“Sisonke - Together We Can”: Conceptualisations of Critically Reflective Communities of Practice Nurses Caring for Women Living with HIV

Abstract

The dynamic nature of HIV care in the context of South Africa challenges nurses to continually keep abreast of changes in treatment and care policies.  Communities of practice (CoPs) are considered an effective method of promoting lifelong learning, enhancing professional development and clinical reasoning through reflective practice. This paper reports on the conceptualisations and meanings that emerged from a critically reflective CoP established among nurses caring for women living with HIV. Based on social constructivismand underpinned on grounded theory, four themes emerged which conceptualised the meaning of a critically reflective CoP, namely: (i) a practice and learning community, (ii) a support network, (iii) collaborative, purposive-driven working to make a difference and (iv) a space that fosters self-determination. The findings of this paper enhance the understanding of organisational learning strategies that can support nurses working in various settings through ongoing learning embedded in evidence-based practice through critical reflection and CoPs.