Application essay- educational background

[katRN18]

Hi everyone,

I decided in December to try for accelerated nursing school.

--I have a BS in Business Administration

--I have an AS in Aviation

--I currently work in the insurance industry (not health).

I never really knew what I wanted to do, just kind of went to school hoping I'd figure it out. Now that I'm actually in the real world, I've realized that "just chugging along" until I found something probably wasn't the best thing to do. I now am doing something that I have no interest in, and have no experience in anything else.

I thought it was time to reevaluate myself. I finally figured out that in order to be fulfilled, I need to be helping others. I lived in an orphanage in Russia until I was 8, and really saw the effect that nurses had on peoples' lives. I also experienced caring for others when they were ill, since a lot of children that came to our orphanage were extremely ill. I want to be that nurse that helped me when I was malnourished and on the verge of death. I need to be that person that has a tremendous effect on a person's life, not one that just putters through their own life.

My question for you is, do you think that my history of education (the randomness) will have a negative effect on my application (I have to write an essay on my rationale for a career change)?

Also, any other advice is welcome. I'd really love to hear from anyone else who has chosen an accelerated track after getting an unrelated bachelors.

Thank you!!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I encourage you to include information about your life experiences on your application essay. It could provide a great deal of insight into your motivation for a career change into nursing. It is unusual enough to grab the attention of the admission committee. Obviously, your previous educational experience illustrates your ability to succeed in diverse academic areas. IMO, you're going to be successful.

[katRN18]

Thanks so much for the reply! I'm glad to hear that my previous education experience could be viewed positively. I will be sure to include my life experience in my essay. Thanks again!