Abstract: Objective To explore how clinical nurses conduct reflective practice for providing reference for improvement of reflective ability. Methods The phenomenological methodology was used in the study. Semi-structured in-depth interviews was conducted on 16 clinical nurses. Data was analyzed by using content analysis. The NVivo 10.0 software was used to manage，dig and analysis textual data. Results Three themes were emerged from the data including conscious behavior guidance （self-review，others guidance，groups discussion），realistic situation stimula-tion（influential situation，challenging situation，uncertain situation），and emotional and moral touches（empathy，profes-sional values，ethical issues）. Conclusion Inner and external environments of clinical nurses can trigger their reflection in clinical nursing practice. Nursing managers should carry out reflection activities and improve nurses’abilities of clinical reaction and decision-making.

Key words: Nurses, Qualitative Research, Reflective practice