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This reflective essay on my university interview adopts the Gibbs Reflective Cycle (1988) to structure the events surrounding the interview and subsequent reflection. Developed by Graham Gibbs, this cycle provides a framework to analyze and learn from experiences. The narrative will explore my expectations, the interview process, and lessons learned, contributing to a deeper understanding of the entire experience.
Prior to the university interview for the mental health nursing course, I anticipated a unique experience, given the group interview format.
My curiosity led me to research academic strengths, and The Times (2009) highlighted the University of Nottingham's commendable ranking. Arriving at Nottingham University, the sheer number of participants created a competitive atmosphere. As CL Hardy notes, interviews are high-pressure events inducing anxiety (2012). The initial seminar and subsequent grouping heightened my awareness of the importance of my actions and how they could influence the outcome.
Reflecting on my academic journey and nursing aspirations, I recognized the need to further develop my nursing knowledge to achieve the best academic qualifications.
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My exploration revealed that the University of Nottingham was ranked as the 10th best university in the UK by the Shanghai Jiao Tong world rankings index and placed in the top one per cent of all universities worldwide (The Times Good University Guide, 2009). This information added to my eagerness to showcase not only my academic ambitions but also what I could contribute to the university community.
Entering the classroom with three assessors and fellow applicants, we engaged in brief introductions, reminiscent of 'Johari's Window' (1984), where personal information was selectively shared.
Actively listening to others' backgrounds, I recognized the significance of this skill in nursing, as Shattell M suggests (2007). The first interview activity involved teamwork, reflecting real-world nursing scenarios requiring effective communication and compromise, as emphasized by the Department of Health (2010).
Collaborating with the group, we received information about a particular scenario, requiring us to list the most important items in order. This activity mimicked situations in nursing where opinions may differ, and a compromise must be reached, highlighting the importance of communication. The Department of Health underscores the necessity for effective communication among staff to ensure continuity, safety, and quality of health care (Department Of Health, 2010).
The second part of the interview, conducted in a classroom setting, delved into our understanding of a mental health nurse's role. Eager to contribute due to my background in Mental Health Nursing, I found the atmosphere tense, with interruptions making it challenging to provide thorough responses. The experience highlighted the delicate balance between expressing personal views and ensuring effective communication in group settings.
During the interview, some participants openly shared private information, raising concerns about confidentiality. Given the sensitivity of healthcare information, setting clearer boundaries to discourage such disclosures would be advisable. Reflecting on the entire process, the group discussions provided a platform for informative content and freedom of speech, echoing the importance of building trust in therapeutic relationships, a fundamental aspect of mental health care (McGuire et al., 2001).
While I felt I presented myself well, there were areas for improvement, such as further research into the mental health field and adopting a more relaxed approach to group discussions. Structuring the final stage of the interview to allow for thoughtful responses without interruptions could enhance the overall experience.
In conclusion, the university interview, though unfamiliar in format, proved insightful. The group dynamics allowed for a collaborative environment, mirroring the importance of trust-building in healthcare relationships. If given another opportunity, I would approach the process with enhanced knowledge and a more adaptable mindset, recognizing the value of both individual contributions and collaborative discussions in a group setting.
Reflecting on my research into the University of Nottingham's academic prowess, I left impressed, affirming its reputation for groundbreaking research and world-class academics. If given another opportunity, I would approach the process with enhanced knowledge and a more adaptable mindset, recognizing the value of both individual contributions and collaborative discussions in a group setting.
Reflective Writing: University Interview Experience. (2016, Sep 17). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/critical-reflection-of-an-interview-essay
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