Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify some nursing students' perceptions of how the process of journalling helps them to learn about nursing. The study sample were three students enrolled full time in a Bachelor of Nursing programme and at the end of their first year. Each student volunteer participated in a semi-structured audio-taped interview, guided by the opening question “What is journalling like for you?” The tapes were transcribed, coded and analysed for general themes. Each participant received a copy of her transcript and was invited to alter, add or delete any information. The findings highlighted the difficulties of beginning to journal, learning how to journal, personal growth through journalling, the journal as a critical document of oneself, a love-hate relationship with journalling, and what journalling is like now