Hi, I am applying (again) for this fall's nursing program. This is one of my essays for the community college. I also have one for a BSN program. I have written, edited, and read this so many times that it just does not sound good at all to me...I am sure some of you know what I mean. I am hoping someone out there can share a bit of english comp I basic wisdom??? (been over 10 yrs). Be brutal, I can take it. I know it needs to be polished. The school is asking for a letter stating why I would be a good candidate for their nursing program. I looked at their mission statement and tried to include some things throughout. Please, be brutally honest.
Thanks...JEN
An ideal candidate for your nursing program would bring diversity, medical experience, and strong academics. These are qualities that I have, but these qualities alone do not automatically make me the perfect candidate. I understand that becoming a nurse is a lifetime commitment of learning and selfless altruism. Being strong academically will help me do well on a test, being exposed and educated about different cultures comforts me in the company of diversity. The medical knowledge and experience I have will bring confidence in my clinical abilities and rapport with patients and other clinicians, but if I was not an open-minded person, able to learn and apply new ways and new theories, then I would not be an ideal candidate.
Thankfully, I am that type of person and as it turns out I have gained a lot of experience in many areas of my life that have enhanced me as a person. I have always known I could do more than anyone else thought possible, and I have consistently proved myself to be more than they bargained for. I love a challenge, and do not let even a hint of an opportunity go unclaimed. If I want something, I go for it and give it all I have. I succeed because I aim high and work hard. It takes a certain kind of person to be a nurse, with the right kind of feeling and the complete desire to excel. I know that I am without hesitation that person.
The first time I truly reached out for opportunity I was seventeen, I joined the Army. I had accepted this as my challenge to achieve my goals towards education. It was then that I learned the true meaning of success. Not allowing myself failure, I learned self-discipline and perseverance. Exposure to different cultures in the military is different than just studying about it or even attending college within a diverse community. In basic training you live in one open bay for twelve weeks and you truly learn the value of diversity. I was one of over fifty women from all over the world, living in one large room. Throughout those weeks we became accustomed to each other's accents, habits, and personalities. To complete our goal, eventually we all learned to work together despite our differences. As leadership and team building skills were instilled during those times of duress, I have forever maintained these attributes. The military afforded me with an education rich in the medical field. My climb has been slow and steady as I gained more knowledge in which to build off of. Starting with patient administration, later with EMT, and lastly as a Respiratory Therapist.
In the beginning of my career as a Respiratory Therapist I faced the tribulations of single parenthood. Motherhood cultivated a mature and awe-inspiring responsibility in me. I became more driven to succeed; sacrifices were gladly made to make a more positive future for my daughter and me. The pursuit of my nursing degree was attempted when my daughter was two; however, despite my academic success I was unable to continue due to lack of childcare and support. As I begin my pursuit again, So many years later, I am married and have two children. Both of my children are in grade school and my entire family is supportive of my academic endeavor, as they have proved this past year.
Working in the field of Respiratory care for eleven years, I have built a solid foundation of clinical experience. I feel that I am ready to expand my medical career into that of an RN to allow advancement into many new areas utilizing my education and background to build upon. I have spent many years learning the various skills that have made me an excellent respiratory therapist. I am now ready to devote many more to become an excellent nurse. I have attributes that will be a great contribution as I go through the nursing program, and well into my nursing career. Having proficiencies in areas of Critical thinking, time management, patient assessments, and clinical skills offer me a benefit, facilitating achievement in a demanding program. Working closely with nurses for many years I have an honest understanding of the encompassing, and manual work they do. I know it can be a difficult and challenging position, which is one of the reasons I find it so rewarding. The responsibilities are massive and the impact they have on patients and families lives can be just as impressive. I look forward to new opportunities as I take this challenging climb up the ladder to the next step on my career path. I feel a strong ambition towards nursing and a great motivation to succeed.
Over the past year while I have been completing my pre-requisite courses I have gained a newfound eagerness for knowledge which coupled for my compassion and dedication to the nursing profession give me all the ingredients to make an excellent nurse. I have worked so hard and have already accomplished so much, repeating all of my science courses, achieving all A's, in one year. I am thrilled at the notion of being accepted into the nursing program at Massassasoit community college.
