HELP! Need examples of 500 word essays

I am about to apply to a BSRN program that requires a 500 word essay that simply asks, "Why do you want to become a nurse?".

I am almost done with 2 years of pre-reqs, and my head is twirling and haven't begun to think about how to answer this question. I am hoping that some people can help me get the ball rolling by sending me some of their essays so I can see them in print and then customize from there.

I know it is important. Thank you in advance.

[RainDreamer, BSN, RN]

500 words may sound like a lot, but it's only about 1-2 pages. Just think it for a bit and answer the question truthfully, tell them why you want to become a nurse. Good luck :)

[Glimmer]

we were talking about a similar subject on another board not too long ago. a couple of the posters to that student board are also instructors at a nursing school. they were a lot of help. one of the things that they really pushed on us is that everyone wants to be a nurse "to help people" but try to take that to a different level... make it personal to you.

some of the things that we talked about to help spark ideas and things to remember:

*was there something that happened in life that made you want to be a nurse?

*have you worked with people in the past, how about a health care atmosphere?

*dont focus on your negatives at all in the essay... but make sure that you bring forth positives about yourself and how they will help you be a nurse

*we were also told to make sure you do your pre-writing. it will help you get your thoughts together. i did not have to write and essay but to get a feel for what others were going through i did the pre-writing. i found that the "spider web" format that i was taught in high school was a great way to pre-write. start with your question in the middle... then branch off your thoughts on it... when something relates to a particular subject you branch off that one... and then after your are done you can see where the strong point should be in your essay.

remember to be yourself. your essay is the first glimpse that the people evaluating it will have into you. if you lie about yourself you are doing nothing to help yourself out. try to be down to earth but in doing so do not resort to using smaller words and mannerisms. stay enthusiastic in your writing throughout the whole essay. if you start out with a great line make sure that you continue with the thoughts throughout.... although make sure your introductory paragraph really lures the reader into your essay. try to do something that will make you stand out or be remembered.

the other thing that is great to have with you is a thesaurus. i know that when i start writing essays i end up using the same word over and over.

when you are done writing it read it outloud to yourself and then if there is someone around read it to them. make sure you are reading what you wrote... not what you thought you wrote. and another tip from my first college english teacher -- read your paper backwards to yourself. it will help you to pick out grammatical errors and improper sentence structure.

good luck!!! i am sure that you can write an awesome essay!!

[SCmomof3, RN]

we were talking about a similar subject on another board not too long ago. a couple of the posters to that student board are also instructors at a nursing school. they were a lot of help. one of the things that they really pushed on us is that everyone wants to be a nurse "to help people" but try to take that to a different level... make it personal to you.

some of the things that we talked about to help spark ideas and things to remember:

*was there something that happened in life that made you want to be a nurse?

*have you worked with people in the past, how about a health care atmosphere?

*dont focus on your negatives at all in the essay... but make sure that you bring forth positives about yourself and how they will help you be a nurse

*we were also told to make sure you do your pre-writing. it will help you get your thoughts together. i did not have to write and essay but to get a feel for what others were going through i did the pre-writing. i found that the "spider web" format that i was taught in high school was a great way to pre-write. start with your question in the middle... then branch off your thoughts on it... when something relates to a particular subject you branch off that one... and then after your are done you can see where the strong point should be in your essay.

remember to be yourself. your essay is the first glimpse that the people evaluating it will have into you. if you lie about yourself you are doing nothing to help yourself out. try to be down to earth but in doing so do not resort to using smaller words and mannerisms. stay enthusiastic in your writing throughout the whole essay. if you start out with a great line make sure that you continue with the thoughts throughout.... although make sure your introductory paragraph really lures the reader into your essay. try to do something that will make you stand out or be remembered.

the other thing that is great to have with you is a thesaurus. i know that when i start writing essays i end up using the same word over and over.

when you are done writing it read it outloud to yourself and then if there is someone around read it to them. make sure you are reading what you wrote... not what you thought you wrote. and another tip from my first college english teacher -- read your paper backwards to yourself. it will help you to pick out grammatical errors and improper sentence structure.

good luck!!! i am sure that you can write an awesome essay!!

great post with lots of good advice. :)