St. Mary’s College of Baliuag, Inc.

Baliwag City, Bulacan

Telefax: (044) 764-6068

ISO 9001:2015 Certified PAASCU Level III Accredited

Certificate No. 01 100 1534708

A reflective journal for nursing students is an essential tool for self-assessment, professional growth, and
improving patient care. Remember that reflective journaling is a personal process, so you can adapt this
format to suit your preferences and the specific requirements of your nursing program or clinical
experiences. Regularly engaging in reflective journaling can enhance your nursing skills, promote self-
awareness, and contribute to your professional growth.

1. Title and Date:

 Begin each journal entry with a title that briefly describes the event or experience you're
reflecting upon, along with the date of the reflection.
2. Introduction:
 Provide a brief overview of the situation or experience you are reflecting on. Explain the
context, setting, and any relevant background information.
3. Description:
 In this section, describe the events, actions, or interactions that took place during the
experience. Be specific and provide details, such as who was involved, what you did, and what
you observed.
4. Thoughts and Feelings:
 Express your thoughts, feelings, and emotions related to the experience. Reflect on your initial
reactions, whether positive, negative, or mixed. Consider any ethical or moral dilemmas you
encountered.
5. Analysis:
 Analyze the situation and your response to it. Explore why you felt the way you did and how
your knowledge, skills, and personal values influenced your actions. Consider the implications of
your decisions and behavior.
6. Evaluation:
 Reflect on what went well and what could have been done differently. Assess the strengths and
weaknesses of your performance during the experience. Discuss the impact on patient care and
outcomes.
7. Relevance to Nursing Practice:
 Connect the experience to nursing principles, theories, or best practices. Explain how the
situation relates to your nursing education and professional development.
8. Learning and Insights:
 Share what you have learned from the experience. This could include new clinical skills,
improved communication, a better understanding of patient needs, or insights into teamwork
and collaboration.
9. Future Actions and Goals:
 Outline any specific actions you plan to take based on your reflections. Set goals for your
ongoing professional development and explain how you will apply your learning in future
nursing practice.
10. Ethical Considerations (if applicable):
  If ethical dilemmas were present, discuss the ethical principles involved and how they guided
your decision-making.
11. Cultural and Diversity Considerations (if applicable):
 Reflect on any cultural or diversity-related aspects of the experience and how they influenced
your approach and communication.
12. Patient-Centered Care:
 Discuss how the experience has influenced your commitment to providing patient-centered care
and your understanding of the patient's perspective.
13. Conclusion:
 Summarize your key takeaways from the reflection. Offer any final thoughts or comments on the
experience.
14. References
 If you refer to specific texts, guidelines, or resources in your reflection, include references or
citations.

Topics:
1. Nursing process in the care of population groups and community
2. Assessment of Community Health Needs

Deadline: November 10, 2023