Nursing School Application Essay

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Outline

Overview

  1. What is being covered
    1. Preparation
    2. Action
    3. Ideas to include
    4. Sample essay structure

Nursing Points

General

  1. Preparation
    1. Review requirements
    2. Follow instructions
    3. Think it through
  2. Essay tips
    1. Choose information wisely
    2. Capture audience quickly
    3. Be sure there is structure
  3. Action plan
    1. Outline your thought
    2. Compose an outline
    3. Rough draft
      1. Edit
        1. No spelling errors
        2. No grammar errors
      2. Did you follow instructions?
        1. Word count
        2. Included information
    4. Final draft
      1. Read again, again
      2. Make sure you love it!

Assessment

  1. Possible ideas to include
    1. Why you chose nursing
    2. Why you chose this program
    3. Personal accomplishments
    4. Strong characteristics and attributes
    5. Community involvement
    6. Past medical experience
    7. Future desires and goals
  2. Sample essay structure
    1. Introduction
    2. Decision to be a nurse
    3. Answer required topics
      1. Tie in with decision
    4. Personal accomplishments/future goals
    5. Conclusion
      1. Re-emphasize nursing desire

Nursing Concepts

  1. Skills

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Transcript

Hey guys!  Today I want to talk to you about writing a great nursing school application essay!


Ok so in this lesson we will look at what is included in preparing your essay, an action plan when writing your essay, and finally ideas to include in your essay and even a sample essay skeleton.


Ok guys before you actually dive into this essay I wanted to point out a few things to help you get prepared!  It’s also important to first mention that sometimes your school may call an application essay a personal statement or letter of intent so keep that in mind.  Ok be sure to review what your prospective school is asking of you.  Read carefully the instructions paying close attention to the word count restrictions and answering any and all questions that they ask you.  So basically if an instruction is to keep the essay under 1000 words do not turn in a 2000 word essay.  This alone may indicate that you are unable to follow instructions!  Some programs will ask you a specific topic to focus on while others may ask a very broad question.  Either way, think it through, gather your thoughts, and make sure you actually believe what you are saying.

Guys make sure you choose your information wisely!  Remember you only have a limited amount of words to describe yourself so make sure you paint a picture of the most important aspects of your past and your future.  Capture your audience quickly, meaning grab their attention right off the bat don’t wait until your conclusion to be interesting.  Guys make sure it flows and there is an obvious structure to your essay.  A great essay is not always an easy thing to do but it can have the power to set you apart from your competition.  Lets look a little closer at the process.


Ok so when you’re ready to go, first outline your thoughts.  Preparing an outline will guarantee that you are including all the information that is required and also what you feel is important. I don’t know about you but sometimes when I write I can go off on an unnecessary tangent which you most certainly do not want to do in this important essay.  Once your outline is complete begin writing your rough draft.  At this point you are going to want to edit your essay making sure you have covered all information necessary.  How does it look?  Are your thoughts organized appropriately without run-on sentences and purposeful paragraphs?  Did you fulfill the word count requirement making sure not to go over or even too far under?  Absolutely be certain the essay is free from spelling or grammar errors.  Read it over and over and over and even ask a parent or family member to look it over too!  Guys this is your shot so make sure you give this process enough time and definitely be sure  you love what you are saying so you are portraying your best self!


 

Ok guys so although you may be asked to answer a specific question in your essay it is also appropriate to include other information about yourself.  Here are a few things that you may like to add.  Remember these are ideas to get your thoughts flowing!  First why did you choose the nursing profession or even more specifically why this nursing program?  So I just wanted to share a little bit about what I wrote about when I was asked this question.  Growing up my mom was very ill she actually needed a heart-lung transplant.  During one of her hospital stays I remember meeting a nurse that was just so intelligent, knowledgeable, a critical thinker and really fought for what was right for her patients…..one of those people being my mom.  I will never forget her and one of the reasons why I chose nursing.  Guys a story like this can provide a clear picture of why you chose nursing.  This is also your opportunity to speak about your personal accomplishments or experiences that have prepared you to become an amazing nurse.  If you have any previous medical training or you have volunteered in a community setting this shows your eagerness and commitment to helping others.  It is nice to include future desires or goals within the nursing profession and finally reasons why you feel you should be accepted into the program.  It is ok to sell yourself!


So the good thing about writing an essay is besides the guidelines identified by your program you can show your own writing creativity!  I can’t tell you exactly how to write your essay because that has to be up to you but here is an example of a path you could follow.  Introduce yourself to the program grabbing their attention, explain your intent or decision to be a nurse, maybe tie this in somehow with any required topics, be sure you highlight the best present and future you, and finally bring it all together with a conclusion re-emphasizing your desire to be accepted into the program.  


Ok lets review!  Before writing you essay review your programs requirements, follow their instructions closely, think it through before you jump in!  Choose the information that you include wisely make it count, capture your audience right away, and make sure your essay as a well thought out structure.  Next develop an outline, write a rough draft, edit your draft being certain there are absolutely no errors, edit and edit again, and make sure you love your final project!  And finally include in your essay why you chose nursing or this particular program, personal accomplishments, strong attributes or characteristics, and your future goals or desires.  I know this process seems daunting and maybe even a little difficult but you absolutely can do this!  Think, focus, and let your heart do the writing!


I hope you enjoyed this lesson!  Make sure you take a look at the resources we have provided for more information.  We love you guys! Go out and be your best self today! And as always, Happy Nursing!

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  • Studying
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  • Cardiovascular Disorders
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Study Plan Lessons

Adult Vital Signs (VS)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Infection
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Impaired Gas Exchange
Vitals (VS) and Assessment
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Pertussis / Whooping Cough
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Chronic Kidney Disease
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Anxiety
ABGs Nursing Normal Lab Values
Adult Vital Signs (VS)
Congestive Heart Failure Concept Map
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Labs
Critical Thinking
Fluid Volume Overload
Heart (Cardiac) Failure Module Intro
Heart (Cardiac) Failure Therapeutic Management
Heart (Cardiac) Sound Locations and Auscultation
Heart (Heart) Failure Exacerbation
Heart Failure – Right Sided Nursing Mnemonic (HEAD)
Heart Failure (Acute Exacerbations, Chronic) for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
Heart Failure Case Study (45 min)
Heart Failure for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Heart Failure-Origin Nursing Mnemonic (Left – Lung|Right – Rest)
Heart Failure-Left-Sided Nursing Mnemonic (CHOP)
Isotonic Solutions (IV solutions)
Hypertonic Solutions (IV solutions)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Heart Failure (CHF)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Pulmonary Edema
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cardiomyopathy
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Syphilis (STI)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Chronic Kidney (Renal) Disease (CKD)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Impaired Gas Exchange
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Respiratory Failure
Time Management
Pleural Effusion for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Syncope (Fainting)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Risk for Fall
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Decreased Cardiac Output
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Cardiogenic Shock
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Cardiomyopathy
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Chronic Kidney Disease
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Activity Intolerance
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cardiogenic Shock
Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) Nursing Considerations
Disease Specific Medications
Diuretics (Loop, Potassium Sparing, Thiazide, Furosemide/Lasix)
Defects of Decreased Pulmonary Blood Flow
Causes of Dyspnea Nursing Mnemonic (The 6 P’s)
Cataracts
Day in the Life of an Operating Room Nurse
Day in the Life of a Peds (Pediatric) Nurse
Formulating Nursing Diagnoses for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Intraoperative Nursing Priorities
Medication Reconciliation Review for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
NRSNG Live | So You Want to be a Surgical Nurse?
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Acute Pain
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Respiratory Failure
Nutrition Assessments
Perioperative Nursing Roles
Perioperative Nursing Course Introduction
Postoperative (Postop) Complications
Post-Anesthesia Recovery
Preoperative (Preop) Nursing Priorities
Preoperative (Preop)Assessment
Preoperative (Preop) Education
Procedural Terminology
Sterile Field
Surgical Incisions & Drain Sites
Surgical Prep
Strabismus
Trauma Surgery – Medical History Nursing Mnemonic (AMPLE)
Ventilator Settings
Intraoperative (Intraop) Complications
Informed Consent
General Anesthesia
Crash Cart
CRNA
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Dark Skin: IV Insertion
Flight Nurse
Finding Your First Nursing Job as a New Grad
Goal Setting
Head to Toe Nursing Assessment (Physical Exam)
ICU Nurse Report to Floor Nurses
ICU Nurse Report to OR (Operating)Team
Hypoxia – Signs and Symptoms (in Pediatrics) Nursing Mnemonic (FINES)
Hypovolemic Shock Case Study (OB sim) (60 min)
Intake and Output (I&O)
Introduction to Health Assessment
Interviewing for Nursing School
IV Drip Administration & Safety Checks
Isolation Precautions (MRSA, C. Difficile, Meningitis, Pertussis, Tuberculosis, Neutropenia)
Levels of Consciousness (LOC)
Lung Sounds
Life Support Review Course Introduction
Male Reproductive Anatomy (Anatomy and Physiology)
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Nursing
Menstrual Cycle
Moderate Sedation
Neuro Assessment
Neuro Terminology
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Asthma
Nursing Care Delivery Models
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Abdominal Pain
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Asthma
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hypovolemic Shock
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Infection
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Infective Conjunctivitis / Pink Eye
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Influenza
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Migraines
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Risk for Fall
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Syncope (Fainting)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Suicidal Behavior Disorder
Nursing Care Plan for Macular Degeneration
Nursing Case Study for Pediatric Asthma
OLD CARTS Mnemonic (OLD CARTS)
NURSING.com Assessment & Skills Checks
Phases of Nurse-Client Relationship
Pharmacology Course Introduction
R – Real-Life
Questions To Ask Before Applying To A Nursing Program
Respiratory Structure & Function
Surgical Incisions & Drain Sites
Surgical Counts for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Test Taking Course Introduction
Trauma Surgery – Medical History Nursing Mnemonic (AMPLE)
Tuberculosis (TB) Case Study (60 min)
Process of Labor – Mom Nursing Mnemonic (4 P’s)
Prealbumin (PAB) Lab Values
Pictures
Personality Disorders
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Patients with Communication Difficulties
Nursing Care Plan for (NCP) Autism Spectrum Disorder
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Nutrition Imbalance
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Glaucoma
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Decreased Cardiac Output
NRSNG Live | How to Pass Any Nursing School Test
NRSNG Live | My Super Secret Note Taking Method
NRSNG Live | The S.O.C.K Method for Mastering Nursing Pharmacology and Never Forgetting a Medication Again
NRSNG Live | The Successful State of Mind
NRSNG Live | What Your Nursing Professors Want to Tell You But Can’t
Insulin Drips
How to Write a Nursing Care Plan
High-Risk Behaviors
Heart Failure for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Heart Failure (Acute Exacerbations, Chronic) for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
Heart (Cardiac) Failure Therapeutic Management
Fundal Height Assessment for Nurses
Emergency Drugs Nursing Mnemonic (LEAN)
Drawing Blood from the IV
Drawing Pictures
Disease Specific Medications
Disasters & Bioterrorism
Day in the Life of a NICU Nurse
Day in the Life of an ICU (Intensive Care Unit) Nurse
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Labs
Communication of Patient Outcomes (Continuum of Care) for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Common Pathogens for UTI Nursing Mnemonic (KEEPS)
Cognitive Impairment Disorders
Cataracts
Cardiopulmonary Arrest
Cardiac Terminology
Cardiac Cycle
Cardiac Anatomy
Cardiac (Heart) Physiology
Body System Assessments
Blood Flow Through The Heart
Blood Pressure (BP) Control
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Advocating For Your Patient
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
3rd Degree AV Heart Block (Complete Heart Block)
2nd Degree AV Heart Block Type 2 (Mobitz II)
2nd Degree AV Heart Block Type 1 (Mobitz I, Wenckebach)
Documentation Basics
Trusting your Gut
Overview of the Nursing Process
Nursing Process – Diagnose
Steps in the Nursing Process 1 Nursing Mnemonic (ADPIE)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Tuberculosis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Impaired Gas Exchange
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Infection
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Glaucoma
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Risk for Fall
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Syncope (Fainting)
Goal Setting
Hygiene
How to Write A Nursing Progress Note
How to Write a Nursing Care Plan
Health Promotion Assessments
Intraoperative Nursing Priorities
Hypertension (HTN) Concept Map
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Nursing
MSN (Masters) vs. DNP (Doctorate)
Nurse-Patient Relationship
Nursing Process – Plan
Nursing Process – Evaluate
Our Goals for Teaching
Nursing School Application Essay
Pain and Nonpharmacological Comfort Measures
Perioperative Nursing Roles
Phases of Nurse-Client Relationship
Preoperative (Preop) Nursing Priorities
Preoperative (Preop)Assessment
Program Planning
Purpose of Nursing Care Plans
Self Concept
Identifying Interventions per Nursing Diagnoses for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
Health Promotion Model
Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development
Continuity of Care
Community Health Education
Communicating with Other Nurses
Depression Concept Map
Disease Specific Medications
Advocating For Your Patient
Access to Care
Breast Cancer Concept Map
Intro to Community Health
Depression Concept Map
Congestive Heart Failure Concept Map
Concept Map Course Introduction
Head to Toe Nursing Assessment (Physical Exam)
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Nursing
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) & Interventions for Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
Program Planning
Sepsis Concept Map
Stroke Concept Map
Hypertension (HTN) Concept Map
Drawing Pictures
Body System Assessments
Bowel Obstruction Concept Map
Blood Pressure (BP) Control
Asthma Concept Map
Aneurysm & Dissection
Amputation Concept Map
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
Tuberculosis for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Tuberculosis (TB) Case Study (60 min)
TB Drugs Nursing Mnemonic (RIPE)
Respiratory Infections Module Intro
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Tuberculosis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Impaired Gas Exchange
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Tuberculosis (TB)
Isolation Precautions (MRSA, C. Difficile, Meningitis, Pertussis, Tuberculosis, Neutropenia)
Isolation Precaution Types (PPE)
Communicable Diseases
Anti-Infective – Antitubercular
Airborne Precaution Diseases Nursing Mnemonic (MTV)
Casting & Splinting
Care of Vulnerable Populations
Complications of Immobility
Head to Toe Nursing Assessment (Physical Exam)
Mechanical Aids
Mobility & Assistive Devices
Musculoskeletal Terminology
Introduction to Health Assessment
Fractures
Preload and Afterload
Sympatholytics (Alpha & Beta Blockers)
Heart Failure Case Study (45 min)
Congestive Heart Failure Concept Map