Students' and tutors perceptions of the use of reflection in post-registration nurse education.

The aim of this study was to explore post-registration nurse students' and tutors perceptions of the use of reflection in education. The benefits of reflection have been highlighted in a number of studies; however, there is a paucity of literature on students' perceptions of the use of reflection in post-registration nurse education. A qualitative approach was used to explore the six post-registration nurse students' and three tutors perceptions of the use of reflection in education. Semi-structured interviews were used to access perceptions and the data was analysed. The findings of this study are discussed under the themes; benefits of reflection, barriers to reflection and suggestions for improvement of the use of reflection. Conclusions include recommendations for future research and practice. Recommendations include tutors providing sufficient time and regular support for reflective practice without the constraints of using set reflective models. These findings have implications for those involved in curriculum development for post-registration nurses' education and those seeking to develop reflective abilities in students.