UCD Hosts Symposium: The Practice Mirror - Shaping Nursing and Midwifery Education Through Reflection

On 4th December 2024, the UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Systems hosted the ‘Shaping Nursing and Midwifery Education Through Reflection’ symposium, welcoming more than 40 colleagues from practice learning partner sites. The event highlighted the importance of reflection in nursing and midwifery education and practice, fostering collaboration between the School and its  Allied Health Partners.

The symposium was opened by Professor Fiona Timmins, Dean and Head of School, who paid tribute to the vital contributions of Dr Regina Joye, Director of Undergraduate Clinical Studies, as well as the practice placement allocation office and the Clinical Assessment Sub-Committee within the School on the organisation of this important event. Associate Professor (Emeritus)  Margaret Graham delivered the keynote address from the University of Limerick, who reflected on a career in nursing education shaped by and through reflective practice. Drawing on personal experiences and theoretical perspectives, she highlighted the transformative power of reflection in professional development.

Siobhan Brereton, Director of Clinical Skills and Simulation at UCD SNMHS, followed with an insightful presentation on the role of reflection in simulated practice learning. This was complemented by a series of lightning presentations from clinical partners, showcasing innovative approaches to reflective practice:

• Mater Misericordiae University Hospital: The Mater Hospital’s Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Reflective Practice. Incorporating Simulation-Based Reflective Learning
• St. Vincent’s University Hospital: Reflecting on Reflection
• Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin: Reflective Practice - Lessons Learned & Insights Gained
• National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street: Tuning Inward: Reflective Practices with   Music
• St. John of God Hospital: Reflection in St. John of God Hospital
• St. Michael’s Hospital: Introduction to Medical Abbreviations for Stage One Students

Dr. Regina Joye concluded the event by commending the tremendous work taking place within clinical partner sites. She emphasised that this collaboration is essential for preparing high-quality nursing and midwifery graduates who are reflective, skilled, and ready to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.

This symposium underlined the importance of reflection as a cornerstone of nursing and midwifery education, bringing together academic and clinical expertise to inspire and enhance learning.