Reflection on Clinical Reasoning and Safe Nursing Practice

Assignment Brief
Unit Code: NRSG139
Assessment Task 2: Reflection on Critical Thinking and Safe Practice in Clinical Scenarios
Submission Due: Week 6, Friday, 12 noon
Weight: 35%
Word Count: 1,000 words (excluding references)

Assessment Task
Select one clinical scenario (real or simulated) involving assessment or intervention for an acutely unwell patient. Using a recognised clinical reasoning framework, critically reflect on your approach and actions. The written submission must demonstrate:

• Identification and analysis of theoretical concepts underpinning your clinical reasoning.

• Application of critical thinking to prioritise care and make decisions.

• Evaluation of safe practice principles, including risk mitigation and ethical considerations.

• Integration of theory and practice, with references to support claims.

Assignment Structure
Use provided headings. Reference contemporary textbooks and recent (2019–2025) peer-reviewed literature. APA7 referencing.
Sections:

1. Introduction (approx. 100 words)

   • Purpose, scenario overview, relevance of critical thinking.

2. Clinical Reasoning and Theoretical Frameworks (approx. 250 words)

   • Discuss models/frameworks used (e.g., Clinical Reasoning Cycle).

   • Link theory to practice.

3. Critical Thinking and Decision-making (approx. 250 words)

   • Analyse how critical thinking guided assessment and interventions.

   • Illustrative examples from scenario.

4. Safe Practice and Risk Management (approx. 250 words)

   • Strategies to ensure patient safety, manage risks and apply ethical principles.

5. Integration of Theory and Practice (approx. 150 words)

   • Synthesis of learning from scenario to future clinical practice.

6. Conclusion (approx. 100 words)

   • Summarise key insights, do not introduce new content.

7. References

   • Harvard format, APA7 stylistic conventions.

Submission Requirements

• Typed, double-spaced, 12pt font, 2.5 cm margins.

• All client/patient data anonymised.

• Submission to Turnitin via LMS.

References (Harvard Format, 2019–2025, peer-reviewed/reputable)

1. Levett-Jones, T., 2023. Clinical Reasoning: Learning to Think Like a Nurse. 3rd ed., Pearson Education.

2. Banning, M., 2020. “Clinical reasoning and its application to nursing,” Nurse Education in Practice, vol. 45, pp. 124–130.

3. Hill, M., 2024. “Safe Practice and Patient Safety in Nursing Care,” Journal of Clinical Nursing, vol. 33, pp. 311-320.

4. Benner, P., 2019. “Critical thinking: A key for effective nursing care,” Nursing Outlook, vol. 67, no. 4, pp. 289–298.

5. Schmidt, T.A., 2025. “Competency-based curriculum and safe practice: Impacts in nursing education,” International Journal of Nursing Practice, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 1–10.