When I first entered nursing school, I felt a mixture of excitement and fear. The desire to help others was the driving force behind my decision to pursue nursing, combined with the encouragement from a family friend who had been part of the healthcare field. However, once I started, I often struggled with feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, questioning whether I was truly capable of succeeding. Balancing academic demands with the emotional toll of the profession made me feel overwhelmed at times, leaving me questioning my choice. It wasn’t just the workload; it was a shift in my self-perception. I felt uncertain about my abilities and began doubting whether I was cut out for this profession.
This experience was important in shaping my personal and professional development. It revealed to me the importance of emotional intelligence, a key component in nursing practice. Emotional resilience and intelligence have been found to be key factors in dealing with challenges in nursing practice (Cleary et al. 2018). Learning to recognize and manage my emotions not only contributed to my own well-being but also highlighted the need for self-reflection in the caregiving process. In class, we discussed how emotional intelligence is vital for providing quality patient care, and I saw how it applied to my own experiences. The insecurities I faced forced me to confront my own emotions and to understand that feeling vulnerable and uncertain was a natural part of the learning process. It was through acknowledging these feelings that I was able to start the process of self-care and seek out the support I needed.
This self-awareness led me to consider the importance of establishing personal boundaries, a theme we explored in class. As I navigated the emotional ups and downs of nursing school, I recognized the significance of knowing when to set limits, not just with others, but with myself. I learned that if I didn’t prioritize my own emotional health, I couldn’t provide the level of care that patients and colleagues deserve. I also recognized the vital role that empathy plays in this profession, not just for patients, but for myself and my peers. Without empathy, we cannot connect with others in meaningful ways or sustain ourselves.
Looking ahead, I plan to take more proactive steps in ensuring my emotional well-being as I continue through nursing school. I will prioritize setting boundaries early in new relationships, especially in the clinical setting, where the pressure can sometimes blur the lines between professional and personal. I want to ensure that I communicate my needs more clearly, both with peers and supervisors, to avoid misunderstandings and maintain healthier relationships. I believe that developing this assertiveness will help me feel more confident in navigating difficult situations, whether in clinical practice or in personal interactions.
I will also continue to make time for self-reflection, which has proven to be valuable in understanding my emotions and managing stress. Mindfulness has been shown to help nursing students reduce stress levels (Munif et al. 2020). Regular journaling and mindfulness practices will be key tools I will incorporate into my routine to stay grounded and self-aware. I am also committed to exploring additional resources on emotional intelligence and boundary-setting, such as books, workshops, or mentorship opportunities.
In addition, I aim to work on building my emotional regulation skills. Nursing is an emotionally demanding profession, and learning to manage intense emotions effectively will be crucial for my growth as a compassionate and resilient caregiver. I also hope to develop stronger communication skills, particularly in expressing myself more confidently and assertively, which will ultimately enhance my ability to collaborate with colleagues and establish better rapport with patients.
Overall, my experience entering nursing school has taught me that the journey toward becoming a nurse is not just about acquiring clinical skills, it’s also about emotional growth and resilience. As I continue to develop both personally and professionally, I am committed to nurturing my emotional intelligence, establishing boundaries, and practicing self-care, all of which will enable me to become a more empathetic and capable nurse. I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead, knowing that they will continue to shape and strengthen me in my pursuit of becoming a compassionate, skilled healthcare professional.
References
Cleary, M., Visentin, D., West, S., Lopez, V., & Kornhaber, R. (2018). Promoting emotional intelligence and resilience in undergraduate nursing students: An integrative review. Nurse Education Today, 68, 112–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2018.05.018
Munif, B., Oktaviana, S., & Wirawati, W. (2020). Effectiveness of mindfulness in reducing academic stress in nursing students: A systematic review. The Malaysian Journal of Nursing, 12, 16–21. https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2020.v12i02.016
