��is to transform a situation in which there is experienced obscurity, doubt, conflict, disturbance of some sort, into a situation that is clear, coherent, settled, harmonious�(Dewey 1933, p 101-102).

Dewey(1933) described �Reflection� as:� active, persistent and careful consideration of any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of grounds that support it and the further conclusion to which it tends� (cited in Williams, 2001, p. 29).

Emden defined "Reflection" as "the process where we make meaning of experiences, interpret, develop insight and understanding and critically examine our experience. Synthesizing ideas, integrating knowledge, validating personal meaning, creating awareness of feeling states and/or deciding upon actions are all processes of critical reflection. Relection is sophisticated work and suggests professional maturity and commitment for developing strategies of empowerment and amancipation for improving nursing practice".

Saylor (1990)described reflective thinking as '... the artistry of combining a professional repertoire with current clinical problems to invent unique responses...the ability to engage in reflective thinking is also essential for self-evaluation and improving one's clinical competency" (cited in Teekman,p.1126)

Reflective nursing practice is the fundamental beginning of a creative process directed towards enhancement and enrichment of nursing�s knowledge base.