There will be few nurses who are unaware of the concept of reflection. Reflective practice is not a new idea. Boud et al (1985) stated over 30 years ago that it is about the individual and their experiences, which can lead to a new conceptual perspective or a new way of knowing. Whether many nurses consider reflection important or not, or if it has an impact on their practice and the care that they provide, is difficult to say. Regardless of any ambiguities that may exist, nurses are now required to reflect as part of revalidation. According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), ongoing reflection on the Code strengthens professionalism (NMC, 2015). I think this is a rather ambitious statement. Reflection can only help to strengthen professionalism, it cannot, in itself, strengthen professionalism, only the practitioner can do this and they do this when they are working in supportive environments, where professionalism is valued.
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