What will you contribute to your nursing school?

[CNAinNeb]

Does anyone have this question on thier app? What type of responses do you think they are looking for?

I'd like to get involved on campus, give back to the community, etc. I have experience working in a diverse environment, display empathy, work well under pressure. Is this what they are looking for? What else?

[MaineEMT2RN]

What a great question!

Remember to focus on the key principles of student engagement, respect for yourself and others (students as well as teachers), and mentoring others. Those seem to be key "buzz-words" that I'm seeing a lot. You might also want to toss in something along the lines of identifying needs and willingness to take action.

Good luck!

[Jolie, BSN]

I'm sorry, but those questions bug me, because they encourage politically-correct, B.S. answers. I would be tempted to respond that I will be contributing $5000/semester.

It is not unreasonable for a student to "take away" in the form of learning more than they "contribute". Given that most students have to work to support themselves, pay tuition, study, study, study, and hopefully have something left over for their families, not all students have the "luxury" of participating in student government, doing community service, tutoring, volunteer work, or making any other type of "contribution". That does not make them less worthy of a nursing education.

OK. Rant over.

[MaineEMT2RN]

You are selling yourself short if you think your only contribution is cash. The very fact that you are entering into that community means that you are contributing. Every individual brings something to every interaction, whether intended or not. I think questions like these are posed to encourage applicants to consider what exactly it is that they are bringing to the table.

If I were responsible for choosing who makes it or doesn't, I would certainly consider who is contributing to a positive, healthy, supportive learning environment and who doesn't feel any responsibility for the environment they help to create.

[elkpark]

While I'm one of those who would be immediately tempted to reply that I'm "contributing" my tuition, the reality of the situation is that nearly every nursing school these days has a limited, concrete number of "seats" available and many, many more applicants that it can accommodate -- so they are all struggling with what is the best way to decide which students get admitted and which get turned away. Since there are already too many applicants with great grades, references, etc., the schools are having to get more creative and focused, and look for less "tangible" qualities/qualifications that people bring to the table (hence, essay questions like the one that triggered this thread). I've been involved in the admission process in more than one nursing program over the years, and I know that it looks v. cold, arbitrary, and uncaring to potential students, but it's really a difficult struggle for the live human beings who have to make those decisions ...

To the OP, all the qualities you mention are good responses. Also, do you have any personal experiences in your past or specific personal qualities that may make you stand out from the general student population? It would be a good idea to talk about that. Best wishes for your application and acceptance! :)

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

op: i agree with the above poster, not many get through nursing school without affecting those around them so this is a good question to ask soon to be student nurses.

i personally work two jobs (pt in the school year and full-time during the summers), pay cash for school, have a family, help other students (mentor and lead study groups), and participate in student nursing government and activities. basically nursing school is my life.

i understand that not all students will sacrifice of themselves to make nursing school a bigger focus because he/she may have circumstances that are contraindicated. on the other hand, i know a few single moms who worked full-time at the hospital and also participated in activities. most did not lead them but they helped out when they could and that inspired other single moms to do the same.

on the flip side of the coin, students who have a nasty selfish attitude (its-all-about-me-and-everyone-else-can-fend-for-themselves) usually stick out like a sore thumb. there is one in my clinical group that no one likes and no one trusts. she is a nightmare to work with in a group setting. sadly, she will graduate because she knows her stuff and treats patients well, but she does not play well with others!

therefore, op be sure to discuss characteristics that will show that you will enhance the program rather then be a thorn in everyone's side. give examples of being a team player, showing leadership (even if you think it is a small example), and discuss your customer service skills!

the fluffy stories of wanting to be a nurse because of some personal medical experience does not prove that you work well with others or that you are kind to others. the horrid nursing student i wrote of went into nursing because of medical issues she suffered for years. she is not the type of nurse i will ever want to work with for any length of time because she cannot be trusted to have my back. gl!