Reflective Writing for Nursing, Health and Social Work

by Elizabeth Tanguay, Peter Hanratty, Ben Martin

Overview

This book takes students step-by-step through the process of planning and writing a reflective essay, beginning with crucial guidance on planning and structure. It introduces different reflective frameworks and shows readers how to structure a piece of writing according to a particular framework. Chapters contain a wealth of activities and exercises which will help build students' skills and confidence.

The new edition features guidance on working with AI tools as part of the reflective writing process – and helps students understand the benefits, the risks and how to maintain academic integrity. The book also features a new introductory section about getting into the reflective mindset.

Suitable for students of all health-related disciplines, this book gives readers the key tools they need to take their writing to the next level.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350507692
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	09/18/2025
Series:	Bloomsbury Study Skills
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Dr Elizabeth Tanguay is Lecturer at the Centre for Academic Success at Swansea University, UK.

Dr Peter Hanratty is a lecturer with over ten years' experience in creating and delivering sessions on academic writing for students from a range of academic disciplines.

Ben Martin is a freelance writer and also works as a lecturer at the Centre for Academic Success at Swansea University, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. Types of reflective writing
2. What is reflection and why is it important?
3. The reflective writing journey
4. Capturing reflections while on placement
5. How to identify themes
6. Approaching reflective writing – frameworks, models and cycles
7. Planning
8. The style of reflective academic writing
9. Introductions for reflective assignments
10. Paragraphs for reflective assignments
11. Conclusions for reflective assignments
12. Theory to practice – first steps
13. Incorporating sources into your reflective writing
14. Writing critically & writing with flow
15. Editing and proofreading your reflective assignment
16. Reflective writing for professional development
Appendix 1: Examples of different types of reflective writing
Appendix 2: Punctuation guide
Appendix 3: Feedback glossary
Answers

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

This straightforward yet sophisticated book takes an insightful look at reflective writing for all levels. It leads students through the process of reflective writing and offers sound advice for anyone wanting to learn the subtleties and nuances of academic reflection; it is an essential tool and an excellent guide. – Nick White, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

This comprehensive and easily accessible book should be the go-to resource for students undertaking a health or social work course. It effectively examines the principles of reflection with excellent examples allowing students to relate theoretical principles to their own experiences. – Hannah Lyman, University of West London, UK

Editorial Reviews

This straightforward yet sophisticated book takes an insightful look at reflective writing for all levels. It leads students through the process of reflective writing and offers sound advice for anyone wanting to learn the subtleties and nuances of academic reflection; it is an essential tool and an excellent guide.” —Nick White, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

“This comprehensive and easily accessible book should be the go-to resource for students undertaking a health or social work course. It effectively examines the principles of reflection with excellent examples allowing students to relate theoretical principles to their own experiences.” —Hannah Lyman, University of West London, UK

From the Publisher