Exploring Self-Awareness of Emotions Among BSN Nursing Students: Developing Strategies to Manage Emotions Through Reflective Practice

Abstract

The development of emotional intelligence (EI) for BSN students is crucial to further their critical thinking skills and assurance of patient safety. The concept of EI has been defined in a multitude of ways, though lead theorists have defined it as the ability to recognize, integrate, and understand emotions to facilitate thinking and manage emotions to support personal growth. Literature supports that the implementation of EI in nursing curricula empowers students to handle emotionally charged situations confidently, competently, and safely by firstly understanding their own emotions. Additionally, EI works synergistically with the rational mind to enhance intellectual abilities, directly impacting an individual’s success in their role. The purpose of this study was to explore student perceptions of how self-awareness of emotions influenced the development of strategies to manage their emotions in future situations. IRB approval was obtained prior to analysis. Secondary qualitative data analysis was conducted using in vivo and focused coding of reflective prompts in journals kept by BSN students in a mental health clinical rotation. The data was gathered in the spring of 2023 from a convenience sample of 31 participants and was de-identified prior to analysis to maintain anonymity. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: Understanding Others’ Perspectives, Grounding Self with Mindfulness and Intentionality, Communicating to Connect, and Taking a Breath. Supporting the development of EI in the nursing curricula is important to help students identify and understand their emotions to guide clinical decision-making and ensure safe patient care is provided.