Nursing Program Application questions

[nurse2bithink]

I am almost done with my pre reqs and will be applying for an RN program at my school come February, one of the app requirements is that we have to answer 2 brief essay questions & I am kind of confused as to what I shoukd write about...the question is basically for me to name a personal/work related situation that I was in, how did I handle it and what did I learn from it...what are the directors looking for in terms of an appropriate response? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

They are looking for how well you critically think and problem solve.

[nurse2bithink]

Ok so what's a good example of an answer?

[nurse2bithink]

Not looking for an answer but I'm truly stumped..don't know if u should write about overcoming certain adversities or something more generalized

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

It is referred to as a STAR question.

• Situation: The interviewer wants you to present a recent challenge and situation in which you found yourself.
  
• Task: What did you have to achieve? The interviewer will be looking to see what you were trying to achieve from the situation.
  
• Action: What did you do? The interviewer will be looking for information on what you did, why you did it and what the alternatives were.
  
• Results: What was the outcome of your actions? What did you achieve through your actions and did you meet your objectives? What did you learn from this experience and have you used this learning since?
  

[nurse2bithink]

awesome! thank you

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Just think of a conflict or problem at work or in your personal life either between you and another person or something that you implemented that made things easier for the company or someone else.

For example, an elderly next door neighbor is getting more frail each time you see them. You ask them about it and it turns out that it is too difficult for them to get to the grocery store. You decide to call them each time you go grocery shopping and either take them with or pick up items for them. Something similar to that shows an issue that you saw, investigated the problem, and worked through a solution. Bonus, if it is helping another person that is in need or distress.

[nurse2bithink]

Ok thank you! I was thinking of writing how I had to go in a homeless shelter when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter and how, since then, we've gotten married, bought a home etc..do you think that's a little too personal?

[RunBabyRN]

You could go into that, and talk about how you've overcome adversity, how it's made you stronger, and so forth. I wouldn't get too lengthy about your current situation, but focus more on where you were then, and address the stuff Don1984, RN mentioned above. Touch on where you are now and how far you've come, but make the meat of your essay about your situation then and how you overcame it. Show anywhere you had to think outside of the box, had to think fast on your feet, had to overcome barriers.