Nursing school essay

[truckinusa, BSN, LPN, RN]

I guess they want a short and sweet essay at 200 words or less. I'm wondering which direction I should go with this essay. The questions are "Why are you interested in a nursing career, and Why should we choose you for a nursing student?"

I was thinking of talking about my experiences on the road as a truck driver and not having the tools of a nursing education. Maybe I should just forget that and talk about my last 6 months as a CNA? I was thinking about throwing in my interest in science and school in general. Any tips?

[DarkLotus]

I can't be much help since I too am strugging over what to write about. I think admissions folks want something personal and from the heart that is original instead of hearing 'I care about people and am interested in medicine'. I tried to write about what led to my epiphany of wanting to become a nurse which for me was reading about caring theory. Did something happen when you were a truck driver that made you want to become a nurse? Were you in a situation where having nursing knowledge and skills would have helped you or someone you care about? I think that most people applying will write about their experiences in school leading up to their applying to nursing school. Maybe you could brainstorm some and post a really rough draft.Thats what I did and the feedback I'm getting on here is really helping me think of what else to write about. I hope that was somewhat helpful and good luck!

[jt43]

Yes! For the why are you interested question, give a personal, detailed example of how you became interested in nursing. For the why should we choose you, I think you should give examples of the strengths you will bring to their school and contribute to the learning environment. And I think you should try to work into it both your truckdriving experience and that you are working as a CNA.

[truckinusa, BSN, LPN, RN]

I was a long haul trucker for 15 years. Nursing was not what I had in mind up until the last couple of years. I had one particular situation where I could have really used the skills of a nurse. I had just completed a CPR course with my fire department, but I was unable to do very much for a man that had a heart attack on the side of the road. He ended up passing away and I felt like I needed to learn more to give me the skills the next time it happened. Nursing will give me the tools the next time I have a situation like this.

This past summer I quit my job and became a CNA at a nursing home. I didn't realize what kind of need I was going to fulfill, but it came to me quickly. I thoroughly enjoy helping people with ADLs and keeping them in the best shape possible. It seems that nursing is something where I can pursue life-long learning which is something I was missing in my career as a truck driver. I am doing great in school and enjoy it a lot.

I don't know if this is any good, but here is close to what I was thinking?

[jt43]

It's a great start. I still think you should write about some personal qualities you havve that will benefit the school and your classmates (patience, persistence, etc.)

[truckinusa, BSN, LPN, RN]

Well, the essay must have worked? I'm in!