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Creber, Barbara D. M. (2007) Reflective practice: key to the future of nursing?: a comparative study of the nursing practice of graduate and non-graduate nurses. Doctoral thesis, London Metropolitan University.
This is a qualitative research study of nursing practice. Using grounded theory, two groups of qualified nurses were compared, a graduate and non-graduate group. Nursing practice was analysed at an individual, team and professional level.
Data was collected using audio taped diaries, semi-structured interviews and observations of each nurse whilst engaged in direct patient care.
From the analysis of the data, (based on the work of Strauss and Corbin) differences between nurses were identified. A theoretical framework was developed which identified different types of nurses characterised by certain behaviours. Two main types of nurse, reflective and non-reflective emerged but this however was not necessarily related to whether the nurse was a graduate or not. Educating nurses to graduate level therefore did not necessarily produce a reflective practitioner.
The results of the research provide new insights into contemporary nursing practice and demonstrate differences in the way nurses tackle the demands and challenges of everyday nursing practice and perceive their role and professional development.
In conclusion, the research questioned whether the professionalisation of nursing has benefited nursing and more particularly patient care or whether indeed graduate status was more concerned with improving the standing of nursing as a profession when considered alongside other healthcare professions.
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