NMC Reflective Account Examples: A Practical Guide for Nurses

How to write a strong NMC reflective account

A strong reflective account goes beyond simply describing what happened. The important part is explaining what you learned from the experience and how that learning influenced your nursing practice. 

A useful way to structure your reflection is to think about three simple questions:

What happened? Briefly describe the CPD, feedback or experience you are reflecting on.

What did I learn? Explain what the experience helped you understand or recognise.

What will I do differently? Describe how your learning has influenced, or could influence, your future practice.

Reflective Account Example 1: Learning from CPD 

A nurse completes a CPD session on recognising deterioration in patients. During the session, they realise that although they routinely record observations, they could make better use of trends in a patient's NEWS2 score to recognise deterioration earlier.

What happened?
I completed a CPD session focused on recognising and responding to deterioration in adult patients. The session explored the importance of looking at changes in observations over time rather than considering individual readings in isolation.

What did I learn?
I recognised that a gradually increasing NEWS2 score may provide an early indication that a patient's condition is worsening. This reinforced the importance of combining clinical judgement with observation trends and escalating concerns appropriately.

How did this influence my practice?
Following the CPD, I became more conscious of reviewing previous observations when assessing patients rather than focusing only on the latest set of readings. This has helped me identify changes more systematically and communicate concerns more clearly.

Relevant NMC Code themes: Prioritise people • Practise effectively • Preserve safety

Reflective Account Example 2: Learning from Practice-Related Feedback 

A nurse receives feedback from a colleague that their explanations to patients are sometimes too detailed and may be difficult to understand when patients are anxious.

What happened?
A colleague gave me feedback about the way I explain procedures to patients. They suggested that although my explanations were thorough, I could make them clearer by using simpler language and checking the patient's understanding.

What did I learn?
I recognised that providing more information does not necessarily mean that communication is more effective. Patients may feel anxious or overwhelmed, so it is important to adapt my communication to the individual and avoid unnecessary clinical terminology.

How did this influence my practice?
I now try to explain information in shorter, clearer stages and pause to check understanding. I also encourage patients to ask questions and clarify anything they are unsure about. This has helped me make my communication more patient-centred.

How does this relate to the NMC Code?
This reflection relates particularly to prioritising people and practising effectively, including communicating clearly and taking reasonable steps to meet people's communication needs.

Reflective Account Example 3: Learning from an Experience in Practice 

During a busy shift, a nurse notices that competing demands made it difficult to complete documentation as promptly as usual. Although the necessary records were completed, the experience highlighted the importance of maintaining accurate and timely documentation even during periods of increased workload.

What happened?
During a particularly busy shift, several patients required attention at the same time. I prioritised immediate clinical needs, but this meant that some of my documentation was completed later than I would normally expect.

What did I learn?
I recognised that accurate and timely record keeping remains an important part of safe nursing care, even when workload pressures increase. I also realised the importance of organising tasks effectively and identifying when support may be needed.

How did this influence my practice?
I now make a more conscious effort to incorporate documentation into my workflow rather than leaving several records to complete later. When workload becomes difficult to manage, I communicate this earlier with colleagues so that priorities can be reviewed and support considered.

How does this relate to the NMC Code?
This reflection relates particularly to practising effectively and preserving safety, including keeping clear and accurate records and recognising and responding appropriately to pressures that could affect safe care.

Reflective Account Example 4: Learning from Supporting a Patient 

A nurse supports a patient who is anxious about a planned procedure. The experience highlights how taking time to listen and respond to a patient's concerns can improve their understanding and confidence.

What happened?
I cared for a patient who was visibly anxious before a planned procedure. Although information about the procedure had already been provided, I realised that the patient still had concerns and needed an opportunity to discuss them.

What did I learn?
I learned that providing information is only one part of effective communication. Listening carefully, recognising anxiety and giving someone time to express their concerns can be equally important in helping them feel informed and supported.

How did this influence my practice?
I now make a greater effort to check how patients are feeling as well as whether they understand the information they have been given. I use open questions and allow time for patients to raise concerns rather than assuming that providing information means it has been fully understood.

How does this relate to the NMC Code?
This reflection relates particularly to prioritising people and practising effectively, including listening to people, responding to their preferences and concerns, and communicating clearly.

Reflective Account Example 5: Learning from a Complaint 

A nurse becomes aware of a concern raised by a patient’s relative about delays in receiving information during the patient’s care. Although the nurse was not directly responsible for the delay, the experience prompted reflection on how communication with relatives could be improved.

What happened?
During a busy shift, a patient’s relative expressed frustration because they felt they had not been kept adequately informed about changes to the patient’s care. I recognised that although clinical priorities were being managed, communication with the family had not been as timely as it could have been.

What did I learn?
I learned that good communication is an important part of the overall experience of care. When people are worried about someone, a lack of information can increase anxiety and frustration. Even when there is no significant update, acknowledging concerns and explaining when further information will be available can provide reassurance.

How did this influence my practice?
I now make a greater effort to identify when patients or relatives may be waiting for information and to communicate more proactively. If I cannot provide an answer myself, I explain who can help and when they are likely to be available rather than leaving people uncertain.

How does this relate to the NMC Code?
This reflection relates particularly to prioritising people and promoting professionalism and trust, including listening to concerns, communicating effectively and responding appropriately to feedback.