Personal Statement. How and where?

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2007

do you not know why you want to be a nurse? if you have to go to a book to find this out, then i'm worried about why you want to go into this profession. for some people it is a spiritual calling; a need to help others; to reach out to others selflessly; compassion for others. for some it is because they want to return to others the kind of care that they saw given to someone else or to them. too many today are doing it solely for the money. wrong reason if it is the only one. the things you will see as a nurse will give you a whole different perspective on what is important in life. think about that as you think about why you want to be a nurse. a good grammar book will help you with the mechanics of the essay.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2007

I would write about the top reasons why you want to be a nurse PLUS positive things you will add to the nursing program.

Just like a job interview...you don't just talk about what you want...you also talk about what your strengths are, and what you will contribute to the organization.

Think of it this way: when reading your personal statement, pretend you are the admission committee. Why should they choose you?

I would keep it heart-felt, and edit so it is grammatically correct. Ten dollar words are ok if they are really the most descriptive, but don't just sprinkle your personal statement with great big words to show that you can know them and can use them.

Good luck!

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2007

do you not know why you want to be a nurse? if you have to go to a book to find this out, then i'm worried about why you want to go into this profession. for some people it is a spiritual calling; a need to help others; to reach out to others selflessly; compassion for others. for some it is because they want to return to others the kind of care that they saw given to someone else or to them. too many today are doing it solely for the money. wrong reason if it is the only one. the things you will see as a nurse will give you a whole different perspective on what is important in life. think about that as you think about why you want to be a nurse. a good grammar book will help you with the mechanics of the essay.

daytonite,

i understand why a student would want advice on this. so much pressure, importance, and focus goes into the personal statement.

for many programs where there is no interview, this is an applicant's only way of getting his or her foot in the door.

a few of the more affluent students hire consultants to "help" them write their personal statements. these consultants are experts at the game.

so, yes, i can see why the question was asked. i'm already thinking about how to write my own personal statement, and that is months away for me. i plan on having two english instructors proof read mine for content and grammar.

Asherah, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2007

I too recognize that it can be a difficult question to answer, in that you need to of course be sincere, but structure your answer in a sophisticated and professional manner. The best advice that was given to me was to brainstorm, making notes about any and all reasons that motivated you towards the path of nursing.

One of the programs I'm applying to asked this question and wanted you to contribute any personal, professional or life experiences that have lead you to pursue nursing. If I were you, I would take a look at each of these areas (if applicable) and see what exactly is leading you this way. The more specific the better, this is how admissions committees get to see your step by step path to nursing.

As multicollinearity stated, I would be sure to include the reason you believe "such and such" university will allow you to achieve your short/long term goals in nursing and what you plan to contribute if you were granted admission.

Finally, don't hesitate to ask a trusted friend or two to proof your statement and give you their impressions, another set of eyes (or two) can be good for you.

Good luck!