Nursing Application Essays/Personal Statement

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Hi! I am starting to fill out applications I will be sending out for a few of the nursing schools here. I would just like to solicit some of your ideas on what to write. I am one of the career switchers. I used to work in IT and decided to switch to nursing. Although potential job opportunities and mass outsourcing contributed to SOME of the reasons, is this still advisable to include this in the essay?? I think because of these essays, I stumbled upon a dead end with my application! Argh!

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You might want to check at the bookstores for the "writing the winning personal statement" book. I bought that one and it helped me write my winning personal statement. LOL. But that book does not have any sample one for nursing. You can ask the store clerks if they have other similar ones. Good luck

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Some things I'd include in your letter: why nursing interests you; what motivated your decision to become a nurse; what knowledge/talents/assets you have that would help you in nursing; maybe some of your future career goals (i.e. what field you want to work in, any specific interests you have, etc.).

I wouldn't include the cutbacks/outsourcing in your letter... you want them to know that you're choosing nursing because it's the right career for you, not because it's the only option left :)

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Specializes in Psych.

Hi, Chiliwings. I just turned in my essay. The best advice I got was to find out which type of essay the school prefers - generally there are 2 types, the just-the-facts here's why I am qualified (almost a bulleted list) and then there's the more emotionally-driven, tell-a-story type of essay. The stereotype is that public schools want the first format and private tend to want the latter. Find out which it is, talk to the admissions office.

As a former IT'er myself, I stayed away from talking about that. I thought it was too negative. The truth for me, also, was that I was more drawn than pushed to nursing. Even if that's not the case for you, find a positive way to explain things.

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Specializes in ER, CCU, LTAC.

If you want some good editing advice try www.essayedge.com!

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I'm moving out of IT too, although I have a perfectly fine job at the moment. Part of the reason I'm changing is due to a sense of calling I've had as part of my religious practice, which I am going to mention in the essays for the two Jesuit schools to which I'm applying, but not in the one for the public school. I'm not going to mention the money, the job security, etc, since that seems cheap. I'm going to emphasize that IT requires a mix of technological aptitude and interpersonal skills that turn out to be a perfect training ground for nursing. Don't know if they'll buy it, but I'm giving it a shot. :rolleyes:

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Hi, Chiliwings. I just turned in my essay. The best advice I got was to find out which type of essay the school prefers - generally there are 2 types, the just-the-facts here's why I am qualified (almost a bulleted list) and then there's the more emotionally-driven, tell-a-story type of essay. The stereotype is that public schools want the first format and private tend to want the latter. Find out which it is, talk to the admissions office.

As a former IT'er myself, I stayed away from talking about that. I thought it was too negative. The truth for me, also, was that I was more drawn than pushed to nursing. Even if that's not the case for you, find a positive way to explain things.

What is an IT'er?

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What is an IT'er?

Information Technology

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Hi Chiliwings!

I just submitted 3 of my application essays and I'm coming from the same situation as you - well similar. I work in government contracting and received my BS in psych. I have a perfectly fine job but to me it has become dead end and I get nothing out of it. I spoke in all my essays on how I became inspired, how my education and time in the work field has made me a dedicated hard worker etc., and my drive for endless self-reward through nursing. I think it helps if you don't have a nursing background, that you pull aspects of your life/career that show the strong traits you carry and will bring into nursing/helping others.

Hope that helps some! Good luck writing your statements, I was told not to do it in one night.. write an outline then start writing with some days/nights to think about it before submitting. I changed mine around a LOT, lol. OH, and I also was told that if you have something in your academics (such as a bad grade, semester, you switched schools a couple times) to touch on that and how you have evolved.

Good luck :)

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