Assignment Details:

You are required to write 5 reflective journals, as per the following guidelines. When writing your journals, you can reflect on: Event, Incident, New Learning Experience, A Client, A New Task/Procedure from your current practice, or Previous Work Experiences.

OR

New learning and knowledge gained from studying the course or personal experiences and observations from caring for a family member /relative.

The following headings from the Gibbs model of reflection can be used in your journal to give you a framework to complete your journal

• Description: what happened? (the Event)
• Feelings: what were you feeling, what were others feeling.
• Evaluation: what was good and bad about the experience.
• Analyze: what sense can you make of the situation.
• Conclusion: what else could you have done.
• Action plan what would you do next time. Do you need to gain knowledge etc.?

Journal No. 1: Reflect on the importance of building positive relationships within the care sector

Guidelines for this journal would involve addressing each of the following:

• Reflect on types of relationships you have had with a client OR person you have cared for and the effects, impact, influence on you.
• Reflect on the importance of building a trusting relationship.
• Reflect on your coping strategies, how would you or did you cope with the challenges experienced.

Journal No. 2: Reflect on interpersonal issues and the importance of respecting diversity within the care sector

Guidelines for this journal would involve addressing each of the following:

• Reflect on knowledge of the diverse needs of people in need of care and why it is important to be aware of diversity.
• Reflect on key interpersonal skills required to work with clients who have diverse needs and areas you feel you can improve on.

Journal No. 3: Reflection on key interpersonal skills as a care worker.

Guidelines for this journal would include addressing, strengths, challenges, level of competence in the following areas:

• Practical skills.
• Safeguarding the clients’ privacy and dignity.
• Empathy and respect.
• Maintaining client confidentiality.
• The importance of promoting independence and self-esteem for the client.

Journal No. 4: Reflect on your personal effectiveness as a care worker.

In this journal reflect on your personal strengths and weakness in each of the following areas below and identify how you can improve on the same.

• Communication skills (non-verbal, verbal, reporting, documentation).
• Punctuality & Time management.
• Coping with stress.
• Relationship with co-workers /peers /management.
• Organizational skills.
• Receiving guidance, feedback, and direction.
• Ability to work within a team.
• Reflective Practice and professional development.

Journal No. 5: Reflect on the importance of effective communication and teamwork within the area of care.

Guidelines would include addressing each of the following key points:

• Reflect on the importance of good communication skills in the care setting.
• Reflect on good teamwork skills and attitude of the care worker within the multidisciplinary team.