What does "reflexive practice" refer to in nursing?

Reflexive practice in nursing refers to the ongoing process of reflection that allows nurses to improve their clinical judgment and care. This approach emphasizes the importance of critically analyzing one’s own actions, decisions, and the outcomes they produce in various clinical scenarios. By engaging in reflexive practice, nurses can identify areas for improvement, adapt their strategies, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. This practice also fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in patient care, enabling nurses to learn from their experiences and apply this knowledge to future situations.

The other choices do not capture the essence of reflexive practice. Simply taking notes or only documenting patient interactions lacks the depth of reflection and critical analysis inherent in reflexive practice. Finalizing care plans may require thoughtful consideration but doesn't embody the continuous learning aspect that reflexive practice entails. Therefore, the definition focused on the ongoing reflection process aligns accurately with the true meaning of reflexive practice in the nursing profession.