nurse practitioner application essay examples

7 Tips for Writing the Perfect Family Nurse Practitioner Essay

If you are pursuing a career as a family nurse practitioner, you will likely be required to submit a personal essay. Your nurse practitioner personal statement explains why you want to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP) and is an important step in the graduate nursing program application process.

What you say in your nurse practitioner essay should tell the admissions committee who you are as a person and why you will make an effective and ethical nurse practitioner.

When answering the section on “why I want to be a nurse practitioner,” your response may come easily. Others might struggle with putting their reasons into words in an original and clear way. This guide will show you how to convey who you are and why you make an excellent candidate.

1. Be Specific

When you receive your essay questions, you will notice that they are reasonably generic. What the university is looking for, however, is how you turn that into something specific.

Don’t just outline your overall feelings about a full topic. Instead, go into detail and use specific examples from your personal experience that truly demonstrate your capabilities. Not only is this a better way of answering the question, but it also means your essay will be far more interesting. It will properly showcase your personality, which is a very important part of nursing.

2. Be Concise

Always remember that you are writing an essay and not the next great saga. Oftentimes, there will be a word count limit. However, if there isn’t, you shouldn’t write every little detail you come up with. What matters is that the information is complete and doesn’t go off-topic. Stick to the guidelines provided, as they have been given for a good reason (one of them is to test you on how well you can follow instructions). You must be concrete in your answers.

Admissions committees must get through dozens or hundreds of applications. If your nurse practitioner essay is too long, they’ll likely lose focus. In addition, nursing requires concise communication in daily work. If you come across as taking a long time to get to the point, this may leave an unprofessional impression.

3. Demonstrate Your Passion and Commitment

When you describe why you want to be a nurse practitioner, your passion and commitment should leap off the page and make the admissions committee excited to offer you a place. They should see you as the kind of student and colleague that they want to represent their school. You can do this by making sure that your nurse practitioner essay:

• Shows how your experience and education motivate you
• Describes specific motivators, such as mentors, experiences with nurses, or even experiences as a patient
• Shows that you are committed to all aspects of nursing, including patient care, collaboration, cultural competence , and continual learning and improvement
• Clearly summarizes these elements to match your background and passion to the school’s culture, as well as to nursing

Avoid clichés or general statements about why nursing is important. They already know that. What they don’t know — what you have to tell them — is why your passion will make you an excellent FNP.

4. Tell a Story

Storytelling is the most powerful and memorable form of communication. The stories we’ve lived shape who we are. Leverage the power of storytelling in your nurse practitioner essay.

• Choose the right story and apply it to nursing. It doesn’t have to be about nursing specifically, but it needs to apply to nursing. Talk about instances where you’ve demonstrated teamwork, perseverance, crisis response skills, or communication successes.
• Start with a vivid hook that makes the reader want to know what happens next.
• Use clear language that helps the reader understand and identify with the choices you made.
• Make stories about more than just yourself. Nursing is a team practice, and if you write as though you’re the only important character in the story, it can seem arrogant or self-involved.
• Show empathy. Empathy doesn’t mean having a lot of feelings or dwelling on them. It means understanding others and meeting them where they are.
• Customize your nurse practitioner essay to the program. What values does the school hold? How does the school site describe learning, teachers, and current students? Make these values and priorities stand out in your writing.

5. Highlight Your Strengths

Your essay is an opportunity for you to show what you are made of. Highlight all the things that are good about you, such as your education, your career, your background, and other experiences. Perhaps you have done volunteer work, or you have already been employed in the medical field. It is always a good idea to give some examples of the experiences you have had to demonstrate why you are good at what you do and why you want to become an FNP.

When highlighting these strengths, it is best to be specific and include examples. For instance, saying you are hardworking may sound like a good trait to focus on, but it could be more impactful to provide a specific example of how you have worked hard during your career. This will add credibility to your essay and reinforce your claims.

6. Keep it Professional

You want your nurse practitioner personal statement to be memorable, but only in the right way. Keep your tone professional and individual. Think of your essay as though you were a stranger reading it. Would you want the person who wrote this essay to be in charge of your or a loved one’s care?

Never make a colleague or patient look bad in your nurse practitioner essay. This is a surefire way to get rejected, as it comes across as unprofessional, unfair, and potentially unethical. While a sense of humor is invaluable for a nurse practitioner, humor is very difficult to convey to an audience you don’t know.

Avoid exaggerating, even for dramatic effect. While exaggerating might improve the story, obvious exaggeration will cast doubt on your professional judgment.

Lastly, don’t use foul language in your nurse practitioner essay. Just like humor, while many nurses use it as a coping method, they are careful about their intended audience.

7. Edit Again and Again

Finally, once you have completed your essay, proofread it. After that, give it to someone else to proofread and then edit it once more yourself. Spelling errors, typos, and layout problems are certain to have your application denied because they show a lack of attention to detail. Share your essay with as many people as possible and ask for their suggestions and edits before you finally submit it.

Remember that the faculty members of the FNP program you are applying for also look at how well you can write. Clear communication will be an important skill for successful FNPs. Hence, you must make sure that your essay is well-reviewed and well-written. This is also why you should start developing your essay as early as possible, as this is not a job that can be rushed.

Putting Pen to Paper

Think of your nurse practitioner essay as a way to show who you are, to reflect what is most important to you, and why you will be an excellent FNP.

If you’re not sure where to start, try having a conversation with a friend who is a good listener and have them ask you questions about why you want to be a nurse practitioner. Ask them to probe into what you say and tell you when something comes across as especially meaningful or significant.

Begin by writing anything at all about “why I want to be a nurse practitioner.” Turn your inner editor off. For this first step, the goal is quantity, not quality. Either as you keep writing or when you review it later, you’ll usually find something valuable you can use.

A few final tips:

• Start early. Even if you’re not sure when you’ll want to earn your MSN, you can start keeping notes now. Once you know when you want to apply, outlining your nurse practitioner essay months ahead will pay off.
• Ask a variety of people to review your writing. Different people bring different perspectives.
• Think of it not just as an essay but as a chance for reflection. This is another reason to start early, since this kind of reflection can bring new insights that you’ll want to use.
• Remember that the better your nurse practitioner personal statement reflects you, the better the decision the committee can make. Be your best self, but be yourself.

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How to Write an Excellent NP School Personal Statement

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“Try not to rush this statement. We recommend taking some time to reflect on your nursing career accomplishments, as well as situations that perhaps were learning situations that did not end favorably. Use these to reflect on your motivation and priorities and how they apply to the topic that the school has provided.”

Dr. Doreen Rogers, DNS, RN, CCRN, CNE, Assistant Professor of Nursing & Graduate Nursing Program Director at Utica University

Anyone who’s ever applied to a nurse practitioner program knows two things: careers in nursing are in high demand and graduate school admissions are competitive. Nurse practitioner careers are one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States; in fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023) predicts that 118,600 new NP jobs will be added to the economy between 2022 and 2032—a 45 percent increase.

So why are nurse practitioner admissions so competitive? A shortage of qualified nursing teaching faculty and an increasing number of retiring nurses are some possible reasons, according to CNN . 

Despite these admissions barriers, a nationwide shortage of doctors is poised to restrict patients’ access to care. To address this problem, states are beginning to expand the scope of practice laws for nurse practitioners. The U.S. News & World Report shows that 22 states, the District of Columbia, and the Veterans Health Administration removed practice authority limitations for NPs, which resulted in expanded healthcare and decreased costs. 

One thing is sure: applicants for nursing practitioner programs must put together flawless applications to rank high with an admissions committee. In addition, an aspiring nurse practitioner who wants to stand out and make a solid first impression needs to write an excellent nurse practitioner (NP) school personal statement.  

To help out hard-working nurses who spend more time seeing patients than practicing academic writing skills, here are some tips for writing an excellent nurse practitioner (NP) school personal statement.

Follow the Five-Paragraph Essay Format

Drexel University has a video featuring several tips for writing a personal essay for admissions committees. The video recommends applicants organize their statements in a five-paragraph essay format and write no more than 500 words. 

• First paragraph: Make an immediate impact in your introduction
• Second paragraph: Explain what attracted you to the program and field
• Third paragraph: Compare your short- and long-term goals with the program goals
• Fourth paragraph: Share your skills, experiences, and characteristics
• Fifth paragraph: Conclude by summarizing your five-paragraph essay

Drexel University also offers a downloadable infographic to illustrate what admissions committees are looking for in an applicant’s essay.

Write an Impactful Introduction

Pretty Nurse Ashley , a registered nurse who documented her experience getting into Vanderbilt University’s top-ranked nurse practitioner program, emphasizes the importance of an impactful introduction in a personal statement in her YouTube video:

That first sentence needs to be something spectacular, something that’s going to pull them in, so it needs to be very creative and something that’s going to get their attention. With your personal statement, you want to stand out from the other applicants. You want to create a story, create a vivid picture of who you are.

At a time when nursing schools are sending thousands of rejection letters to qualified applicants, Pretty Nurse Ashley’s advice to make a strong introduction is solid advice to help an applicant open their statement with what makes them unique.

Do Your Homework: Advice From an NP Career Coach

Renee Dahring is a nurse practitioner career coach , past president of the Minnesota chapter of the APRN Coalition, and a nursing university instructor with extensive experience in recruitment and admissions for nurse practitioner programs. When applying to NP schools, Ms. Dahring recommends that nurse practitioner applicants do their homework in three areas.

Show Your Commitment to Finish

Dahring said, “Every university wants its students to finish, especially in a nurse practitioner program. If you drop out, your spot in the NP cohort is empty. Mostly we like to know: ‘Have people thought this decision through?’” 

In other words, when an NP program admission committee decides to admit a student, they are investing in that person to finish the program. Therefore, if it seems like a risky investment, they will not want to admit that individual.

Connect Your Career Goals to the NP Program’s Mission

“Understand what the program’s goals and missions are and align your personal statement with them. . .Also, consider the mission of the educational institution; most have a dedication to the underserved, but that will vary from place to place,” Dahring advised.

Addressing a program’s or an institution’s mission statement directly in a personal essay can catch the attention of an admission committee. They want to ensure that a person is a strong fit for their specific program. It’s also a benefit for applicants to be familiar with a school’s objectives and guiding philosophy, as it can help ensure that a program is the right fit for them.

Demonstrate Your Understanding of NP Scope of Practice Laws 

Dahring also stated, “The other important thing is to have a really good understanding of the NP Scope of Practice Laws. . .You should have a clear idea of what you are allowed and not allowed to do in the states where you apply for NP school and intend to work as a nurse practitioner.” 

NPs can practice more independently in some states than others—and a solid understanding of these regional nuances can inform one’s essay.

Take Time to Communicate Clearly

Above all, take the time to write and edit well. Admissions committees read through hundreds of personal statements, so communicating concisely and clearly can increase an applicant’s chances of admission to an NP program.

Dr. Doreen Rogers is an assistant professor of nursing and the graduate nursing program director at Utica University in New York. She advises applicants to use their best writing skills:

Remember, your personal statement is an opportunity for you to convey what motivates you and discuss your priorities as a healthcare professional while extending them to your future career as a nurse practitioner. Some aspects that are exceptionally important are the use of appropriate grammar, spelling, word selection, and sentence structure (including an introductory paragraph, transition sentences in between paragraphs, and a conclusion that ties everything together).

Dr. Rogers also recommended taking the time to communicate clearly: “Try not to rush this statement. Instead, we recommend taking some time to reflect on your nursing career accomplishments, as well as situations that perhaps were learning situations that did not end favorably. Use these to reflect on your motivation and priorities and how they apply to the topic that the school has provided.”

Rachel Drummond, MEd

On NPschools.com, Rachel Drummond has leveraged her extensive background in education and mindfulness to provide valuable insights to nursing professionals since 2020. She explores how mindfulness and movement can be incorporated into the demanding routines of nurses, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being for increased resilience and effectiveness in the challenging field of nursing.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog , inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.

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9 Tips for Writing the Perfect NP Program Application Essay

While many NP program application deadlines are still months away, now is the perfect, stress-free time to start getting your application materials together.  Filling out endless amounts of personal information, gathering transcripts and requesting letters of recommendations is easy.  The application essay?  Not so much.

We all hate responding to the types of questions NP program applications typically ask.  “Why do you want to become a nurse practitioner?” and “Talk about a time you overcame a challenge” can be difficult questions to answer…eloquently at least.  Responding by saying you want to become an NP “so you can make decent money and aren’t sure what else to do with your life” isn’t going to cut it.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make sure your admissions essays are top notch.

• Get Specific – Most application essay questions are generic.  This doesn’t mean your response should follow suit.  Rather than describing how you feel about a topic, give details.  Outline a specific example from your own personal experience.  This makes your essay more interesting and memorable while highlighting your experience and personality.
• Keep it Simple – Admissions staff want to read an essay, not a novel.  Avoid verbosity keeping your essay simple and succinct but complete.  Make sure to stick to specified length guidelines.  They are there for a reason.
• Understand the Role of a Nurse Practitioner -NP program faculty want to know that you understand the role of nurse practitioners .  Make sure you accurately present the NP profession in your essay responses.  If you aren’t quite sure what an NP does, job shadow an NP or two for a day to learn more about the career before applying.
• Be Concrete -Even if you aren’t 100% sure what your future holds, explain your future plans and goals as if they are set in stone.  Saying you “might” do this or you “hope” to do that isn’t as powerful as saying you “will”.
• Keep Your Essay Appropriately Personal – Many essay topics ask you to explain a time you overcame an obstacle or hardship in life.  If your life’s major challenge has been extremely personal, choose something else to discuss in your essay. Don’t mention your marriage woes or your teen’s problems with the law to admissions staff.  Instead, choose something career or volunteer related (but not trivial) even if it isn’t actually your life’s most insurmountable obstacle.
• Follow Directions – Yes, you learned this in kindergarden but some of us still have trouble sticking to guidelines.  If a school asks for an essay written in APA format, for example, make sure you exhaustively research APA requirements and format your essay appropriately.
• Brag a Little -Application essays are your chance to shine .  Highlight your career, education and experience.  If you have volunteered extensively or worked in the medical field, share examples of your experiences and how they have helped shape your interest in becoming a nurse practitioner.
• Stick with Facts Over Characteristics -When describing yourself in your application essay, examples and facts speak louder than description.  Anyone can say, for example, they are hardworking.  If you can describe your involvement in multiple nursing organizations while raising a family and working full-time in the ICU, however, this proves your industrious character.
• Edit, Edit, Edit -Nothing ruins an application essay like typos and misspellings.  Look over your essay multiple times continuing to refine your work.  Then, share it with family, friends and colleagues asking for feedback.  The more eyes you have read your essays before submitting your application, the better.

NP program faculty are looking at your essays as samples of your writing ability.  Start your application essays early making sure you have enough time to review them thoroughly.  You wouldn’t want a poorly written writing sample to hurt your chances of admission.

Questions about your NP program application essay?  Ask other NP’s their opinions by commenting below.

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How to Write the Perfect NP School Personal Statement

Apr 7, 2020 | Job Search Tips

Most nurse practitioner (NP) schools require their prospective students to compose a personal statement. Often, these elusive essays cause applicants to panic, but with just cause: personal statements are one of the most important components of NP school applications.

Having applied to a BSN, MSN, and DNP program in my past, I have written more personal statements than I can count. In this article, I offer general advice for preparing, writing, and editing your essay.

To help temper your anxiety, this post elaborates on the importance of:

• Following directions
• Being honest
• Writing passionately and professionally
• Making your case
• Starting with an outline
• Offering a story
• Speaking the nursing language
• Addressing your “red flags”
• Giving yourself plenty of time
• Using correct syntax and grammar
• Reading it out loud

Follow Directions

First and foremost, follow directions. Each school has different guidelines for their personal statements, and you do not want your application thrown out just because you fell under their required word count. Some schools provide explicit information on the length, format, and content of the personal statement while others leave the task more open-ended.

For example,  Vanderbilt University  provides an open-ended prompt for the admissions essay: “The Statement of Purpose should reflect your understanding of the role of the advanced practice nurse and your interest in either a particular patient population, in healthcare leadership or in nursing informatics. Before writing your statement of purpose, please carefully review information about the specialty on our website so that you clearly indicate to the faculty that your career goals are a fit with the specialty.”

Drexel University  also offers specific guidelines for their personal statement requirement: “Personal statement (under 1,000 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of: (1) Why you are choosing this particular program of study; (2) Your plans upon completion of the graduate degree; and, (3) How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this MSN program.”

On the other hand, NP schools like  Duke University  and  University of California San Francisco  merely ask for a “personal statement” or “goal statement” with no further direction. Be aware that not every school calls your essay a personal statement. Allen College, for example, calls it a “biographical sketch,” and Johns Hopkins University calls it a “written expression of goals.”

Every application will be slightly different, so it is important to stay organized. Table 1 is an example of how I stayed organized during my NP school applications.

Make sure your answers line up with your resume or curriculum vitae. Do not exaggerate your skills or accomplishments. Instead, be proud of what you have achieved and speak enthusiastically about your desire to become an NP.

Never let someone else write your essay for you, and never plagiarize content from books, blogs, or journal articles. The admissions committee may scan your personal statement for plagiarism using an online program. Be sure to check your essay before you submit it using a website like  PlagTracker ,  Turn It In , or  Grammarly .

Write Passionately and Professionally

One of my favorite quotes is from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” If being an NP is your goal, pursue it with courage, determination, and passion. Become enthusiastic about all things nurse practitioning.

Writing professionally does not mean writing a bland, scientific paper. Be concise, be consistent, use clear examples, and make it sound like you. Make sure your personal statement succinctly and lucidly portrays your passion for becoming an NP. Do not use this essay as a means to criticize past professors or other NP programs.

Make Your Case

Think of your personal statement as your chance to convince the admissions committee to accept you. Why should they admit you? What makes you unique? Why will you succeed in graduate school? Why will you be an excellent nurse practitioner? Use your essay to make your case.

Make sure you tailor your answers to your chosen medical specialty. For example, if you are applying to become an emergency nurse practitioner, what characteristics do you have that will ensure your success? Are you quick on your feet, calm under pressure, and compassionate to all? Are you enthusiastic about this specialty? What have you done or what do you do that demonstrates your passion?

Start with an Outline

Sometimes the hardest part is figuring out where to begin. A mind map can help you start brainstorming. A mind map is a spidergram that offers a structured method for developing ideas.

When you are ready, use your mind map to create a topical outline. Typically, you will want to have an introduction and conclusion paragraph that sandwich a handful of body paragraphs. Your introduction and conclusion should include your thesis and summary of your subtopics. Each body paragraph should elaborate upon one subtopic. I use the following outline when beginning my articles.

Introduction Paragraph

• An attention-grabbing opening statement
• A thesis statement summarizing the theme and purpose of the paper
• Mention each subtopic covered in the body paragraphs

Body Paragraphs (one for each subtopic)

• Opening sentence that indicates subtopic to be discussed
• Multiple sentences that provide supporting details and examples
• A short explanation regarding how these details or examples relate to your thesis

Concluding Paragraph

• Begin with a restatement of your thesis
• Summarize your main topic and subtopics
• End with global statement

Offer a Story

You want the admissions team to remember you. You want to stand out. Try to incorporate a personal story that will make you memorable. The stories can usually be about anything you like: anything from a conversation with a mentor to a volunteer experience. Make the story interesting and use it to illustrate and emphasize your key points.

Choose a story that describes how you decided to become an NP or one that illustrates your personal values. You might also write about a particular challenge or experience that changed your perspective. Try to choose a story that gives the reader a clear impression of who you are and why you will be successful in NP school.

Consider beginning the story in your introduction, telling small pieces in each body paragraph, and ending the story in your conclusion paragraph. If you decide to tel a story in your personal statement, I suggest using the outline below.

• Open with a short vignette that introduces your story and the conflict or challenge
• With each new body paragraph, tell a little more of the story, relating each part of the anecdote to the subtopic
• Conclude the story with what you learned or by emphasizing the moral
• Restatement of your thesis and summarize your subtopics

Speak the Nursing Language

In your personal statement, speak the nursing language. This will give you credibility. For those new to the NP field, learn the language by reading as many books as you can.  A good place to start is Stewart and DeNisco’s  Role Development for the Nurse Practitioner . This text offers a broad overview of health policy, healthcare reform, mentoring, prescriptive authority, and the history of NPs. A newer book that I love is Carolyn Buppert’s  Nurse Practitioner’s Business Practice and Legal Guide . This book will give you more detailed information about the scope of practice laws in each state.

It never hurts to touch on these seminal publications from the  Institute of Medicine :

• The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health
• Assessing Progress on the IOM Report The Future of Nursing
• To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System
• Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century
• Health Professions Education: A Bridge to Quality

You might also consider citing these position papers published by the  American Association of Nurse Practitioners :

• Quality of Nurse Practitioner Practice
• Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners
• Use of Terms Such as Mid-Level Provider and Physician Extender
• Clinical Outcomes: The Yardstick of Educational Effectiveness
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Discussion Paper
• Nurse Practitioner Curriculum

Address Your Red Flags

If you have a red flag in your application, explain it in your personal statement. Do you have a bad grade or low Graduate Record Exam score? Maybe you lack a full year of nursing experience. Rather than shying away from the topic, offer a clear, accurate explanation. Demonstrate humility, and write about how you have compensated for this mistake, challenge, setback, or flaw.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Do not procrastinate! Start your personal statement weeks in advance. Give yourself adequate time to brainstorm, write an outline, compose each paragraph, revise, and edit. A rushed essay might land your entire application in the rejected pile.

Use Correct Syntax and Grammar

Proofread, proofread, and proofread again! A clean, well-composed essay exemplifies your ability to succeed in a graduate program. My favorite website for checking grammar is  Grammarly . They offer a free and premium service. They advertise that their software catches 250 errors that Microsoft Word does not detect. I also find their free  Grammar Handbook  helpful.

Throughout my DNP program, I started a list of general writing tips. Here are some of the most important:

• Use  American Psychological Association  (APA) formating
• Avoid generalities, cliches, and psychobabble
• Do not use the verb “to get”
• Do not use “very” as an intensifier
• Data is plural, so use a plural verb
• Use active voice whenever possible
• “Compare with” points out differences between two similar things
• Affect is a verb and effect is a noun
• Keep the subject and the verb close together
• Omit needless prepositions
• Use that if what you are saying cannot be eliminated without changing the meaning of the sentence
• Use which if you can delete the clause and the sentence will still have the same meaning
• Avoid using negative statements
• Write out numbers under 10 (e.g. three, seven, 10, 45)
• Be consistent with abbreviations and titles
• Avoid contractions

In general, avoid adverbs. Instead, use stronger verbs that imply the adverb. Here is a list of strong verbs to consider:

• Exemplifies
• Corroborates
• Approximates

There are a variety of websites that can help you with APA formatting, grammar, syntax, and checking for plagiarism. Some good resources include:

• http://www.apastyle.org/
• http://www.thesaurus.com/
• https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
• http://www.grammarbook.com/
• https://www.plagtracker.com

Read it Out Loud

After you have finished writing your essay, read it out loud. Most people have more experience listening and speaking than writing and editing. By reading your personal statement out loud, your brain will hear the information and new way and notice flaws you did not see before.

It helps to print a copy of your paper so that you can take notes as you read. Read at a slow to moderate pace. Try to be systematic about your reading: check for grammar the first time through, syntax the second time, and tone the third time.

As you listen to your paper, pay attention to the order of your ideas. Note any gaps in your explanations. Make sure you transition clearly from one main idea to the next. Do not be afraid to reorder sentences, paragraphs, or entire sections. Also, listen for grammatical and syntax errors. You will probably notice sentences that are awkward, too convoluted, and repetitive.

Finally, hearing your paper out loud will give you a sense of its tone. Does your paper sound too casual, too chatty, or too formal? This essay is the admission committee’s first impress of you. Consider reading your paper to a friend and asking them what impression they obtain from your answers.

Dr. Melissa DeCapua, DNP, PMHNP-BC

AuthorMelissa DeCapua is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who graduated from Vanderbilt University. She has a background in child and adolescent psychiatry as well as psychosomatic medicine. Uniquely, she also possesses a bachelor’s degree in studio arts, which she uses to enhance patient care, promote the nursing profession, and solve complex problems. Melissa currently works as the Healthcare Strategist at a Seattle-based health information technology company where she guides product development by combining her clinical background and creative thinking. She is a strong advocate for empowering nurses, and she fiercely believes that nurses should play a pivotal role in shaping modern health care. For more about Melissa, check out her blog  www.melissadecapua.com  and follow her on  Twitter @melissadecapua .

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Sample of nurse practitioner’s entrance essay

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Educator, Research Writer. Masters Degree in Nursing

Sep. 20, 2023

Sample Question

Sample of nurse practitioner’s entrance essay

Question Explanation

In the report titled “ The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health ” the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in collaboration with Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) developed four key recommendations.  One of the recommendations was that nurses should be empowered to practice to their full capacity of their educational and training achievements.  Secondly, nurses should attain higher levels of education and training in an enhanced education system, which encourages scholarly progress. The goal of the IOM recommendations is to build the capacity of the nursing profession to address   the emerging challenges and demands of the American healthcare system (IOM, 2011).

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Primary Health Nurse Practitioner Program Essay (Critical Writing)

My motivation, professional and personal attributes, specific strategies, primary health care and the role of the np-phc.

My lifelong career goal is to increase my knowledge, experience, and currency of clinical skills in order to become an effective and accountable nurse practitioner-primary health care (NP-PHC). I look forward to an expanded range of roles and duties in a nursing context. In my over two years of practice as a registered nurse, I have been able to grow and consolidate skills across different practice areas, for example, critical care, burn, and emergency, by providing care to diverse patient populations. Therefore, through my previous clinical experiences, I developed an interest in disease prevention, health promotion, patient education, and community healthcare.

With the delivery of comprehensive care to long-term patients as my main motivation, acquiring competencies in NP-PHC will be crucial to holistically managing chronic conditions for diverse patients of different ages, backgrounds, and needs. Therefore, rather than being restricted to geriatric or pediatric care, the NP-PHC program will expand my scope of practice to include care to clients from childhood through adulthood. I will be able to incorporate individual/community lifestyle factors, demographics, and needs into personalized diagnoses, long-term treatment plans, and counseling.

I consider having a good rapport with patients as critical in improving population health, and through the NP-PHC program, I will become proficient in community-focused care. It will lead to greater knowledge about individual health history, attributes, and capacity to manage chronic conditions. I find the NP-PHC role broader than that of an NP-adult or NP-pediatrics. I will be able to focus on diverse patient conditions and broader population segments (teenagers, adults, and children), which is consistent with my diverse clinical experiences working with clients of different ages.

Most patients I have cared for require health education and support. For example, those admitted to the Ross Tiley Burn Centre and Emergency Department, often need discharge teaching to improve their post-discharge outcomes. However, I have noticed that they struggle with care plans and their capacity to understand the disease process and diagnoses is limited. For this reason, I have often wondered if they can adhere to medical advice in community settings and adhere to their medication list. As an NP-PHC, I will walk with patients through their treatment plans and ensure access to resources and support.

I have worked fulltime in the nursing resource team in different units of Sunnybrook health sciences center, including, critical care, neurosurgery, cardiovascular, and medical/surgical intensive care, since 2016. I have clinical experience in full assessment and monitoring of diverse patient groups, for example, those with burns, intraventricular drains, and delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method, and therefore, I can assume a supervisory role in primary care settings.

I have worked with nurse aides, RNs, and physicians as a part of inter-professional teams in the ER department and provided discharge teaching to patients, for example, those recovering from burns and trauma. I am adaptive to healthcare technology, including the electronic medical record (EMR). I often help other RNs to troubleshoot issues with our documentation system.

My colleagues describe me as understanding, considerate, and perceptive. My patients always come first before everything else. I thrive under pressure and can work well with no supervision as well as in a team.

Effective time management will be crucial to meeting the 15 hours required in this course each week. One strategy I will use to achieve these time demands is changing how I spend my time. Through an assessment of the average number of hours I use in my daily activities, for example, in grooming, work, sleep, and socializing, I will be motivated to modify my behaviors and schedules. This approach will allow me to balance among studying, clinical work, and other tasks and meet the time commitment of the NP-PHC course.

Another strategy will involve setting academic goals and priorities. After doing so, I will inform my family, friends, and colleagues to make them aware of my time commitments and elicit their support. I will also delegate responsibilities and request for help with household chores and overtime. I will develop a weekly schedule to guide how I spend my time during the semester. Using an electronic calendar, I will assign academic, family, and work tasks to specific days and review them daily to ensure flexibility and adaptability to the time demands of the NP-PHC program.

Primary health care is the first point of contact of the healthcare system for patients. It encompasses a broad range of services that address factors that affect patient health. Therefore, it is primarily concerned with promoting healthier lifestyles, disease diagnosis and treatment, health education, and long-term treatment plans.

I understand the NP-PHC role to be critical to the delivery of holistic care to patients. NP-PHCs lead health promotion efforts through education to modify risky behaviors and provide self-management support. They exhibit flexibility to patient needs and can work both in acute care and community settings. Their broad knowledge base and understanding of pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric issues is critical to preventive care.

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IvyPanda. (2020, December 19). Primary Health Nurse Practitioner Program. https://ivypanda.com/essays/primary-health-nurse-practitioner-program/

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Bibliography

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DNP-FNP entrance essay

Specialties NP

Updated: Jul 23, 2023   Published Jan 20, 2020

• by Dane Yu 2 Posts

Hello, I am applying for a DNP -FNP program and would love some feed back on my essay.

Specifically I would like to be reviewed for the following but am open to other suggestions

1) Did I answer the prompts appropriately?

2) Is the writing concise, easy to understand and has decent flow? I had some trouble with transitioning in the last few paragraphs as I wanted to answer the prompt in order. I also feel my opening is a little abrupt, but again, trying to be concise and answer the prompt appropriately.

PROMPT: Please describe (1) Your understanding of the family nurse practitioner role and why you are interested in this role, (2) Your perception of what the doctorate of nursing practice education adds to advanced practice nursing, and (3) Your understanding of integrative health and how it blends with the nurse practitioner role.

I believe the primary role of the family nurse practitioner is to function as a central part of an interdisciplinary team to promote and direct primary healthcare for individuals of all age groups. Unique to the role and purpose of nurse practitioners is the merging of the nursing/psychosocial model of care and medical/pathophysiological model. It is the marriage of the two modalities that allows the provision of the highest quality patient centered care. I feel this role highlights our ability to treat diseases and illnesses as they arise, while simultaneously addressing the individuality of patients in context to their culture, economic status, belief and social system.

Personally my interest in becoming a family nurse practitioner stems from my passion for public health especially in sub urban and rural communities having grown up in one myself. I feel strongly that access to primary and preventative health care is a core foundation of a healthy individual and a healthy community. The most rewarding aspect of my current job as a home health case manager is assisting in creating and directing an individualized plan of care for my patients that addresses every aspect that may present as a barrier or support for their success, such as financial status, living environment, or social support, and working with providers and other disciplines to best achieve our goals. Becoming a FNP would allow me to continue this aspect of my career with an expanded scope of practice, advanced clinical skills, and a strong basis of leadership, advocacy and scientific inquiry. My hope is that with a FNP license I can better assist in expanding high quality primary care to areas and populations of STATE that experience difficulties with accessibility.

I feel what the DNP degree adds to advanced practice nursing is a strong core of leadership and advocacy for both our patients and profession. From general coursework to the final research project, the DNP degree seems to focus on the development of strong leaders in healthcare to assist in the promotion and advancement of quality patient care. Being the terminal clinical degree available, it allows nurses who pursue this avenue to function in the highest healthcare settings and assist in policy making, quality review and various other leadership roles which are much needed in the fast shifting area of healthcare today.

One of the central components of my personal practice as a Home Health RN is the incorporation of integrative health. My understanding of integrative health stems from my own cultural background and upbringing being Chinese-Taiwanese. Growing up my family practiced various different types of Eastern and Traditional medicine ranging from acupressure to herbal remedies in combination with seeing providers for traditional Western Medicine. I believe integrative health to be the recognition and use of all different types and modalities of health promotion with a patient centered approach. It is an expansive, inclusive and culturally sensitive practice and by recognizing and including these alternative practices we are better able to create comprehensive treatment plans with cohesive care. As nurses I feel we are always striving to provide holistic health, or health to the whole person, body and mind. By utilizing an integrative health framework as a nurse practitioner we would be adding tools to our toolkit for treating patients as a whole, fostering better outcomes and satisfaction.

Thank you for your consideration for my entrance into the DNP -FNP program at the SCHOOL. I would be honored to one day practice at the highest level of the nursing profession, bringing with me my skills, passion and knowledge as well as experience and leadership that will be gained during my schooling.

• + Add a Comment

Yes on both your questions! Concise, easy to understand, and well written. Best of luck! ?

kcheck5, MSN, APRN, NP

I think it answers all of the questions and flows well.

This is for U of P, yes? I pulled out my application and will be applying for next year. Timing isn’t right anymore for my little family. Good luck!!!

18 hours ago, kcheck5 said: I think it answers all of the questions and flows well. This is for U of P, yes? I pulled out my application and will be applying for next year. Timing isn’t right anymore for my little family. Good luck!!!

Thank you, and yes it is! I have 1 recommendation waiting before my app is complete. If I don't get in this year I will definitely be reapplying next year, so we very well may be in the same cohort. Best of luck when you apply! Hopefully it will be better timing

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LEAVITT SCHOOL OF HEALTH | ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Directions for Completing FNP Application Documents

Application essay.

The purpose of the application essay is to demonstrate to the FNP Admissions Committee your understanding of the family nurse practitioner role, justifications for the family nurse practitioner role in delivering high-quality and cost-effective healthcare, and how the WGU FNP programs might prepare you to meet the healthcare needs of your local community or population of interest. This is an opportunity for you to communicate directly with the admissions committee, highlighting how your life and professional experiences have prepared you for the transition from the role of Registered Nurse to Family Nurse Practitioner.   

Select at least two (2) academic resources (articles/online literature) that describe the health, social, and economic benefits related to nurse practitioner practice in the United States.  Note: All sources are critically reviewed, documented, and formatted following standard practices of the field (APA 7th Edition) and are within a 5-year time frame of the application date.

Use the information from your sources and your own personal and professional preparation to answer the following questions in your application essay for the WGU FNP programs:  

• How have your life and professional experiences prepared you for this WGU FNP program? 
• How can this WGU FNP program prepare you to deliver healthcare to the community in which you live?  
• Please describe the type of clinical practice you will pursue upon graduation from this WGU FNP program (e.g. family practice, outpatient internal medicine, etc).
• How can your future clinical practice as an FNP affect the quality and cost of care for patients and their families? 
• Please add this statement to the bottom of your Application Essay. You may include a typed signature.   I have reviewed and understand the scope of practice of the Family Nurse Practitioner role in my state of ____. Signature Line: ______________________

As you answer the questions above, we will examine your application essay to ensure your writing meets the following criteria: 

• Plagiarism will result in an automatic decline during the competitive selection process . 
• Originality and uniqueness are expected.  Writing is self-reflective, creative, innovative, and diverse.
• Writing directly addresses all four application essay questions.
• Writing is clear and appropriate for the purpose of the assignment. 
• All evidence and examples are used effectively and are specific and relevant. 
• Ideas are coherently and logically organized with well‐developed paragraphs and effective transitions. 
• All sentences are well written with varied sentence structure and are free of errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. 
• Maintains appropriate tone, diction, and vocabulary for various modes of writing. 
• Work demonstrates clear understanding of the target audience.  
• All sources are critically reviewed, documented, and formatted following standard practices of the field (APA 7th Edition) and are within a 5-year time frame of the application date. Note: Online blogs are not an acceptable source.

Formatting: 

• Title Page, Abstract, Main Body, and References  
• Include header/page numbers  
• 3-4 pages (main body), double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font
• APA 7TH Edition 

The purpose of the CV/résumé is to directly tie your previous and current life and professional experience, as noted in your résumé or CV, to the WGU FNP program.   

CV/Résumé Criteria

• Audience and purpose of the résumé are strong and clear.
• Format of the résumé is clear. Each major section includes required information (objective statement, names, dates, locations, etc.).
• Résumé shows a very professional appearance, tone, and style.
• Writer follows all guidelines for spelling, grammar, usage, mechanics, etc. Sentences are strong and have a varied structure.

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Effective NP School Personal Statements to Consider

Table of Contents

A personal statement is an invaluable tool for creating a successful career in nursing. It serves as a reflection of one’s qualities, experience and ambition — demonstrating your commitment to the profession.

Crafting a standout personal statement requires skillful articulation of both dedication and knowledge. It must capture the reader’s attention while succinctly conveying what sets you apart from other candidates.

In this article, we will explore effective strategies for constructing a compelling personal statement that can elevate your candidacy above the competition. In addition, you’ll find a few NP school personal statement examples to guide you.

How to Craft an Effective NP School Personal Statement

Your NP school personal statement is an essential part of your application to any nurse practitioner program. You must pay attention and write a convincing essay.

Highlight Relevant Academic Qualification

First and foremost, the statement should highlight information on your academic achievements as well as any certifications or specialties you possess. This offers insight into your qualifications and allows readers to ascertain whether you are qualified for the program.

Additionally, being able to articulate your passion for nursing is critical. Discussing how you decided to toe this career path demonstrates commitment and shows readers that you have a genuine interest in nursing.

Adding stories about meaningful experiences or patients can help show the reader that you are compassionate and capable.

Highlight Your Soft Skills

Beyond the academic qualifications, your essay should also highlight your soft skills, like compassion, leadership and effective communication. It is important for nurses to have these skills as it aids their work.

Write Concisely

In addition to giving details regarding your background and aspirations, NP personal statements must also demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively .

Therefore, it is imperative to use clear and concise language throughout the piece. Writing in a conversational manner that reflects your personality is more likely to captivate the reader than overly formal wording.

Furthermore, if appropriate, including factual examples helps bolster arguments and display knowledge. 

Format Appropriately

Once the content of the statement has been finalized, the focus turns towards ensuring proper formatting and structure. It is advisable to keep paragraphs short and maintain consistency across each section; an easy-to-follow structure will ensure readability. 

NP School Personal Statement Examples

Check out these examples of NP school personal statements before writing yours.

Nursing has been my professional passion since I was a child, and becoming a Nurse Practitioner is the logical culmination of my lifelong goal. From shadowing in medical clinics to volunteering as an Emergency Medical Technician, I have devoted my time and energy to gaining invaluable care-related experience. My knowledge of nursing science and practice deepened through coursework during college and subsequently at various hospitals and healthcare facilities. Seeing the impact of excellent patient care on health outcomes, I’m confident that being a Nurse Practitioner will enable me to serve patients better. 

I strongly believe that this profession is not only rewarding but also crucial for providing comprehensive primary care to communities. As a Nurse Practitioner, I look forward to leveraging my clinical acumen to diagnose and treat ailments. By combining evidence-based protocols with personal empathy and understanding, I aim to become a trustworthy ally for every patient. 

I know that NP education requires considerable dedication. I’m ready to rise to the challenge by employing rigorous self-discipline and advanced studying techniques. Moreover, working together with like-minded people who share similar objectives would provide an indispensable impetus for amplifying my intellectual aptitude. With these qualifications and enthusiasm, I’m certain that a Nurse Practitioner program would be one of the most meaningful decisions in my life.

I seek admission to a nurse practitioner program in order to further my education and professional goals. With a passion for service, I want to read and learn more so that I can effectively care for patients in need. My plan is to build upon the knowledge and experience gained through my prior positions as a registered nurse. I hope to use those skills to provide competent and compassionate care. 

I have had the pleasure of providing healthcare services on the frontline for over 10 years. During this time, I’ve developed expertise in many aspects of nursing. Furthermore, I believe strongly in collaborative practice, which has allowed me to form meaningful relationships with both colleagues and patients alike. These experiences have given me the confidence to take on greater responsibility within the field of nursing. Ultimately, it has led me here to pursue a nurse practitioner degree. 

Not only do I possess knowledge of clinical practices and procedures, but I also am well-versed in health policy, advocacy, and team management. Additionally, I thrive when faced with challenges that require problem-solving or critical-thinking skills. As such, if accepted into your esteemed program, I will bring diverse perspectives and insights based on my past experiences. My ultimate goal is to provide excellent patient-centered care while advancing my professional career by expanding my scope of practice.

Final Thoughts

By taking into consideration these tips and referencing the provided samples, you can create a compelling personal statement.

If you need more help, you should consider using the new Hey INK tool . It is an AI-powered writing assistant that turns your simple instructions into well-written content.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Nurse Practitioner Program, Admission Essay Example

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It is, I must confess, virtually impossible for me to convey why I am pursuing the Nurse Practitioner program, simply because doing so would require a distancing of everything that I am. Identifying actual reasons and motivations is difficult when the matter in question goes to personal essence. Being a skilled Nurse Practitioner is more than a goal for me; it translates to my becoming the person I feel I must be. That said, I can offer a more pragmatic, and hopefully more useful, rationale: what you offer is the best in the field and, in committing to it, I will be nearer to attaining that state of being for myself. I am keenly aware of the demands of the profession, and this awareness compels me to pursue the highest degree of education available. Having done my homework, I then apply for this graduate course.

In regard to career goals, I am both optimistic and exceedingly open. In a sense, obtaining my degree will be a culmination of the most important goal, in that working as a Nurse Practitioner in any environment will fulfill my dream. I cannot even generally indicate at this point where I would seek to practice, simply because I believe that the education I receive will introduce me to new possibilities and avenues as yet unknown to me. Wherever my career takes me, I will be looking to be challenged, and encouraged to reach beyond my abilities. I am also committed to working in a situation in which my learning never ceases, as I believe that real learning for a nurse is not a process that is ever completed. Whether it lies ion technical proficiency or in developing talents in perception and caring for patients, there is always something to take in, and than translate into nursing.

If there is anything specific I would wish to communicate to the program director, it is the scope of my interest and the degree of my commitment. I am intelligent, dedicated, and my calling to the profession fuels my dedication. Very simply, there is no attribute of myself I am not eager to invest in the field, for only by giving so fully of myself can I hope to attain my dream, and be the Nurse Practitioner I so desire to be.

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Why I Want To Be A Nurse Essay

Applying for nursing school is an exciting step towards a rewarding career helping others. The nursing school essay, also known as a personal statement, is a critical part of the application. This is your chance to showcase your passion for the nursing profession and explain why you want to become a nurse.

This guide will show you exactly what admission committees are looking for in a strong nursing school application essay. Let’s walk through how to plan, write, and polish your “why I want to be a nurse” personal statement so it stands out from the competition.

What To Include In Your Nursing Essay

Writing a compelling nursing school essay requires advanced planning and preparation. Follow these tips to create an effective personal statement:

Plan Your Nurse Essay

The first step is to carefully conceptualize your nursing school admissions essay. Jot down some notes answering these key questions:

• Why do you want to go into nursing?
• What personal experiences or traits draw you to the field of nursing?
• How have you demonstrated commitment to caring for others?
• What are your academic and professional qualifications for nursing?

From here, you can start mapping out a logical flow of key points to cover in your nursing school application essay.

Show an Emotional Connection to the Profession

Admission committees want to see that you have genuine passion and empathy for the nursing career choice. Dedicate part of your personal statement to describing your intrinsic motivations and positive impacts for desiring to become a nurse.

Avoid cliché reasons like “I want to help people.” Instead, get specific by sharing a personal anecdote that emotionally moved you towards nursing.

Here’s an example of how you could open your nursing school entrance essay by highlighting a meaningful patient-care interaction:

“Holding Mrs. Wilson’s trembling hand, I watched her fearful eyes relax as I reassured her that the medical team would take excellent care of her. At that moment, providing empathetic comfort to calm her nerves despite the clinical chaos around us, I knew deep down that nursing was my calling.”

This introduction immediately establishes an emotional pull towards the human side of healthcare. From here, explain how this or similar experiences instilled a drive in you to become a nurse.

Show That You Care

Much of nursing is providing compassionate, person-centered care. Therefore, your “why I want to be a nurse” essay should emphasize your ability to be caring, empathetic, patient, and comforting to others.

Share examples that showcase your natural inclination for caregiving:

“Volunteering at the Red Cross shelter after the wildfires by comforting displaced families demonstrated my patience and attentiveness to those suffering. Even as some evacuees grew frustrated by the chaos, I calmly reassured them that we would do everything possible to assist with their recoveries and ensure they felt cared for.”

This example highlights key soft skills needed in nursing as a career, like compassion, active listening, the desire to help, and providing a calming presence under pressure.

Share Your Aspirations

A strong application essay will also articulate your goals and vision for contributing to the nursing field. What are you hoping to achieve through a career in nursing?

Here is an example of discussing aspirations in a nursing school personal statement:

“My long-term aspiration is to become a nurse leader by earning an advanced degree and management experience. I aim to leverage my organizational, communication and critical thinking skills to mentor junior staff, improve operational workflows, and advocate for policies that enhance quality of care. In nursing, I’ve found my true calling – to provide critical care, and help others by being a source of compassion and driving excellence in healthcare delivery.”

This type of self-motivated, forward-looking vision demonstrates maturity, strong goals, and natural leadership qualities.

Describe Your Nursing Skills and Qualifications

Finally, your nursing school entrance essay should summarize the skills; profession offers, and experience that makes you an excellent candidate for the nursing program. Highlight relevant strengths like:

• Academic achievements (science/healthcare courses, GPA, etc.)
• Extracurricular activities (volunteering, internships, etc.)
• Relevant work experience (patient care roles like CNA, medical assistant, etc.)
• Other transferable skills (communication, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, etc.)

For example:

“My passion for science, healthcare experience as a CNA, and volunteering at a community health fair have prepared me to thrive in the intellectually stimulating and collaborative nursing curriculum. I bring dedication, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic as demonstrated by my 3.8 GPA studying Biology at the University of Michigan.”

With application essays, it’s all about showcasing why you would make an outstanding addition to the nursing program, making a difference through your qualifications and intangible traits.

How Do You Write an Introduction to a Nurse Essay?

Now that you’ve brainstormed content ideas, it’s time to turn them into a polished personal statement. Here are some tips for crafting an attention-grabbing introduction to your nursing school essay:

Hook the Reader with a Personal Story

One of the most engaging ways to start writing your essay is by recounting a brief personal story that illuminates your drive to become a nurse. This can immediately immerse the reader in your intrinsic motivations.

For example , you could open with an anecdote describing a meaningful instance of care and comfort you provided to someone in need:

“Tears streamed down Mrs. Hernandez’s face as she told me about losing her husband to cancer last year. As a hospice volunteer, I held her hand, listening intently to her painful story of grief and loss…”

This type of vivid introduction pulls the reader into the narrative straight away. From here, you can continue sharing details about the scenario and its influence on your desire to pursue nursing.

Illustrate the Human Impact of Nursing

Another compelling way to begin your nursing personal statement is by painting a picture of nursing’s profound impact on patients and their families. This highlights your understanding of the profession’s vital role.

For instance:

“Looking a trembling new mother in the eyes as she first held her newborn, relieved knowing both were safe and healthy after a complicated delivery – that is the human difference nurses make each and every day.”

This type of introduction emphasizes nursing’s profound emotional impact on patients during vulnerable yet joyful moments. It activates the reader’s empathy by bringing them into the vivid scene while showing your own insight into the medical field.

Articulate Passion for Helping Others

Finally, you can start your nursing application essay by asserting your resounding passion for caring for others. This clear expression allows you to succinctly introduce central values like empathy and compassion.

“Ever since I was a young volunteer candy striper in my local hospital, I’ve held an unwavering passion for helping those suffering through the profound act of nursing. I was born to care for others.”

This authoritative opening clearly states your emotional connection to nursing in a compelling yet concise way. You can then build on this assertion of passion through personal examples and further explanation.

No matter how you start your nursing school essay, the introduction should vividly showcase your motivation and why you chose nursing. Set the tone early with your authorship and emotion.

Why I Want To Be A Nurse Essay Examples 

Now let’s analyze some complete sample nursing personal statements for inspiration on crafting your own:

Why I Want to Be a Nurse at a Hospital: Essay

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To craft a standout nursing school application essay, prospective students should engage the reader with an emotional opening that illuminates their calling to the profession, whether through a compelling personal anecdote or vivid imagery expressing the profound impact of nursing. 

The conclusion should be resolved by painting an inspiring vision of how the writer’s skills, values, and determination will be channeled into excellence as a nursing student and future registered nurse, making an empathetic difference in patients’ lives.

With focused, mature writing that radiates passion and preparedness, a “why I want to become a registered nurse” personal statement can stand out amidst the competition as a window into a promising applicant’s commitment to this vital healthcare profession.

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• Goal Statements for Nurse Practitioner Graduate School Examples

Key Highlights Personal Statements for Nurse Practitioner Graduate School Examples

• A compelling goal statement is pivotal for NP graduate school applications to demonstrate motivations, fit, and communication strengths
• Effective NP goal statements should cover your career ambitions, reasons for pursuing advanced nursing practice, relevant experiences, specialty interests, purpose for graduate study, and program alignment
• Goal statement examples for high-demand NP specialties help showcase practice area interests and future objectives
• Polishing your draft entails tailoring content to each program, highlighting unique talents, and refining technical elements before submission

Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a critical role in healthcare delivery across diverse settings. They provide high-quality primary , acute , chronic, and specialty care to patients of all backgrounds. Many experienced nurses decide to advance their impact and career opportunities further by pursuing a graduate degree to become an NP.

When applying to highly competitive NP graduate programs, candidates must demonstrate their qualifications through various materials like test scores, transcripts, resumes, and recommendation letters. The goal statement is also a pivotal part of the NP school application. This single-page personal statement allows applicants to explain their motivations for becoming a nurse practitioner, highlight relevant nursing experiences, and showcase their stellar communication abilities.

Crafting a compelling, well-written goal statement is challenging. However, excellent NP school goal statements can give applicants a vital edge. This article will provide essential details about writing a standout graduate school goal statement tailored to nurse practitioner programs.

Why a Strong Personal Statement Matters for Nurse Practitioner School

Your goal statement carries significant influence over the admissions decision because it offers valuable insights not found elsewhere in your NP school application. This personal statement plays several important roles:

• Explains Motivations & Interests: The goal statement enables you to delve into the experiences, passions, and visions driving your pursuit of an NP graduate degree. This context is crucial for evaluating your mindset, disposition, and future trajectory.
• Demonstrates Program & Profession Fit: By thoughtfully highlighting your perspectives, qualifications, and objectives related to advanced nursing practice, you can show admissions committees your strong fit with the program’s priorities and the wider nursing profession.
• Showcases Communication Strength: As an aspiring nurse leader, you must be able to convey complex concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. The goal statement provides a perfect platform to display strong written communication abilities expected of exceptional NP graduate candidates.

Since the goal statement offers vital insights into applicants as emerging nurse practitioners, it can profoundly influence admissions decisions when done well. That is why crafting a compelling goal statement is so invaluable for reaching your graduate nursing education dreams.

Elements of a Effective Goals for Nurse Practitioners

Outstanding NP school goal statements include several critical elements that offer admissions committees a 360-degree perspective on applicants. As you brainstorm ideas and craft your statement, be sure to cover these vital areas:

• Career Goals & Aspirations: Share your short-term plans and long-term visions related to nursing practice. Explain how achieving an NP degree connects to your ambitions. Discuss any relevant future leadership goals too.
• Motivations for Becoming an NP: What life experiences, healthcare exposures, or personal attributes motivate you to pursue advanced responsibilities and direct patient care as a nurse practitioner?
• Relevant Nursing Experiences: Spotlight specialized clinical skills, insightful patient interactions, research projects, or nursing leadership experience that equip you for NP-level education and practice.
• NP Specialties of Interest: Name one or more particular NP specialties you wish to focus on. Tie your specialty interests directly to prior nursing exposures or future goals.
• Fit with Program Offerings: Research the program and note specific courses, specialty tracks, practicum partnerships, faculty expertise or other offerings matching your interests.
• Purpose for Graduate Study: Explain why you need NP-focused graduate-level training to accomplish your practice, leadership, research or change-agent objectives.

Incorporating details on these crucial topics into your goal statement provides admissions committees the information they need to evaluate your preparation and motivation for tackling an NP degree program.

NP School Goal Statement Examples

Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

My experience in adult intensive care sparked a calling to become an Acute Care NP. By attaining specialized skills and knowledge to care for seriously ill or injured adult patients, I aim to provide top-quality care coordination, deliver evidence-based treatment, and support families during difficult hospitalizations.

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Witnessing the lack of empowering end-of-life care options for elderly patients fueled my passion for gerontology and palliative care. As an AGACNP, I want to help older adults with complex acute conditions understand their care choices, align treatment plans with personal values, and improve quality of life through skilled symptom management.

Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

I am truly inspired by my gerontology nurse mentor who formed decades-long care partnerships with senior patients. As an AGPCNP, I aspire to promote healthy aging, provide accessible primary care, coordinate resources, and develop rich therapeutic relationships with older adults facing chronic conditions.

Adult Nurse Practitioner

While working in an outpatient clinic, I grew devoted to delivering equitable care for underserved groups. My goal is to become an Adult NP, drawing on a diversity, equity and inclusion perspective to remove healthcare access barriers, partner with my local community, and empower patients as leaders in their own care.

Adult Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Through my advocacy experiences, I witnessed how gaps in affordable psychiatric mental healthcare disproportionately impact communities of color. My mission is to promote mental wellness, diagnose/manage psychiatric disorders, and deliver culturally humble care as an Adult PMHNP.

Emergency Nurse Practitioner

I found my life’s passion while working alongside Emergency NPs making decisive diagnoses and coordinating urgent care teams under pressure. My goal is to obtain the specialized assessment and treatment skills necessary to provide top-tier emergency care across any acute or critical event.

Family Nurse Practitioner

My vision is to serve entire families as a trusted FNP – from newborns to elders. I want to advocate, educate, and form therapeutic partnerships supporting patient-centered care choices, healthy development, and wellbeing through all of life’s changes. I firmly believe nurses play an invaluable role in guiding families toward their highest health potential.

Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Given rapid growth in the senior population, I want to specialize as a Gerontology NP to transform ageist attitudes, debunk outdated views of aging, support caregivers, deliver exemplary chronic care, coordinate resources, and improve systems serving the elderly through a social justice lens.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Witnessing intense joy and sorrow in the NICU, I discovered a passion for caring for fragile newborns and families. As a Neonatal NP, I want to support healthy infant development, empower parents, build trust during uncertain times, advocate for patients, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to foster a just, compassionate care culture.

Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

From volunteering at a pediatric specialty hospital, I grew devoted to supporting ill children and distressed families. My objective is to gain pediatric assessment/treatment expertise as a Peds Acute Care NP who compassionately educates, advocates, coordinates care teams, and eases suffering for young patients facing complex health issues.

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

My pediatric rotation showed the profound impact early supportive relationships have on lifelong outcomes. As a Peds Primary Care NP, I want to partner with families across the lifespan – delivering accessible care, promoting wellness, accurately diagnosing concerns, innovating services, and connecting patients to resources from a social justice perspective.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Through volunteering at a mental health crisis center, I discovered a deep passion for psychiatric care advocacy. As a Psychiatric Mental Health NP, I want to diagnose conditions accurately, reduce stigma through education, provide trauma-informed evidence-based therapies, and improve access/affordability of services to serve diverse communities.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

My personal journey through high-risk pregnancy and birth complications shaped my commitment to women’s health advocacy. By becoming a Women’s Health NP, I aim to provide the full continuum of compassionate, empowering gynecologic and obstetric care to women facing health issues unique to females. I believe all women deserve judgment-free support for their family planning decisions.

Tailoring your goal statement to reflect your chosen or prospective NP specialty area better conveys your practice interests, disposition and future ambitions to admissions committees reviewing your application.

Career Goal Statement Do’s and Don’ts

When brainstorming ideas and crafting your nurse practitioner school goal statement, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

• Convey genuine passion and convictions driving your NP pursuits
• Showcase relevant nursing experiences, knowledge and transferable skills
• Research the program thoroughly to demonstrate fit
• Tailor content specifically to the target NP specialty and program
• Emphasize leadership ambitions grounded in real examples
• Use a professional yet personable voice in your writing
• Make generic statements lacking meaningful details
• Use clichés or platitudes that sound disingenuous
• Focus on barriers or challenges faced without resolutions
• Portray inflated competencies unrelated to actual abilities
• Pass off content from generic statement samples found online
• Submit an unedited draft without carefully proofreading

Keeping these goal statement best practices in mind while tailoring your content to the target school and NP specialty can help yield an authentic, compelling personal statement that stands out for all the right reasons.

Polishing Your Professional Goals Statement

After completing an initial draft of your nurse practitioner graduate school goal statement, allot time for fine-tuning the content before submission by:

• Tailoring to Each NP Program: Research details about the curriculum, specialty tracks offered, practicum partnerships in the community, program strengths and core focuses. Reflect these specifics in your statement.
• Checking for Clarity & Concision: Review the goal statement from an outside reader’s perspective. Is the narrative cohesive, logical and succinct without redundancy? Consider asking a peer to review your draft.
• Revising to Showcase Talents: What specialized experience, innate strengths, knowledge areas or assets make you uniquely qualified as an NP candidate for this particular program? Revise content to spotlight these talents.
• Perfecting the Technical Details: Verify precise graduate degree names/abbreviations featured in the program’s literature. Double check spelling, grammar and formatting for a polished final document.

Investing effort into multiple rounds of thoughtful editing enables you to put forward the very best version of your NP school goal statement possible. This commitment can pay dividends in terms of admissions outcomes and advancing your nursing practice aspirations.

NP School Personal Statement Conclusion

A well-crafted goal statement is vital for nurse practitioner graduate school candidates seeking to highlight their qualifications, motivations, and fit for highly selective NP programs. This personal statement provides helpful context about your background, aspirations, and purpose that other application components may not fully capture.

As covered in this article, excellent NP goal statements convey genuine passions for advanced nursing practice, align to specialty areas of interest, demonstrate strong communication abilities expected of nurse leaders, and differentiate applicants through unique experiences and perspectives. Model statement examples can help spark ideas when drafting content tailored specifically to your target NP specialties, career objectives, and graduate programs of interest.

Remember to allot ample time for multiple rounds of polishing to showcase your talents persuasively. With a compelling goal statement emphasizing your distinct value as an NP candidate, you can make great strides toward achieving your graduate nursing education dreams.

Best Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Me

We identified the top nurse practitioner programs for you through rigorous research. These premier schools have a record of graduating career-ready nurses who positively impact lives. Starting with the program best fit for you puts purposeful, meaningful work within reach. Let us guide your first steps towards a future of healing hope.

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• About the Author
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Meredith Scannell CNM, MSN, MPH, PhD-student has extensive experience in critical care nursing and women’s health. She is a certified nurse-midwife, earned a diploma in nursing in 1995 received a Master’s Degree in Public Health and became a Certified Nurse Midwife in 2006, earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing in 2008 and currently perusing a PhD. She has extensive background working in critical care areas internationally in Boston, London, UK and Melbourne, AU. As a certified nurse midwife she has worked and the North Shore birth center delivering babies in a home like setting and at Beverly hospital. She has extensive educational background including specialized legal training and preparation to prepare as expert testimony. She holds two Masters degrees: a Masters degree in Nursing from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and a Masters degree in Public Health from Boston University School of Public Health. She has presented as an expert panelist at the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Why I Want To Be A Nurse — Why I Want to Be a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Why I Want to Be a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

• Categories: Why Did You Choose Nursing Why I Want To Be A Nurse

About this sample

Words: 693 |

Updated: 13 December, 2023

Words: 693 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Works Cited

• American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Author.
• Brinkworth, M., & Watson, K. (2016). A comparative study of high and low achieving university students: motivation, study strategies and academic performance. Higher Education Research & Development, 35(1), 1-14.
• Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1996). Creativity: Flow and the psychology of discovery and invention. Harper Collins.
• Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., & Ryan, R. M. (1999). A meta-analytic review of experiments examining the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 125(6), 627-668.
• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
• Johnson, W. (2009). Why I hate school but love education. Spoken Word Poem. Youtube.
• Paunesku, D., Walton, G. M., Romero, C., Smith, E. N., Yeager, D. S., & Dweck, C. S. (2015). Mind-set interventions are a scalable treatment for academic underachievement. Psychological Science, 26(6), 784-793.
• Pham, L. B., Taylor, S. E., & Seibert, P. S. (2012). Mindfulness and intellectual achievement: A moderated mediation model of academic self-efficacy. Mindfulness, 3(3), 212-222.
• Silverman, L. K. (1993). The highly gifted. ERIC Digest.
• Tough, P. (2012). How children succeed: Grit, curiosity, and the hidden power of character. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

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