Feedback for Personal Statement - Applying for FNP Program

[aar1488]

I would appreciate any and all feedback on my personal statement. Thanks everyone :)

Personal Statement

Becoming a registered nurse has been one of the most gratifying and rewarding decisions I have ever made. Entering into a profession that demonstrates advocacy, integrity and dignity has allowed me to attain tremendous personal, professional and educational growth. At the beginning of my career, I experienced a life changing event while caring for a young woman who was dying. This vibrant woman was full of life, but unfortunately her body could no longer carry her on. It did not matter what her past was or how she ended up in our hospital; what mattered was the fact that she was dying and I was chosen to help support her and her family through this ordeal. I experienced a mix of emotions that day from being absolutely terrified, anxious, unprepared and overwhelmed. Despite my own personal feelings, I knew I was her advocate, her strength, as well as needing to be entirely present to her and her family. To be able to provide her the comfort, self-respect and love through this uneasy time was not only an opportunity for myself to grow as a clinician and learn, but an honor as a human being. As I shed tears with her family after her passing, I knew in that moment that becoming a nurse was what I was put on this earth to do. I was once told by a co-worker, People only get to die once and I have the privilege of helping them do it with peace and dignity.” Those words resonated within me and I knew from that moment forward I would always be the best nurse for each and every one of my patients despite their condition or circumstance

My career in nursing has guided me through a variety of specialties, however it did not take long for me to realize where I belonged. I worked bedside caring for acutely ill patients that challenged my skills and demanded constant attention to detail in order to properly provide care and effective system management in a safe manner. I flourished in this setting; constantly seeking ways to advance my knowledge base and my career.

My manager saw something in me, that at the time I did not think I possessed; leadership. She encouraged me to join a board within the hospital that would establish our new high acuity unit. With additional classes in critical care, assessment, system management and leadership, I rose to the challenge and created a name for myself within my organization. I assisted with hospital wide education while precepting new nurses in this unit. Not long after that I was promoted to Clinical Leader. This new role was to monitor our quality outcomes, implement new policies and procedures centered on evidence based practice and to standardize care. Collaborating with nurses, nursing educators, physicians and administration to promote change that will enhance patient care is very gratifying.

Success can be defined in many different ways. For me success means that I am able to have a broad knowledge base of my area of specialty using evidence based practice, the patience and integrity of an honest practitioner and work, home life balance. To be ethically grounded, globally connected and intellectually engaged throughout the journey of becoming a family nurse practitioner, I will not only create the foundation for success, but also develop the self-esteem needed to take my career to the next level.

I am currently preparing to test for my critical care registered nurse (CCRN) certification, but becoming a family nurse practitioner (FNP) has always been a professional goal of mine. I have a drive and passion to care for my patients holistically and as a FNP I will be able to demonstrate the same excellence of care as a primary care provider or physician. My goal is to continue furthering my education and I feel a commitment to excelling in ________ University.

I chose _____________ University's nurse practitioner program not only because of its reputation for providing quality education, but because of its commitment to preparing graduate nurses that will impact individual patients as well as communities as a whole. I have been fortunate enough to have the flexibility and support from my family and employer to collaborate with me on this adventure. After extensive research on nursing practitioner programs, I believe that the supportive educational environment that _______ provides will facilitate my goal of becoming an excellent family nurse practitioner.