Question · Writing assignments

What is Gibbs' reflective cycle in nursing?

Short answer

Gibbs' reflective cycle is a six-stage model for reflecting on an experience: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion and action plan. Graham Gibbs set it out in 1988 in Learning by Doing. Nursing students use it to structure reflective journals and essays, moving from what happened to what they will do differently.

A hand writing notes beside highlighters and a printed article

Answer and explanation

Gibbs' cycle gives a reflection a clear order, from what happened to what you'll change.

The six stages

Description: what happened, briefly.
Feelings: what you thought and felt.
Evaluation: what went well and what didn't.
Analysis: why, linked to theory and evidence.
Conclusion: what you learned.
Action plan: what you'll do differently next time.

Tips for nursing students

Keep the description short: most marks come from evaluation and analysis. Leave out names, dates and places. Check whether your instructor wants Gibbs, Driscoll or Johns.

Updated October 13, 2026