Gibbs Reflective Cycle: Nursing Essay Example and Structure
Gibbs' cycle has six stages, and most marks sit in the analysis and action plan. Here is a word plan and a short example for each stage.
By TutorSuite Editorial Team · Published · 7 min read
Many UK nursing and healthcare students must write a reflective essay using Gibbs' reflective cycle. It is simple in theory, but students often lose marks by describing too much and analysing too little. This guide gives a word plan and a short example for each stage.
The six stages and how many words to give each
This plan suits a 1,500-word reflection. Scale it up or down for your word count and check your marking criteria.
| Stage | Question it answers | Share of words |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Description | What happened? | 10% |
| 2. Feelings | What were you thinking and feeling? | 10% |
| 3. Evaluation | What was good and bad about the experience? | 15% |
| 4. Analysis | Why did it happen? What does theory and evidence say? | 35% |
| 5. Conclusion | What did you learn, and what else could you have done? | 10% |
| 6. Action plan | What will you do next time? | 20% |
A short example, stage by stage
This is an invented example to show the structure. Write about your own experience and do not copy it.
- Description: "On a medical ward placement, I helped a nurse explain a new medication to a patient, whom I will call Mr A to protect confidentiality."
- Feelings: "I felt nervous at first because Mr A was anxious, but I felt more confident once I saw he understood."
- Evaluation: "The explanation was clear and Mr A asked useful questions. However, I used medical terms he did not know."
- Analysis: "Evidence suggests that plain language improves patient understanding and safety (add your reference). This fits the NMC Code's expectation that nurses communicate clearly."
- Conclusion: "I learned that checking understanding matters as much as giving information. I could also have asked Mr A to explain it back."
- Action plan: "In future I will use plain language, use the teach-back method, and ask my practice supervisor for feedback on my explanations."
Confidentiality and the NMC Code
The NMC Code is the professional standard for nurses, midwives and nursing associates in the UK. It requires you to respect people's confidentiality. In reflective writing, that means using a pseudonym for patients, not naming staff and not identifying the placement or ward. Check your university's guidance for the exact rules.
How to raise your mark
- Link your analysis to theory and evidence, and reference them properly.
- Be honest about what went wrong. Markers value insight more than a perfect story.
- Make your action plan specific, with clear steps and a time frame.
- Use first person, if your module allows it. Most reflective work does.
- Use a different model, such as Rolfe or Johns, only if your module tells you to.
For more help with healthcare coursework, see our nursing assignment help. The free reference generator can help with your citations.
Where TutorSuite fits
We can explain what each stage needs, give feedback on your own draft and check your referencing. TutorSuite is an academic support service, so we help you understand and improve your own work. Always follow your university's rules on what help you may use, and submit only work that is your own. Read our academic integrity page for details.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use "I" in a Gibbs reflective essay?
Usually yes. Reflective writing is personal, so first person is normal. Check your module guidance to be sure.
Do I need references in a reflective essay?
Yes, in most cases. The analysis stage should link your experience to theory, policy or research, and you need to cite them.
How long should each stage be?
Analysis usually needs the most words, and description the least. The table above is a starting point, but your marking criteria come first.
Is Gibbs the only reflective model?
No. Others include Rolfe, Johns and Kolb. Use the model your module requires.
Last checked October 2026. Always follow your university's reflective writing and confidentiality guidance.