Statement of Inerest for ABSN prgram.

[hygienegrrl]

Can you guys provide me with any suggestions that I may add or remove from my rough draft? Thanks in advance.

"Describe what youknow about the nursing profession and why you think that nursing is a goodcareer choice for you."

I have been a Dental Hygienist for approximately eight years. My career as a Dental Hygienist has been very rewarding and self-fulfilling. I have had the opportunity to work in general, perio and pedo practices. After a few years of working as a Dental Hygienist, I knew I wanted to continue my education. I learned that furthering my education in the fieldof Dental Hygiene had reached a plateau; however that did not stop me fromcontinuing my education. I have always had a huge interest in the field of health care, so I decided to get my Bachelor'sdegree in Health Care Management.

My interest in health care is what led me to my career as a Dental Hygienist and has led me to the nursing profession. I feel as though the nursing profession would be an expansion of my current career as a Dental Hygienist. I do realize that my roles and responsibilities as a nurse would be greater than that of a Dental Hygienist and I look forward to the increased responsibilityand patient interaction involved in the nursing profession. I have always had a strong desire to help andcare for others. I also have a profound desire to truly understand the human body and various diseases and their preventative measures. I feel that working in the nursing profession will allow me to fulfill my passion to continue to help others.

My initial interest in health care stemmed from my own personal health experiences. Several years ago, I became very ill. I felt very fatigued, nauseated, lethargic, extremely dry skin and hair, with petechiae on my lower extremities. I hadgone to numerous physicians who persuaded me to think it was due to dailystresses and due to my work load. WhenI noticed the petechiae on my legs, my concerns started to grow even more. I did read that petechiae could be caused by a virus, so that put me at ease a little. However, after several weeks had passed and the petechiae was still present, I knew there was something else going on and that a virus was not probable. I made an appointment with another doctor who did extensive blood work. When I came back for the results, I learned that my Ferritin levels were very low; however the doctor did not seem to think I should take any action atthe time since I was not "officially" anemic and due to the side effects of iron supplements. I left his office in a confused state and in total disbelief. I was displeased because, I truly was not feeling well and I did not believe the doctor truly understood how bad I was feeling, and to think, I was supposed to wait until I felt worse and become "officially" anemic was very disturbing tome. So, I decided to take control of my health and educate myself. I began to take iron supplements, however that did address the reason why my Ferritin levels were low. In my research I had decided the likely cause of my low Ferritin levels were due to malabsorption. I then began to research causes for malabsorption and continually came to Celiac Disease. I then requested to be tested for Celiac Disease and the results were positive.

Having gone through this experience, it completely changed how I approached my health and it solidified my desire to work in the nursing profession. I also have had the opportunity to have close insight on the nursing profession as my sister has been a nurse for fifteen years and has shared many of her experiences with me.

Having the opportunity to complete the ABSN program at East Carolina University will allow me to attain my ultimate goal as a Nurse Practitioner. I look forward in embarking on a new career path that will afford multiple opportunities as well as career stability.