International Reflections on Knowledge and Use of the Mirror in Nursing Practice

Abstract

The results suggest the use of the mirror has a place in shaping nursing practice and is currently being used in nursing practice. Mirrors appear to be lacking in hospital environments. There is no known research to guide the nurse in the appropriate type of mirror to have in a hospital or any other healthcare environment.

The Use of Mirrors in Critical Care Nursing

“…Mirrors are also used to help the patient see during echocardiographic procedures. 1 Mirrors may be considered during facial and upper-body dressing changes. It may be relatively easy for a patient to glance down at the incision site of a recently amputated arm during a dressing change; it is impossible, however, to view the incision on one's face or chest without the use of a mirror.…”

“…They reported more mirrors in the lobby and elevators of hospitals than in patient rooms. 1 Freysteinson and Cesario 3 found that mirrors for the bed bound were not available in 70% of the American hospital units they surveyed.…”

“…They are not, however, taught about the use of mirrors in their schools of nursing. 1 Nursing mirror practice is based on one's patterns of knowing, beliefs, and values because there are no known guidelines to guide nurses in the use of the mirror with patients. This article discusses the potential use of the mirror in the care of some (not all) critical care patients.…”

Who Is That Stranger in the Mirror? The Mirror Experience for Elderly Patients With Dementia

“…At an international level, nurses report mirrors are often more common in elevators and hospital lobbies than in patient hospital rooms. 8 The many myths associated with mirrors may be a reason why mirrors are associated with vanity and superstition. For example, the concept of souls is often connected to mirrors.…”

“…Freysteinson found that although there is a lack of evidenced-based studies, patient testimonies suggest that utilizing a mirror to view self is an everyday reality. 8,11,14 Nursing personnel play an important role in the care of patients with dementia. Helping preserve self-acceptance and self-recognition in a mirror and independence in activities of daily living, which require a mirror, is important.…”