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Discussion

Getting Accepted.....The Essay

Hi Everyone!

I'm ready to apply to nursing school and have just finished the essay required with the application "Why have you chosen to pursue a carreer in nursing".

I think my essay is pretty good, but of course now I'm 2nd guessing myself. I wrote about how a significant event in my life caused a desire to make a difference in the life of others.

So I'm wondering, does this sound corny? What are they looking for in these essays and how big of a part does it play in the admissions game?

Thanks for any advice!

Glopop11

Featured Replies

  • Expert

Of course, every admissions committee is different... but, having served on a couple ... here is what I look for.

1. Is the essay well-written? It's not just what you say that counts, it is how well you say it. Can you communicate skillfully in writing? Did you learn the writing skills that your high school teachers tried to teach you (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc.) Do you think clearly? Do your ideas flow logically from one to the other? The essay is a chance to demonstrate your critical thinking and communication skills. These skills are very important and often more important in the evaluation of the essay than the actual reasons you decided to be a nurse.

2. Are your expectations of nursing realistic? Unrealistic expectations, such as an "over-romanticized" view of the profession are one major reason people leave nursing and/or nursing school. Showing that you know what you are getting into demonstrates that you have thought through your career decision carefully, gathered appropriate information, analyzed it well, and used it appropriately to make a decision that is probably right for you. If your essay indicates that you have unrealistic expectations, etc., that doesn't look so good.

3. Are you sincere in your desire to actually be a nurse? If sounds from your post that you are sincere ... but some people go to nursing school who don't really want to be nurses. They go because they heard they would have job security or because they would make more money than some of the alternatives, etc. Most nursing schools are looking to admit people who actually want to be nurses. (See #2 about realistic expectations).

I wouldn't worry too much about your answer sounding too corny. The desire to help people should be at the heart of every nurse's choice. And it's perfectly OK to have an event in your life trigger you to think about (and eventually choose) a career that focuses on helping people. I can imagine a wonderful essay about how that event caused you to do some serious thinking about your life and how to best use your talents. Just be sure to include the things I discussed in #1 and #2 above.

Good luck,

llg

I don't think it sounds corney, common maybe.. but not corney.

I haven't the slightest idea what percent goes towards admission acceptance, but as long as you make a good point of your strong desire and will to commit yourself to the nursing studies, i think you'll be covered. I bet there are some applicants that haven't the slightest idea why they want to be a nurse. It would be fun to read those essays!

I know your essay will be great, after all your a member of allnurses and that alone shows your strong desire to become a nurse. Good luck and i hope you get that acceptance letter soon!

llg, Thanks for the great tips! It makes a lot of sense.

(I posted before i got to read your reply to this thread.)

  • Author

Thanks llg and tanzanite!!

I'm confident the essay is well written (straight A's in high school english). It's the subject matter that concerns me.

llg, wouldn't a typical nursing student have a somewhat "romanticized" view of the profession? I wrote about helping in small ways, not trying to save lives.

In any case, I plan to have several people read the essay, including 2 nurses, before I submit it.

Thanks again!

Originally posted by glopop11

Hi Everyone!

So I'm wondering, does this sound corny? What are they looking for in these essays and how big of a part does it play in the admissions game?

Have you done any job shadowing or paid/volunteer work in a healthcare setting? Maybe you've helped care for an ill family member, or have dealt with your own personal health problems. If so, definately try to include those in your essay. Try to get the point across that you have put yourself in a position to see what the realities of nursing/healthcare are - that your interest in nursing is not only emotional/passing.

Good luck!

Hope you don't mind an idea or two from a writer...Be yourself...If you know why you want to be a nurse, say exactly that...Don't make something up for the sake of an essay...They will see right through it and it is such a simple question that there are many like answers...

My answer to the question started out something like this...

I am not really sure..I just know in my heart that if accepted into your program, I would have the strength , fortitude and interest to keep going, whatever the cost....I can't know exactly why or if I will be successful, and can't possibly know that unless and until you provide me with the chance to prove that I am sincere and eager....(etc..).....Good luck to you and remember, be yourself and use spell check.....

It sounds like you'll be fine! :) Good luck! Writing the essay was the worst part for me too, but they accepted me so I guess I said something right! Just make sure you grammer is correct and you will be fine!

  • Expert
Originally posted by glopop11

llg, wouldn't a typical nursing student have a somewhat "romanticized" view of the profession? I wrote about helping in small ways, not trying to save lives.

Thanks again!

Yes, but it's best not to sound "over the top" in your romanticism. Some nursing students seem so naive that it makes "old timers" shake their heads and wonder how they will ever survive the rigors and realities of a nursing career. I think the idea of helping in small ways rather than focusing on saving the world is a great idea -- and a very realistic one!

It sounds like you are on the right track.

Best of luck,

llg

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