Statement of Purpose Question

Jolie, BSN · Apr 23, 2011

As much as we'd like to help, we can't possibly answer this question for you. We know nothing about you, your life experiences, qualifications, ambitions or what you can offer this institution. Nor do we know anything about the residency, the facility, the positions they need to fill, etc.

Please fill us in on these details, and maybe we can help you to frame your answer.

quietpatty · Apr 23, 2011

As much as we'd like to help, we can't possibly answer this question for you. We know nothing about you, your life experiences, qualifications, ambitions or what you can offer this institution. Nor do we know anything about the residency, the facility, the positions they need to fill, etc.
Please fill us in on these details, and maybe we can help you to frame your answer.

Thanks for responding Jolie. The facility is St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka. The position is "Staff RN - Versant Residency." I graduated in Dec. 2010 with an ADN and have been unsuccessful finding employment. I applied to volunteer at a local hospital and it is currently under review. I am taking a RN refresher course to keep up with my nursing skills, but other than that I don't have any experience working in a hospital. As far as ambitions go, I know that I want to pursue a bachelors and masters degree in the near future. I don't know what I want to specialize in yet. I would love to work as a bed side nurse and find out what my interests are and then pursue a specialty. I've always had great relationships with my patients and their families. I especially love caring for patients and working in a team environment. I haven't thought about including my life experiences so I'll definately include that. Thanks this definately helps me get started.

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Apr 23, 2011

I realize how you want help with this, but really? You are asking strangers to tell someone why WE think YOU should be selected. My suggestion is look inside yourself for the answer. What do you have that is passionate or special?

quietpatty · Apr 23, 2011

Thanks nurse2033. I realize now how ridiculous my question was. I guess I just didn't know where to start with my own question. Thanks for your suggestion. It really is something only I can answer.

mcleanl · Apr 23, 2011

Quiet.....I don't think it is a ridiculous question. I find these questions hard to answer as well, because in essence they want you to "toot your own horn" and that can be difficult for some (myself included). Really take some time and write down some of your best attributes....if you have an idea of what qualities they are looking for, try and match up your attributes with the things they are looking for. For example, when I am applying for a position that is looking for a compassionate nurse....and I know that I am compassionate, I will absolutely mention that.

If you don't have an idea of the qualities that they want, then focus on the qualities that you know you possess. This your time to really be your own cheerleader.

Best of Luck

Jolie, BSN · Apr 23, 2011

As an employer, I would be most impressed by a heartfelt essay describing what you have to offer the institution, the unit, the patients and the community at large. Nothing is too small to consider, such as life experiences, volunteering, school experiences, personal desires to contribute to a "cause", etc.

What would not impress me would be a dissertation on how this job would allow you to achieve your goals. I hear all the time how my employees want to pursue this, that and the other thing, none of which help to move our business forward.

I hope I'm making myself clear. I'm not certain that I am, but my point is to highlight how you can contribute to them, not the other way around. Be selfless, be focused on benefitting others. Toot your own horn, but do so in a way that emphasizes your love of service, not your love of personal gain.