A new editorial co-authored by a University of Colorado School of Nursing faculty member argues that the severe and growing shortage of nursing faculty nationwide can be partially addressed through reflective practice, or taking time to analyze and evaluate results to consider alternative options. future actions. This is a history lesson. In 1973, writer Robert Heinlein wrote: “A generation that ignores history has neither a past nor a future.”
The article’s authors say, “Cultivating the habit of reflection helps develop emotional intelligence in self-awareness, consciously rethink actions, develop a more positive outlook and see the bigger picture, thereby supporting rather than depleting one’s inner resources.”
Editorial, “Reflective Practice for Teachers: Creating Thriving Academic Environments,” by Gail Armstrong, PhD, DNP, ACNS-BC, RN, CNE, FAAN, School of Nursing, University of Colorado Anschut College of Medicine Gwen Sherwood, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing, co-authored this editorial in the July 2023 Journal of Nursing Education.
The authors highlight the shortage of nurses and nurse educators in the United States. Experts found that the number of nurses fell by more than 100,000 between 2020 and 2021, the biggest decline in four decades. Experts also predict that by 2030, “30 states will have severe shortages of registered nurses.” Part of this shortage is due to a shortage of teachers.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nursing schools are rejecting 92,000 qualified students due to budget constraints, increased competition for clinical jobs and faculty shortages. The AACN found that the national nursing faculty vacancy rate is 8.8%. Research has shown that workload issues, teaching demands, staff turnover and increased student demands contribute to teacher burnout. Research shows that fatigue can lead to decreased engagement, motivation and creativity.
Some states, such as Colorado, offer a $1,000 tax credit to health care professionals who want to teach. But Armstrong and Sherwood argue that a more significant way to improve teacher culture is through reflective practice.
“It is a widely accepted growth strategy that looks back and forward, critically examining experience to consider alternatives for future situations,” the authors write.
“Reflective practice is a deliberate, thoughtful and systematic approach to understanding a situation by describing significant events, asking how they fit with one’s beliefs, values and practices.”
In fact, research shows that nursing students have been successfully using reflective practice for years to “reduce stress and anxiety and improve their learning, competence, and self-awareness.”
Teachers should now also try to engage in formal reflective practice in small groups or informally, thinking or writing about problems and potential solutions, the authors say. Teachers’ individual reflective practices can lead to collective, shared practices for the broader community of teachers. Some teachers make reflective exercises a regular part of teacher meetings.
“When each faculty member works to increase self-awareness, the personality of the entire nursing profession can change,” the authors say.
The authors suggest teachers try this practice in three ways: before committing to a plan, meeting together to coordinate activities and debriefing to see what went well and what can be improved in future situations.
According to the authors, reflection can provide teachers with a “broader and deeper perspective of understanding” and “deep insight.”
Education leaders say reflection through widespread practice will help create a clearer alignment between teachers’ values and their work, ideally allowing teachers to continue teaching the next generation of health care workers.
“Because this is a time-tested and trusted practice for nursing students, it is time for nurses to harness the treasures of this tradition for their own benefit,” Armstrong and Sherwood said.
Accredited by the Commission on Higher Education. All trademarks are the registered property of the University. Used only with permission.
Post time: Nov-21-2023