Reflective practice is an essential skill for nursing students, enabling them to critically analyze their experiences and improve their clinical skills. One of the most popular frameworks for structured reflection is Rolfe’s Reflective Model. Understanding how to incorporate this model effectively in your assignments and, crucially, how to reference Rolfe reflective model correctly can make a significant difference in your grades. This guide is designed specifically for nursing students who want to master referencing Rolfe’s framework without losing marks due to improper citation or misapplication.
Throughout your nursing education, you’ll be tasked with numerous reflective assignments. Knowing how to reference theoretical models like Rolfe’s properly not only demonstrates academic integrity but also shows your tutors that you understand the source and application of the model. This article covers everything from the basics of the model to practical tips on citation, ensuring your assignments meet university standards.
What is Rolfe’s Reflective Model?
Rolfe’s Reflective Model, developed by Gary Rolfe and colleagues, is structured around three simple yet powerful questions: What? So What? Now What? This framework guides students through a process of reflection that helps make sense of clinical experiences, fostering critical thinking and personal growth.
- What? – Describe the event or situation.
- So What? – Analyze the experience and its significance.
- Now What? – Plan future actions or changes based on the reflection.
This model’s straightforward approach makes it ideal for nursing students, many of whom find reflective writing daunting. It encourages depth without complexity and provides a clear structure for reflective assignments.
Why Is Proper Referencing Important?
Referencing Rolfe’s Reflective Model accurately in your nursing assignments is crucial for several reasons:
- Academic Integrity: Proper citation acknowledges the original authors’ work and avoids plagiarism.
- Credibility: Shows you have researched and understood the theoretical basis of your reflection.
- Consistency: Aligns your work with academic standards and university requirements.
- Marks: Incorrect referencing can lead to penalties or loss of marks.
In many nursing courses, reflective assignments carry significant weight, so learning how to reference theoretical frameworks properly can help you maximize your grade.
How to Reference Rolfe’s Reflective Model in Academic Writing
Different academic institutions require different referencing styles, but most nursing programs prefer APA or Harvard styles. Here’s how to reference Rolfe’s Reflective Model correctly in these common formats:
APA Style (7th Edition)
In-text citation example:
Rolfe et al. (2001) proposed a reflective framework based on three questions...
Reference list:
Rolfe, G., Freshwater, D., & Jasper, M. (2001). Critical reflection for nursing and the helping professions: A user’s guide. Palgrave Macmillan.
Harvard Style
In-text citation example:
The reflective model by Rolfe, Freshwater, and Jasper (2001) is widely used in nursing education...
Reference list:
Rolfe, G., Freshwater, D. and Jasper, M., 2001. Critical reflection for nursing and the helping professions: A user’s guide. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
MLA Style (less common in nursing but sometimes used)
In-text citation example:
(Rolfe, Freshwater, and Jasper)
Works Cited:
Rolfe, Gary, Dawn Freshwater, and Melanie Jasper. Critical Reflection for Nursing and the Helping Professions: A User’s Guide. Palgrave Macmillan, 2001.
Practical Tips for Referencing Rolfe’s Model in Your Assignments
- Always cite the original source rather than secondary summaries or online notes.
- Use the correct edition and publication year (usually 2001).
- Place the citation near where you introduce or explain the model.
- Include a full reference entry in your bibliography or reference list.
- Maintain consistency throughout your paper with one referencing style.
- Paraphrase rather than quote directly unless the wording is crucial.
How to Use Rolfe’s Reflective Model Effectively in Nursing Assignments
When writing reflective assignments, follow the three-step model clearly:
Step 1: What?
Describe your clinical experience or event succinctly but with enough detail. This sets the scene for your reflection.
Example:
During my first clinical placement, I observed a patient refusing medication, which led to a challenging interaction with the nursing team.
Step 2: So What?
Analyze the event’s significance. Discuss your feelings, reactions, what you learned, and the impact on your professional development.
Example:
This situation highlighted the importance of respecting patient autonomy and communicating effectively to understand their concerns.
Step 3: Now What?
Explain what you will do differently in the future based on your reflection.
Example:
Moving forward, I will prioritize patient education and use open-ended questions to facilitate better communication.
The Right Way to Reference Rolfe’s Reflective Model Without Losing Marks
One of the biggest worries for nursing students is losing marks because of poor referencing. Here are some critical guidelines to ensure you don’t lose marks:
- Introduce the model early in your assignment, referencing Rolfe’s original work.
- Explain briefly the framework before applying it to your reflection.
- Insert your citation naturally within the paragraph and avoid clustering many citations in one sentence.
- Avoid overusing quotes; paraphrase with proper citations instead.
- Double-check your reference list format and completeness.
Following these steps guarantees you acknowledge the model’s origin and meet academic expectations.
Example of Referencing Rolfe’s Model in a Nursing Assignment
Here is an example paragraph demonstrating correct referencing:
During my clinical placement, I encountered a situation where a patient was hesitant to share vital health information. Applying Rolfe’s reflective model enabled me to systematically analyze the event. The model’s three questions—What? So What? Now What?—helped me explore the scenario's context, significance, and potential improvements (Rolfe, Freshwater & Jasper, 2001). This approach not only deepened my understanding of patient communication challenges but also guided me toward more empathetic nursing practices.
Additional Advice for Nursing Students on Reflective Writing
Reflective writing is about being honest and analytical. To enhance your work:
- Avoid vague statements; be specific about what happened and why.
- Link your reflections to nursing theories and best practices.
- Use clear, academic language but keep it personal.
- Always proofread your work for grammar, clarity, and referencing errors.
- Seek feedback from tutors or peers to improve your reflective style.
A Key Note for Nursing Students
Remember that reflective practice is a skill that improves with practice, and using frameworks like Rolfe’s can make the process clearer and more manageable.
Understanding How to Reference Rolfe Reflective Model Can Transform Your Academic Work
For nursing students, understanding how to reference Rolfe reflective model properly can prevent common pitfalls that lead to lost marks. Whether you use APA, Harvard, or another style, the key is to be accurate and consistent. Your tutors want to see that you respect intellectual property and can apply theory thoughtfully.
Correct referencing also demonstrates critical thinking, an essential nursing competency. By crediting Rolfe’s model, you highlight the structured approach underpinning your reflection, adding credibility and academic rigor to your assignments.
Conclusion
Reflective practice is integral to nursing education, helping students grow both professionally and personally. Rolfe’s Reflective Model is one of the simplest and most effective tools to structure reflections. However, using it correctly also involves referencing the model properly to avoid losing valuable marks.
Nursing students should familiarize themselves with citation formats, incorporate the model clearly into their assignments, and always credit the original authors. Remember, your reflective writing is not just about recounting experiences—it’s about critically engaging with them and demonstrating learning.
By mastering how to reference Rolfe’s Reflective Model and applying it effectively, you’ll produce high-quality assignments that satisfy academic standards and showcase your reflective capabilities.
Comments