Reflection is a critical component of professional nursing practice and a strategy for learning through practice. This integrative review synthesizes the literature addressing the use of reflection as an educational strategy and reports outcomes from the use of reflective strategies. Reflection education is primarily nested in programs to meet specific clinical goals, structured with group facilitation. Findings suggest that reflective strategies stimulate learning in practice, enhance readiness to apply new knowledge, and promote practice change.

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A mixed-method study was conducted to determine whether nurses' participation in a reflective practice continuing education program using a structured reflection model makes a difference in nurses' self-reflection, insight, and reflective thinking about clinical practice situations. Findings suggested that use of structured reflection using question cues, written narratives, and peer-facilitated reflection increased nurses' engagement in self-reflection and enhanced reflective thinking in practice. Including reflective practice education in novice orientation and preceptor training may be beneficial.