Objective To explore the effect of writing practicing reflective journal based on Gibbs reflection cycle in nursing interns.Methods Baccalaureate nursing interns were divided into a control group (n=62) and an experimental group (n=63) chronologically. The control group received traditional clinical teaching and writing learning experience every week, while the experimental group wrote six step (description, feeling, evaluation, analysis, summary and action plan) practicing reflective journal based on the framework of Gibbs reflection cycle once a week. Results After practicing 10 months, the total score of critical thinking ability inventory and its subscale score, the bedside comprehensive ability score in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the practice teaching overall evaluation and its evaluation on establishing clinical thinking, improving theoretical knowledge, interpersonal communication ability and the evidence-based nursing ability of the experimental group were significantly better than those of the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion Writing practicing reflective journal based on Gibbs reflection cycle in nursing interns, is conducive to cultivating their critical thinking ability, improving their comprehensive ability of clinical practice, and attaining students′ good practice teaching evaluation.