self-development as a compassionate yet evidence-driven practitioner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, reflecting on my experience of writing an essay on CBTp, medication, and MI has illuminated key aspects of my professional attributes and areas for self-development. My critical appraisal skills have improved, though they require further refinement to handle complex evidence confidently. Time management remains a challenge, yet adopting organisational strategies has shown promise for future growth. Furthermore, developing emotional intelligence by balancing empathy with objectivity is essential for my nursing practice. These insights underscore the importance of reflective practice in fostering personal and professional growth (Johns, 2017). Moving forward, I aim to address these limitations by engaging in further training and seeking mentorship, ensuring I meet the competencies required for effective mental health nursing. This reflection not only enhances my self-awareness but also prepares me to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care in my future career.
References
- Aveyard, H. (2019) Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: A Practical Guide. 4th ed. Open University Press.
- Goleman, D. (2011) Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bloomsbury Publishing.
- Johns, C. (2017) Becoming a Reflective Practitioner. 5th ed. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Morrison, A.P., Turkington, D., Pyle, M., Spencer, H., Brabban, A., Dunn, G., Christodoulides, T., Dudley, R., Chapman, N., Callcott, P., Grace, T., Lumley, V., Drage, L., Tully, S., Irving, K., Cummings, A., Byrne, R., Davies, L.M. and Hutton, P. (2014) Cognitive therapy for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders not taking antipsychotic drugs: a single-blind randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, 383(9926), pp.1395-1403.
- NICE (2014) Psychosis and Schizophrenia in Adults: Prevention and Management. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
- Yoder-Wise, P.S. (2019) Leading and Managing in Nursing. 7th ed. Elsevier.
