Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Reflection Paper - Essay Example This paper, therefore, discusses the learning experiences one receives during a clinical placement on a long-term basis in a health care facility. Long term care facilities have become an essential component in the health care sector since they look after people with chronic illnesses or disabilities, meeting both their health and personal needs. Though mostly associated with the old age, one may need this care at some point in their lives. According to Medicare (2009) ‘about nine million people over the age of 65 needed long term care in 2009, and it estimated that by 2012 twelve million people will need it’. This shows that there will be a rise in demand for nurses and related services in the near future. It is thus crucial for nursing students to receive quality education to be able to cater for such patients. Part of the learning involves a clinical placement which enables the student to practice the theory learnt in class. This is achieved through observation and practice of safe nursing care to people in all phases of human life. This experience offers a valuable opportunity to prevent illnesses, maintain excellent health services as well as nursing of clients with different illnesses while not forgetting providing support in death. The purpose of a clinical placement is to provide an opportunity to a student to acquire expertise in nursing skills, apply already taught theory and facilitate further learning. It presents a chance to a student to practice the theory they learnt in class. Therefore, before one has a clinical placement it is a requirement that they have theoretical knowledge. In addition, it is crucial for one to be vaccinated against various pathogens to protect them from receiving infections from their patients. The clinical placement consists of a program that ensures learning and gaining of skills essential in nursing care practice as will be discussed later in this paper. The program followed during the