Step 1: What?

Start your reflection by first understanding the situation, experience, or event you want to reflect on by describing it.

Questions you can answer in your response:

What did I do or experience?
What happened?
What was I feeling?
What went well?
What went poorly/wrong?
What was my goal?
What did I learn?

Tip: Find a reflective process that works for you and your needs.

Do you prefer writing down your thoughts when you reflect? Or, can you use this framework while mentally reflecting during a walk or your commute?
Does music help or distract you when reflecting?
Does doodling and drawing help you articulate your thoughts?
Does being in nature help you think reflectively?
I found myself feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness after experiencing an awkward situation that stemmed from my own carelessness. I made a mistake  (allowed a ***s) that left me feeling guilty, worthless, and sad. My goal had been to make a new friend, but the outcome was far from what I intended. Despite the negative feelings, I took the time to reflect on my emotions, which helped me calm myself down. I recognized the importance of setting boundaries and reached out to communicate my needs. However, I realized that the initial situation led to dishonesty and a sense of isolation. Ultimately, I learned the crucial lesson of establishing boundaries early in relationships and being more cautious around new people to prevent similar feelings in the future.

Step 2: So What?

Step 2: So What?

Next, think about the significance and implications of the experience/situation/event you’ve just described in step 1, or what you’ve examined about yourself. Focus on explaining why this was significant or meaningful to you.

Questions you can answer in your response:

What was important and why?
What connections do I see (personally, to class content), and why?
How does this relate to what I have learned in my courses?
Does this challenge or confirm my previous knowledge/beliefs?
What is meaningful about this and why is it meaningful?
How did this affect me?
What did this tell me or teach me about myself and why does this matter?

Tip: Be sure to give yourself time and space during this step.

Ask a friend or peer to be a thought partner if you are struggling with this step. Take your time here. Making meaning and connections by finding significance in your experience is a critical step in this process and can take more time than step 1.
The importance of self-reflection and setting boundaries stands out. Recognizing my feelings of guilt and worthlessness prompted me to take actionable steps towards self-care and healthier relationships, which is crucial for personal growth. I see a connection between my experience and the concept of emotional intelligence discussed in class during my bridge program. Understanding and managing my emotions aligns with the skills I learned about in the course—such as empathy and effective communication. This experience reinforces the idea that self-awareness is essential in nursing practice. Just as we study the importance of patient-centered care, it is equally vital to care for ourselves to provide the best support for others. This experience confirms my belief in the importance of setting boundaries in relationships. However, it challenges me to recognize how easily those boundaries can be tested and the need for vigilance in maintaining them. The experience is meaningful because it highlights the ongoing journey of personal development. It emphasizes that learning isn’t just academic; it also involves emotional growth and resilience, which are vital in a nursing career. This situation made me more aware of my emotional needs and the importance of establishing healthy boundaries. It motivated me to prioritize self-reflection as a regular practice in my life. I learned that I have the capacity for self-reflection and growth, even in challenging situations. This matters because it empowers me to approach future interactions more thoughtfully, enhancing my personal and professional relationships. Recognizing my emotional responses can help me become a more empathetic nurse, ultimately benefiting my future patients.

Step 3: Now What?

Step 3: Now What?

In this last step, using all the information you’ve gathered and your new insights from steps 1 and 2, what do next steps look like?

Questions you can answer in your response:

What can I do better or differently in the future?
What worked really well that I should try again?
What new ideas or content will I explore?
What skills can I improve?
What next steps will I take?

Tip: To gain the benefits of reflection, apply your new insights, actions or goals to future situations and see how things go.
n the future, I can prioritize setting boundaries earlier in new relationships to prevent awkward situations from arising. Additionally, I will practice more proactive communication about my feelings and needs to foster healthier interactions. Taking time for self-reflection was incredibly effective. It helped me understand my emotions and calm myself. I should continue this practice regularly, especially after challenging experiences, to maintain emotional clarity. I plan to explore resources on emotional intelligence and boundary-setting in relationships. This includes reading books or articles and possibly attending workshops that focus on interpersonal skills and self-care strategies. I can improve my assertiveness skills, allowing me to communicate my boundaries and needs more confidently. Additionally, enhancing my emotional regulation skills will help me manage intense feelings more effectively. Next, I will create a personal development plan that includes setting specific goals for improving my communication and emotional skills.