Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to nurses, midwives, students and others who may use exemplars, case studies or journaling as part of their practice.

Introduction

The use of exemplars of practice, case studies and journaling of practice experience has become common place within nursing and midwifery over the last 20 years. These three strategies for aiding reflection on practice and demonstrating competence are useful in analysis of strengths and weaknesses and identifying growth or change potential; they are professional development and quality improvement strategies.