Introduction: One of the clinical skills I become proficient in during my clinical training is washing a patient's bed. I previously had little to no knowledge on how to wash a patient in the hospital and this training has provided me with ample opportunity to learn this skill. The reflective model I chose to describe my essay is the Gibbs model (Gibbs 1998). The Gibbs reflection model is one of the most popular reflection models and is divided into a six-step process of reflective cycles. These are incorporated into the following: description of the event, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion and action plan. I would use this template to describe my essay connecting theory to practice. Patient personal hygiene is a vital part of the nurse's role. Young (1991) described cleanliness as a basic human right, not a luxury, the need for the patient to physically clean themselves and this includes skin, hair and nails. Bed bathing can bring enormous benefits to patients as it ensures that individual needs are met, improved patients psychologically as they maintain their self-esteem and positive body image. The relationship between nurses and patients can be improved through bed bathing as patients can use their closeness with the nurse to discuss issues of concern to them. Bed baths are only suitable for bedridden patients, critically ill patients requiring assistance and elderly patients. The first stage of Gibbs' (1998) event model requires a description of events. After the handover, my mentor asked me to assist a bedridden patient for his personal care with the assistance of one of the healthcare assistants. The patient was recently admitted to the ward and appears to be sc...... middle of paper ......Conclusion Aware that, different nurses have their own ways of approaching washing patients' beds and as a student nurse, I would always make sure that you have followed the general policy or local policy in place so that patient care is satisfied. In conclusion, my reflection skills have helped me structure my feelings and thoughts. It helped me improve my clinical skills and professional development, made me proactive and therefore I learned that reflection is an important tool for nursing students to improve their practice. Action Plan I would continue to reflect and always make sure to follow the local policy regarding bed washing and try to improve my knowledge on bed washing and ask for advice on things I don't know. This advice would help me improve my knowledge and service of the patient I take care of.