Terminated- how much to include in my BON essay?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

 Many people have been terminated for one reason or another, and that's not a dealbreaker in itself. Approach your application essay honestly while focusing on your growth and learning from the experience.

When discussing your termination, provide enough detail to explain the situation without excessive specifics. Stay high-level, and do not blame your former employer, colleagues, or organization. Take responsibility without showing shame.

• Facility name. Omit the facility's name unless it's directly relevant to your explanation. Focus instead on the lessons learned and how you've improved since then.
• Be honest but brief. Clearly (and simply) state that you were terminated, but avoid dwelling on the negative aspects. Instead, emphasize what you learned from the experience and how it shaped you professionally.
• Focus on growth. Discuss specific steps you've taken since the termination to enhance your skills or address any shortcomings. Highlight any relevant training, certifications, or volunteer work demonstrating your nursing commitment.
• Positive framing. Use positive language that reflects your resilience. Phrases like "I learned the importance of…" or "This experience motivated me to…" can turn a negative into a constructive narrative.
• Future focus. Conclude with a strong statement about your dedication to nursing and eagerness to contribute positively to patient care. Mention how your past experiences have prepared you to face future challenges effectively.

If this is part of a more extensive essay, ensure this topic takes up a small amount of your essay's overall space. Overall, aim to present yourself as someone who has learned from past mistakes and is committed to positively impacting the nursing field.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth