Gibbs' Reflective Cycle: How to Write a Reflective Essay in Nursing

Why reflection matters in nursing

Reflective practice is a professional requirement for nurses and midwives in the UK. It forms part of NMC revalidation, and reflective essays are a core assessment on pre-registration programmes. Gibbs' Reflective Cycle (1988) is the model most often requested because its six stages give reflection a clear structure.

The six stages

1. Description: what happened?

Briefly set the scene: where you were, who was involved, and what occurred. Keep it factual and concise.

2. Feelings: what were you thinking and feeling?

Describe your reactions before, during, and after the event. Be honest but professional.

3. Evaluation: what was good and bad about the experience?

Weigh up what went well and what did not, for you, the patient, and the team.

4. Analysis: what sense can you make of the situation?

This is the most important stage. Use literature, clinical guidelines, and theory to explain why things happened as they did. Refer to the NMC Code, NICE guidance, and research on communication, teamwork, or patient safety as relevant.

5. Conclusion: what else could you have done?

Summarise what you learned and what you might have done differently.

6. Action plan: what will you do next time?

Set specific, realistic steps for your development, such as training, supervised practice, or further reading.

Suggested word count for a 1,500-word reflection

Writing style

Reflective writing uses the first person ("I felt", "I noticed"), which is different from most academic essays. It must still be supported by references, particularly in the analysis stage.

Confidentiality

Never name patients, relatives, colleagues, or the placement provider. State early in the essay that details have been anonymised in line with the NMC Code.

Common mistakes

1. Spending most of the word count on description.
2. Writing an analysis with no references.
3. Vague action plans such as "I will communicate better".
4. Including identifiable details.

Our nursing assignment specialists can prepare a model reflective essay using Gibbs, Driscoll, or Rolfe to show how each stage should be handled.