help with personal statement nursing

Detailed Guide: How to Write a Strong Nursing Statement of Purpose with examples

This detailed guide provides a comprehensive framework for writing a nursing statement of purpose, with specific examples for each section. The examples demonstrate how to effectively incorporate personal experiences, academic achievements, and career goals into a compelling narrative. Also included are Nursing Statement of Purpose examples.

Table of Contents

Definitions of Various Nursing Application Essays

Nursing statement of purpose (sop).

A Statement of Purpose in nursing is a formal essay that outlines your academic and career goals, and explains why you’re pursuing a nursing degree. It typically includes:

Your motivation for choosing nursing as a career
Relevant academic and professional experiences
Specific interests within nursing
Long-term career objectives
Reasons for applying to the particular program
How the program aligns with your goals

An SOP is generally more formal and future-oriented than a personal statement. It focuses on your professional aspirations and how the program will help you achieve them.

Nursing School Goal Statement

A Goal Statement in nursing is a concise document that clearly outlines your short-term and long-term professional objectives in the field of nursing. It typically includes:

Immediate academic goals (e.g., completing a BSN or MSN program)
Short-term career goals (e.g., specializing in a particular area of nursing)
Long-term career aspirations (e.g., becoming a Nurse Practitioner or nursing educator)
Steps you plan to take to achieve these goals
How the nursing program fits into your goal trajectory

A Goal Statement is often more focused and specific than a general Statement of Purpose, honing in particularly on your professional objectives.

Nursing Admission Essay

A Nursing Admission Essay is a broad term that can encompass various types of essays required for nursing school applications. It could be similar to a personal statement or statement of purpose, depending on the school’s specific requirements. Generally, it includes:

Your reasons for choosing nursing as a career
Relevant personal, academic, or professional experiences
Your understanding of the nursing profession
Personal qualities that make you suitable for nursing
Why you’re interested in the specific nursing program

The exact content and focus of a Nursing Admission Essay can vary widely depending on the program’s requirements, so it’s crucial to carefully read and follow the provided guidelines.

Nursing Entrance Essay

A Nursing Entrance Essay is very similar to a Nursing Admission Essay. The term is often used interchangeably, and the content is generally the same. However, some schools might use this term to emphasize that the essay is a key factor in determining entrance into the program. It typically covers:

Your background and what led you to pursue nursing
Relevant skills and experiences you bring to the program
Your understanding of the challenges and rewards of the nursing profession
Why you’re a good fit for the specific nursing program
Your goals within the nursing field

As with all application essays, it’s crucial to tailor your Nursing Entrance Essay to the specific program and prompt provided by the school.

How to Write a Nursing Statement of Purpose with Examples

1. introduction (motivation and goal).

Your introduction sets the tone for your entire statement. It should be engaging, concise, and give a clear picture of your motivations and goals.

Key Elements:

Hook (nursing-related quote)
Source of motivation
Long-term goal
Reason to pursue the course
Unique aspects of your personality
Future goals

“In the words of Florence Nightingale, ‘Nursing is an art: and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation as any painter’s or sculptor’s work.’ This sentiment resonates deeply with me, as I’ve witnessed the profound impact of skilled nursing firsthand. My journey towards nursing began when my younger sister was diagnosed with leukemia at age 10. During her two-year battle with cancer, I observed the dedication and compassion of her nurses, who not only provided medical care but also emotional support to our entire family. This experience ignited my passion for nursing and solidified my long-term goal of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse. I am drawn to nursing not just as a career, but as a calling that aligns perfectly with my natural empathy, strong communication skills, and ability to remain calm under pressure. These qualities, combined with my academic background in biology and volunteer experience in hospitals, make me an ideal candidate for your nursing program. My future goal is to revolutionize pediatric cancer care by integrating advanced technology with compassionate, family-centered nursing practices.”

2. Body Paragraph I (Learning, Execution, and Impact)

This paragraph should highlight your relevant academic and professional experiences, showcasing your preparedness for nursing studies .

Academic accomplishments
Professional accomplishments
Strengths and weaknesses
Impact of cumulative experiences
Internships and volunteerships (for freshers)

“Throughout my academic journey, I’ve consistently excelled in science-related subjects, maintaining a 3.8 GPA in my pre-nursing courses. I was particularly drawn to human anatomy and physiology, where I not only achieved the highest grade in my class but also served as a peer tutor, helping classmates grasp complex concepts. Professionally, I’ve gained valuable healthcare experience through my role as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Sunset Senior Living. This position has honed my patient care skills and taught me the importance of empathy and patience in healthcare. One of my proudest accomplishments was implementing a music therapy program for dementia patients, which significantly improved their mood and cognitive engagement. My strengths lie in my ability to connect with patients and my attention to detail. However, I recognize that I sometimes struggle with emotional boundaries, a weakness I’m actively working to improve through mentorship and self-reflection exercises. As a volunteer at Children’s Hospital, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside pediatric nurses, observing their techniques for comforting young patients and communicating with families. This experience has been instrumental in confirming my passion for pediatric nursing and preparing me for the challenges ahead.”

3. Body Paragraph II (Why This Course, Why This University)

This paragraph should demonstrate your knowledge of and enthusiasm for the specific nursing program you’re applying to.

Skills and knowledge related to nursing
Reasons for choosing this particular university
What you like about the college/university
How you can contribute to the institution

“Your university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program stands out to me for several reasons. Firstly, the program’s emphasis on evidence-based practice aligns perfectly with my belief in the importance of integrating the latest research into patient care. I’m particularly excited about the simulation labs, which I believe will provide invaluable hands-on experience in a controlled environment. Moreover, your university’s partnership with leading pediatric hospitals for clinical rotations will provide unparalleled exposure to my area of interest. The opportunity to learn from renowned pediatric oncology nurses and potentially participate in groundbreaking research is incredibly appealing. I’m also drawn to your university’s commitment to community health, as evidenced by the annual health fair organized by nursing students. This aligns with my passion for health education and community outreach. If accepted, I would be eager to contribute my bilingual skills in English and Spanish to help reach underserved populations in the community. Additionally, I believe I can contribute to the university’s nursing program through my leadership experience as president of my high school’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter. I hope to continue this leadership at the collegiate level, perhaps by organizing study groups or mentoring incoming nursing students.”

4. Conclusion (Closing Statement)

Your conclusion should tie everything together and look towards the future, outlining your goals and potential impact as a nurse.

Path to achieve career goals (short-term and long-term)
Plans after completing the course
Contribution towards society

“Looking ahead, my short-term goal is to excel in your nursing program, taking full advantage of the clinical rotations, research opportunities, and community outreach programs. Upon graduation, I aim to pass the NCLEX-RN on my first attempt and secure a position in a pediatric oncology unit at a leading children’s hospital. In the long term, I aspire to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner, combining my passion for direct patient care with advanced practice skills. I also hope to contribute to the field through research, particularly in the area of improving quality of life for pediatric cancer patients undergoing treatment. Ultimately, my goal is to make a lasting impact on pediatric cancer care. I envision establishing a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to families navigating childhood cancer, drawing on my personal experience and professional expertise. Through this work, I hope to not only improve patient outcomes but also provide comfort and hope to families during their most challenging times. I am confident that the education and experiences I will gain from your esteemed nursing program will be instrumental in achieving these goals and shaping me into the compassionate, skilled nurse I aspire to be.”

Remember, your nursing statement of purpose should tell a cohesive story about your journey toward nursing, your qualifications, and your future aspirations. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your passion for nursing. Tailor your statement to each program you apply to, highlighting why that program best fits your goals. With careful planning and sincere expression, your statement of purpose can effectively convey your potential as a future nurse to the admissions committee.

Nursing Statement of Purpose Example

“To do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through; that is to be a nurse.” – Rawsi Williams The profound impact of nursing on individual lives and communities has always captivated me. My passion for this noble profession was ignited by my grandfather, a retired army medic who dedicated his life to serving others. His stories of providing care in challenging circumstances, coupled with the compassion and resilience he demonstrated, inspired me to pursue nursing as my calling. My academic journey has been carefully tailored to support my ambition of becoming a nurse. I completed my senior secondary education at Greenwood High School, focusing on a science-heavy curriculum that included advanced biology, chemistry, and psychology. These courses not only deepened my understanding of the human body and mind but also reinforced my desire to apply this knowledge in a healthcare setting. Outside the classroom, I actively participated in the school’s first aid team, where I honed my basic medical skills and learned the importance of quick thinking in emergency situations. During my final year of high school, I had the opportunity to intern at a local hospice. This experience was transformative, exposing me to the critical role nurses play in providing end-of-life care. I assisted the nursing staff in basic patient care tasks and observed their ability to offer both medical support and emotional comfort to patients and their families. This experience solidified my decision to specialize in palliative care nursing, as I witnessed the profound impact of compassionate, skilled nursing in easing the journey of those in their final stages of life. The Bachelor of Nursing program at the University of Melbourne particularly appeals to me due to its comprehensive curriculum and focus on holistic patient care. The program’s emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills aligns perfectly with my learning style and career goals. I am especially excited about the palliative care modules and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through clinical placements in various healthcare settings. Moreover, the university’s state-of-the-art simulation laboratories will provide a safe environment to develop and refine my clinical skills before applying them in real-world situations. The interdisciplinary approach of the program, which encourages collaboration with students from other healthcare disciplines, resonates with my belief in the importance of teamwork in providing optimal patient care. If accepted, I would be eager to contribute to the university community beyond academics. My experience as captain of my high school debate team has equipped me with strong communication and leadership skills, which I hope to apply by joining the university’s healthcare advocacy group. Additionally, I am fluent in Mandarin, which I believe will be an asset in providing culturally sensitive care to diverse patient populations. My short-term goal upon graduation is to secure a position in a hospital’s palliative care unit, where I can apply my skills and continue to learn from experienced professionals. In the long term, I aspire to become a Nurse Practitioner specializing in palliative care, with the aim of improving end-of-life care practices and advocating for better support systems for terminally ill patients and their families. I am confident that the rigorous education and invaluable experiences offered by the University of Melbourne’s nursing program will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and compassion necessary to excel in this challenging yet rewarding field. I am excited about the prospect of joining your esteemed institution and contributing to the nursing profession’s noble mission of providing compassionate, high-quality care to those in need.

FAQs on nursing statement of purpose

What is an example of a nursing statement of purpose.

A nursing statement of purpose outlines your motivation for pursuing nursing, relevant experiences, and career goals . Here’s a brief example:

“My passion for nursing was ignited during my volunteer work at a local hospital, where I witnessed nurses’ profound impact on patient care. This experience, combined with my academic background in biology, has prepared me for the challenges of nursing school. I am particularly drawn to your program’s focus on community health, as it aligns with my goal of becoming a public health nurse. With your program’s rigorous curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences, I am confident I will develop the skills necessary to make a meaningful difference in underserved communities.”

What is an example of a nursing statement of intent?

A nursing statement of intent is similar to a statement of purpose but often more focused on your immediate plans. Here’s an example:

“I intend to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at [University Name] to build a strong foundation in nursing theory and practice. My goal is to specialize in pediatric nursing, inspired by my experience as a camp counselor for children with chronic illnesses. I plan to take full advantage of your program’s simulation labs and pediatric clinical rotations to hone my skills. Upon graduation, I intend to work in a children’s hospital while pursuing certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.”

What is an example of a good personal statement for a nurse?

A personal statement for nursing often includes personal experiences that led you to choose nursing. Here’s a brief example:

“The day my grandmother suffered a stroke, I witnessed firsthand the compassion and skill of the nurses who cared for her. Their ability to provide both medical care and emotional support during our family’s most challenging time inspired me to become a nurse. Since then, I’ve volunteered at a nursing home and obtained my CNA certification, experiences that have reinforced my decision. I am drawn to nursing not just as a career, but as a calling to make a difference in people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments.”

What is a purpose statement in nursing?

A purpose statement in nursing is a concise declaration of your professional goals and the impact you hope to make in the field. It’s often shorter than a full statement of purpose. Here’s an example:

“My purpose as a future nurse is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to patients while specializing in oncology nursing. I aim to not only treat the physical symptoms of cancer but also to offer emotional support to patients and their families throughout their cancer journey. Additionally, I aspire to contribute to nursing research, focusing on improving quality of life for long-term cancer survivors.”

Do nursing schools require a statement of purpose?

Many nursing schools do require a statement of purpose as part of their application process, but not all do. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Bachelor’s programs: Some BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs require a statement of purpose, especially for competitive programs or for students applying through special admission routes (e.g., transfer students or second-degree seekers).
Master’s programs: Most MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) programs require a statement of purpose. This is often a crucial part of the application for graduate-level nursing education.
Doctoral programs: Nearly all DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and Ph.D. in Nursing programs require a statement of purpose. At this level, it’s considered an essential component of the application.
Accelerated programs: Accelerated BSN or MSN programs for career changers almost always require a statement of purpose to understand the applicant’s motivation for switching to nursing.

It’s important to note that even if a program doesn’t explicitly require a “statement of purpose,” they may ask for a similar document under a different name, such as a “personal statement,” “admission essay,” or “letter of intent.” Always carefully review the application requirements for each specific program you’re applying to.

What is a personal statement in nursing?

A personal statement in nursing is a written document submitted as part of your nursing school application. It’s an opportunity for you to express your motivations, experiences, and goals related to pursuing a nursing career. Here are key aspects of a nursing personal statement:

Purpose: The personal statement allows you to showcase your personality, passion for nursing, and suitability for the program beyond what’s visible in your transcripts and test scores.
Relevant experiences (work, volunteer, personal) that have prepared you for nursing
Your understanding of the nursing profession and its challenges
Your short-term and long-term career goals in nursing
Why you’re interested in the specific nursing program you’re applying to
Personal qualities that make you well-suited for nursing
Length: This can vary by program, but typically ranges from 500 to 1000 words. Always adhere to the specific guidelines provided by each school.
Tone: While professional, a personal statement often allows for a more narrative and personal tone compared to a statement of purpose. You can share personal anecdotes that have shaped your decision to pursue nursing.
Focus: Unlike a resume which lists accomplishments, a personal statement should tell a cohesive story about your journey towards nursing, connecting your past experiences with your future goals.
Customization: While you may use a similar core for multiple applications, it’s important to tailor each personal statement to the specific program you’re applying to, highlighting why that particular program is the best fit for your goals.

Previous post.

How to Write the Nursing School Personal Statement: Steps, Tips, And Samples

A smiling nurse with a stethoscope around her neck. Her nursing school personal statement was accepted when she applied into a nursing program.

Introduction

A nursing career allows individuals to help patients in a nurturing environment, and to find their existential fulfillment. As a result, many learners decide to pursue a career in the field, and you are one of these individuals!

Eager to receive an acceptance letter? You know that you’ll need to submit the application material in a timely fashion, and part of that process involves crafting a stellar personal statement for nursing school.

According to a report by CNN , many applicants are rejected from nursing schools, unfortunately. Even when you feel that you have solid writing skills, you must hone these talents and gear them specifically toward that nursing school personal statement.

After all, you are looking to boost your chances of acceptance. Following a process and learning key pointers about this essay will help you to succeed.

Preparatory Work

Don’t simply sit down at the computer and start clicking away on the keyboard. Crafting a compelling personal statement for your target nursing school involves a significant amount of preparatory work. As seasoned writers know, the art of writing is a process.

Step 1: Research the Schools

Each school is going to have its unique requirements, and you want to know what those requirements are. Researching different programs serves multiple purposes. For example, you can start to rank the programs in order of your preference. Secondly, you get to determine what schools are reach schools and which institutions are your safety schools.

This process will also help you to get a sense of how competitive your personal statement should be. The best According to a ranking of 2023 Best Colleges for Nursing in America , the University of Pennsylvania, Emory University, and Duke University are listed as the top three.

If you’re applying to one of those institutions, you should go through your personal statement with a fine-tooth comb!

Step 2: Write Freely

At some point in your educational career, you’ve likely been asked to write freely about a topic. As you start seeing the prompts from different nursing programs, feel free to type your ideas, preferably, in a word-processing program on your computer.

You could challenge yourself to address one or more of the following prompts:

What was your reason for choosing nursing as a career? Do you have any additional information that you would like the admissions committee to know about you that has not been previously considered in the application? (2000 characters)
Discuss your interest and understanding of the clinical nurse leader role. What experiences have contributed to your interest? (2000 characters)
The goal of the Doctor of Nursing Program is to prepare nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice. Describe experiences that exhibit your leadership skills. (2000 characters)
Discuss the clinical specialty area you are interested in pursuing. What experiences have contributed to your interest? (2000 characters)
Discuss a population of interest in your work setting. What experiences have you had with this population? What health care needs do you see in this target group? (2000 characters)

Check out more nursing school personal statement questions .

While the schools to which you are applying might not ask the exact questions, you have at least started to get your creativity flowing in terms of what you might write.

Step 3: Talk to an Admissions Counselor

As you’re narrowing down your choice of nursing schools, consider scheduling an appointment with an admissions counselor. Aim to schedule an on-campus appointment if possible as this gives you a real feel of the school environment. Where it is impossible to get one, as with the current Covid-19 pandemic, consider a virtual or telephone appointment.

An admissions counselor will provide you with guidance that is specific to their nursing school’s acceptable personal statement. In other words, different schools have varying expectations. While the admissions counselor may not answer all your questions, you still have a chance to receive valuable insight.

Step 4: Review Genre Conventions

Whether you applying at the undergraduate level or graduate level, you are already familiar with certain genre conventions. What you must recognize is that a personal statement can be quite different from other academic pieces that you have done. Penn State offers some great pointers on elements that characterize a personal statement .

For example, you might think that a personal statement needs to follow a five-paragraph format with a thesis statement as the last sentence of the introduction. While some personal statements take on this format, others employ a more reflective structure.

Step 5: Thoroughly Check Requirements

You want to make sure you know exactly how many nursing school personal statements you have to write for your application and what the requirements are for each one. Take an example from medical school. When students apply to medical school, they typically have to write one larger essay followed by several shorter ones.

Knowing the expectations of the specific programs to which you are applying can help you budget your time appropriately. Pay close attention to deadlines as well. Submitting an application after the posted deadline is a sure way to seriously lower your odds of getting admitted.

The Writing Process

Once you have completed the research phase and gathered preliminary information, you may think that you’re ready to craft the final version of your essay. However, writing is an intricate process. Allowing yourself adequate time to go through this process will heighten your chances of drafting a captivating essay.

Step 1: Print or Write down the Prompt

You must adhere to the prompt. Period. Keep in mind how crucial it is to follow protocols in the field of nursing. If you cannot follow the guidelines for a nursing school personal statement, the admissions committee may doubt your abilities in the field.

Printing out the prompt or jotting it down is quite useful because you can visually assess if you have checked off all of the requirements. Pay attention to how the prompt is worded. Further, note any length requirements; you may have to write at least a certain number of words or ensure that your essay does not exceed a specified number of characters.

When essays have character limits, make sure to find out if the character limit includes or excludes spaces. As you go through the writing process, you can check off each requirement on the prompt.

Step 2: Use a Brainstorming Strategy

I am confident you have great brainstorming techniques up your sleeves. If not, The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers some very handy brainstorming techniques that you could use.

Try to resist the urge to skip right ahead to the full first draft. Brainstorming allows you to get your ideas out. For example, you might look at the prompt and make a list of whatever ideas comes to your mind. You don’t need to worry about organizing them or fully developing the content yet. You could also craft a formal outline as you brainstorm ideas. See which strategy works best for you.

Some writers like to use the actual writing out of sentences as a brainstorming technique. With this approach, you could just write or type whatever ideas come to mind. Setting a timer for this activity is useful. Then, you can go back in to shape your ideas.

Step 3: Craft the First Draft

Writing can be intimidating. You might feel as though you are totally committing to whatever words you put on paper. But the drafting process helps to overcome this anxiety. Sitting down to write the first draft means that you know you will make changes. As a result, you do not feel as pressured.

For some, writing is an enjoyable process; for others, just the thought alone is enough stress and a nuisance. If you fall into the latter group, budget your time. You could allocate an hour each day for a week to put together the first draft. This strategy works even when you love writing.

Step 4: Start with What You Know

Many writers become so concerned with the first sentence of their introduction that they end up losing valuable ideas for the rest of the essay. For example, imagine that you have four main ideas that you would like to explore in your nursing school personal statement. Your natural inclination might be to write about the experience that happened earliest chronologically before you tackle the others.

Consider the fact that you might feel more comfortable writing about the second or third chronological experience instead. Start with those paragraphs. You can then build the essay around them. Getting started is often the most difficult part of a writing project, so starting with what you know can help to inspire the rest of the piece.

Step 5: Prioritize Higher-Order Issues

In writing, topics such as organization, addressing the prompt, and developing ideas are often considered more important than issues like grammar and spelling. Of course, you want to present polished grammar and proper sentence structure in your nursing personal statement, but these issues are less important in your first draft.

When you are creating your first draft, pay attention to the content. Work to get the paragraphs into reasonable order, and aim to develop your ideas as much as you can. You will worry about the grammar, sentence structure, and proofreading issues when you go to revise.

Step 6: Put the Essay Aside

As mentioned earlier, planning your time is vital when it comes to the writing process. Therefore, as unorthodox as it may sound, you need to disconnect yourself from the work for quite some time before reviewing. Putting your work away for at least a day is a smart move. By doing so, you have the proper amount of time to really assess the changes that you want to make.

It’s tempting to immediately go into your paper to revise after writing the first draft, and this urge is particularly strong when the deadline is soon. You might miss important information though. Waiting allows you to recall more important details that you want to be included in the essay. Taking a break from your personal statement allows you that necessary mental space to potentially come up with fresh ideas.

Removing yourself from the project for some time also helps with editing. When you are first writing, you may include some unnecessary details about events related to nursing or your reasons for becoming a nurse. These details may be important to you, but they might not be important for your essay. Putting your work aside for some time will help you gain that perspective.

Besides, picking up on proofreading and editing errors is difficult when you have just written the paper. Your mind is likely to read the work as though it is correct because you just wrote it and you know what the text is supposed to say.

When you come back to read the text later, you are likely to catch these mistakes. For some, printing out the essay and editing it by hand seems to work great. Make sure to read the text out loud to catch errors. In other words, you may hear issues more readily than you see them.

Step 7: Visit a Writing Center

If available to you, a writing center is extremely valuable. Ben Rafoth in Writing Spaces: Readings on Writing explains why writing centers are so valuable. The main idea here is that you get the chance to review the work with a tutor. Having the insight of a professional or a peer on your work is crucial.

Writing centers function in a variety of ways. Some tutors may require students to read their papers aloud while others might make markings on the student’s paper. If you are already a student at a college, you likely have access to a writing center right on campus.

If you do not, ask a few people to read over and review your essay ( me shamelessly plugging in our services page here 🤦). Sharing your work with others might feel frightening, but keep in mind that an outside reader can offer you important insights.

Step 8: Revise and Revise Some More

One round of revisions is typically not enough for an important piece of writing. You want to make sure that your personal statement for your target nursing school is as polished as it gets. Now you will have to decide how many times is enough revision.

But as a rule of thumb, aim for at least 3 rounds of revisions. As you go through each essay each round, you will likely notice grammar and sentence-level issues that need fixing. At some point, however, you will feel confident with your paper. Then, you are ready to submit the document.

Related: 8 Best TEAS Prep Courses Today, According to Nursing Students

Topics and Approaches to Consider

In addition to allowing your writing to develop over time, you also need to make sure you are selecting appropriate content. But remember, you must always strive to address the specific prompt from your target nursing program. Consider the following clever tips to make your writing shine:

Tip 1: Start with an Anecdote

You want to grab the attention of your readers at the beginning of your nursing school personal statement. Beginning with an authentic anecdote is one way to do so. For example, you might bring in a specific experience that encouraged you to want to become a nurse or a situation that had a profound influence on your life.

Remember the importance of authenticity when taking this approach. You might feel like you need to manipulate the experience to make it sound more dramatic than it was. However, bear in mind that a commitment to honesty is imperative to your nursing goals.

As a word of caution, the admissions team has quite possibly read numerous nursing personal statements in the past, which means they can sniff out your inauthenticity from a mile away! You do not want that, now do you?

Tip 2: Talk about Yourself

Many students fall into the trap of talking about other people more than they discuss themselves. You might have a profound story about how a medical situation with one of your grandparents inspired you to become a nurse, or you might want to share details about an internship that you had with a particular nurse.

What you do not want to do is end up writing more about your grandparent or the nurse with whom you worked than you do about yourself.

While these individuals may very well have played a crucial role in your decision to pursue a nursing career, they are not the ones applying to a nursing school. You are essentially trying to sell yourself to the admissions committee. Talk about how these experiences shaped you and what you learned from the situations. Keep the focus on yourself.

Tip 3: Discuss the Target School

Chances are that you are applying to multiple nursing programs. If you are thinking of applying to only one program, casting your net wider is definitely wiser. After all, you don’t know for certain that you will gain admittance into your program of choice. When you apply to different schools, you should tailor the personal statement to each institution.

It’s quite possible that each school will ask you a similar question or that the prompts will resemble each other. While you might be compelled to do a one-size-fits-all personal statement for each of the nursing schools, that would be a sure recipe to get a rejection letter. The writing will sound as though it has been repurposed.

The admissions committee wants to see why you are a good fit for that specific school, not simply nursing schools in general. Now, of course, you can potentially use the same base. For example, you might want to share the same volunteer experiences or internship experiences with each school. However, you should have a section that is thoughtfully tailored to the individual school.

Incorporate specific details about the school that show why you want to go there. You could highlight particular classes that interest you or discuss a few of your role models who are that school’s alumni- basically, anything that, without a doubt, demonstrates that your essay is intended for the specific school.

Take a look at the following excerpt from an actual personal statement. While it is not for a nursing application, it should elaborate on the point.

“RIT is an excellent choice for me because it has successfully carved out a reputation for itself as a leading technology university. The availability of top-notch facilities, like the Simone Center for Student Innovation and RIT Venture creations Incubator, continue to set the university apart from its peers. As a result, the university sports a vibrant entrepreneurial culture that is leveraged on technology to inspire learners to identify problems that require innovative solutions. Importantly, I believe the MS TIME program will enable me to experience entrepreneurship in a reimagined way, like never before.”

Tip 4: Know What to Avoid

You already know that you should avoid manipulating personal stories and writing generic essays. You should also avoid begging for admission into the school. Further, avoid integrating clichés into your writing. Instead, look for personal ways to convey your ideas instead of simply regurgitating.

Avoid plagiarism as it can affect you professionally. Running your work through a plagiarism checker will weed out accidental plagiarism. When you read samples, you absolutely must not copy them.

Nursing School Personal Statement Examples

How about we examine (and comment on) some excerpts from samples of personal statements- to give you a general idea and hopefully get you started. Ready? Let’s go!

“Nursing is a very versatile field and the subjects I am currently studying have many links with adult nursing. Studying psychology has made me aware that the mental health of a patient is just as important as their physical well-being. I have learnt that the brain and the body are never in harmony, which can explain why we are such a diverse species in the way we act, or the beliefs we hold…”

– Read the rest here

Commentary : The student does a splendid job of connecting his educational experience to the nursing field. He might want to watch for absolutes, such as the word “never.” But as long as you can back up your assertion, you are free to say what’s on your mind. The student should, however, break down this wall of text into two separate paragraphs, for readability purposes.

“After a series of illnesses and injuries during my early childhood, I was introduced to the role and care of Nurses. It was from here I became fascinated and realised this could be a satisfying future outlet for my empathetic self. I feel that nurses are truly inspirational professionals. They provide an inestimable service to society whilst working in a highly demanding and very challenging career, assisting individuals and their families through difficult times when they are at their most vulnerable. I feel I am ready to embark on this career and start to fulfill this ambition of mine to become a children’s nurse.

I believe nursing is a career in which I will excel because of my compassion for those who are at their most vulnerable. My ability to empathise with individuals would provide a positive nurse and patient relationship, putting the child and family at ease, allowing the family to approach me for support and guidance and therefore meet specific needs of the child and their family. Self-confidence is something I consider to be highly important within a nursing career. Having self-belief when working under pressure and in stressful situations is crucial when ensuring high quality care is delivered. Nursing can be a stressful career where traumatic situations are common…”

Commentary : This is an excellent example of how to start a personal statement for nursing school, and transition effortlessly from the introductory paragraph to the next. The student here clearly connects her experiences as a child to her desire to be a children’s nurse. And just from reading this sample, you feel she is well qualified for admission!

“I want to be a nurse to do something worthwhile with my career, I don’t want to waste my days working behind a computer, I want to be a nurse to utilise all of the best parts of my character…”

– Read the rest here

Commentary : What’s useful here is that the student speaks with confidence. He seems to have a pretty clear direction from the start. However, the writing does contain comma splices, which is a grammar mistake. While the word “something” is vague, it wouldn’t be if the student elaborated on the same paragraph or the next one.

Also, the student here could better consider the audience. In this case, the audience might consist of admission committee members who work on a computer all day, and they might feel a little offended from reading the first line. Even if their personal feelings aren’t supposed to come into play when assessing the essay, the readers are likely not going into the rest of the essay brimming with enthusiasm.

In addition, the student should consider improving the opening line by focusing more on his specific goals and by eliminating information that could potentially alienate the audience.

“My motivation towards nursing did not emanate from anywhere. I relate it to the experiences that I have had since I was young. As I reflect on my life back, I remember that I grew in a family where my father and mother were nurses in the nearby hospital. I witnessed the care and love they extended to the infirm, some of who came to the hospital in dire conditions. As we lived in the staff quarters, I got a chance to sneak to my father’s office and saw how he handled the patients of different ages. I was encouraged to see him listen and take the history of every patient, something that enabled him to make an accurate treatment decision. since then, I wanted to extend the good works that I witnessed with my immediate parents…”

Commentary : This student does not have very advanced writing skills, which is why you can see her commit some grammar mistakes. For example, she ought to write “sneak into” instead of “sneak to”. However, she does a great job demonstrating how her past has led her to want to pursue a career in nursing. Do not be afraid to tell such a story on your nursing school personal statement. Just don’t dwell too much on it. And ensure the story is legit.

Writing a personal statement might seem like an overwhelming endeavor. After all, you do have to take several steps before you are ready to submit a polished essay and hopefully get accepted into your program of choice.

Keep in mind that your efforts will be worth it. Obviously, other aspects of your application come into play- Factors such as your GPA, recommendation letter, etc.

However, it is on your nursing school personal statement that you have the chance to really craft your story how you deem fit and showcase yourself in the best possible light. By putting the necessary time and effort into it, you could find yourself studying to become a nurse when the next semester begins.