Reflective Practice and Nursing Knowledge

This module explores the role of reflective practice and equips students with the ability to apply and reflect on their learning experiences. The module aims to equip students with the ability to recognise and reflect on learning opportunities in practice, including communication, teamwork and independent research skills. Students will consider the impact of the organisational, political, demographic and ideological context on contemporary nursing practice. The module will give students an in-depth understanding of the significance of power, language, knowledge, and relationship-based practice. Key concepts from critical theory will be examined, including the potential for nurses to act as change agents and challenge practice in institutional contexts. This will enable students to go beyond competency-based approaches and consider creative and transformatory practice models. The module will also explore with students the importance of developing leadership skills that contribute to the development of others and will identify and reflect on strengths, learning needs, and strategies for continuing personal and professional development. Finally, the module will integrate, translate and consider the application of established disciplinary nursing knowledge and ways of knowing in various practice contexts.

The module comprises of the following 6 sessions.

1. Introduction to Reflective Practice
2. Guided reflection and frameworks/ models of reflection
3. Learning Contracts and Types of Nursing Knowledge
4. Continuous Professional Development and Service Development
5. The Learning Landscape: Theory & Practice
6. Integrating Reflective Writing and Practice: Case Study Development and Presentation

Hours of Total Learning for this module:

• Contact Hours: 27
• Self-Study Hours: 84
• Assessment Hours: 14
• Total Learning Hours: 125

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

1. To synthesise knowledge, understanding, and skills gained through this module and other modules as well as through practice experience.
2. To construct a logical and coherent argument in writing, including the use of critical thinking to analyse information.
3. To demonstrate skills in reflection on practice situations.
4. To recognise and reflect upon the potential impact of personal feelings and emotions on thinking, decision-making, and professional behaviour in nursing practice and appreciate the debates about their proper role.
5. To understand the challenges of emotionally demanding work in complex and uncertain situations and reflect upon the actions and supports needed to promote their own emotional resilience, including the use of professional supervision
6. To critically reflect on their own practice and professional development, and identify areas for future development

Each module will be assessed based on the following components:

1. Quality of Contributions in Forums: 20%
   • Evaluation of participation and the quality of insights shared in online discussion forums.
2. Quality of Contributions in Tutorials: 20%
   • Assessment of engagement and contributions during tutorial sessions.
3. Assignment/Case Study: 60%
   • Completion and quality of assignments that demonstrate understanding and application of the course material.

Passing Criteria:

• Students must achieve an aggregate of 50% or higher across the three components to pass each module.

Scholarship Schemes for Maltese residents:

• MySkills Scheme: Malta residents are eligible for up to 80% reimbursement, capped at €5,000, subject to eligibility criteria. International students would be able to apply for the MySkills Scheme once they obtain their Student Temporary Residence Card (TRC). (For individual modules only)
• Get Qualified Scheme ( Scheme available for Maltese residents ) – 70% refund of course fee as a tax rebate