Writing Sample?!?!

Published

Specializes in PICU.

I have an interview for a PNP program coming up and they've requested that I bring along a writing sample. Does anyone have any advice as to what they're looking for? I figure they want some sort of research paper, but I'm a bedside nurse and I've never 'bothered' to publish a big research article. I'm just a little panicky, so any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks!! :redbeathe

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in General.

Basically they are looking to see how organized your writing is use of vocabulary spelling punctuation etc. My school had us submit an an essay on why you wanted to be a nurse practitioner, or an event that led you into nursing. Good luck.:flwrhrts:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Did you not save your research papers from nursing school? That would be an obvious choice, if they are not assigning you something specific to write.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in General.

I know I did not. But. I graduated 13 years ago:clown::clown::clown:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU.

I'll have to see what I can dig up, but I don't remember any incredibly well written papers from nursing school. That didn't seem to be a big priority. Thanks for the advice so far! :redpinkhe

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

Uh...pick a topic you're interested in, write a paper up...yesterday, in APA format (I'd write up about 5-7 pages) and have a few "smart" folks review, esp the bibliography and bring with you. Stick to current journals (

Trendy topics:

Autism, why are some higher functioning?

Vaccines in immigrants

H1N1 in remote/border areas (deployment, funding, trends)

Nutrition in schools (I'm lovin' it)

GI disorders (trying to explain obesity, duh!)

HPV in males

High Tech deployment with intercity youth, is this the silver lining?

Hepatitis among children (identifying trends, long-term effects, etc)

I can think of 50 more...

Hint: take it to Kinkos and make it look like Donald Trump requested it. Faculty will love this fodder, your in!

Now, get typing!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU.

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the great advice! I worked all weekend on a paper that I think turned out alright. The interview went well and I found out I was accepted into the program before even handing over my writing sample. Haha! Well, at least I'm in, and I got to brush up on my writing a little bit. Thanks again!

:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in General.

:dncgbby:good for you. you will find yourself doing alot of papers in grad school i suggest getting the APA program for paper. BTW where are you going to school

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion