Nursing School Application Essay

You're watching a preview. 300,000+ students are watching the full lesson.
Master
To Master a topic you must score > 80% on the lesson quiz.

Included In This Lesson

NURSING.com students have a 99.25% NCLEX pass rate.

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

Unlock the Complete Study System

Used by 300,000+ nursing students. 99.25% NCLEX pass rate.

200% NCLEX Pass Guarantee.
No Contract. Cancel Anytime.

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!

Study Faster with Full Video Transcripts

99.25% NCLEX Pass Rate vs 88.8% National Average

200% NCLEX Pass Guarantee.
No Contract. Cancel Anytime.

🎉 Special Offer 🎉

Nursing School Doesn't Have To Be So Hard

Go from discouraged and stressed to motivated and passionate

study

Concepts Covered:

  • Test Taking Strategies
  • Note Taking
  • Basics of NCLEX
  • Studying
  • Substance Abuse Disorders
  • Behavior
  • Urinary System
  • Nervous System
  • Peripheral Nervous System Disorders
  • Cardiac Disorders
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Communication
  • Noninfectious Respiratory Disorder
  • Respiratory System
  • Concepts of Population Health
  • Basics of Human Biology
  • Central Nervous System Disorders – Brain
  • Respiratory Emergencies
  • Perioperative Nursing Roles
  • Concepts of Pharmacology
  • Emergency Care of the Cardiac Patient
  • Factors Influencing Community Health
  • Integumentary Disorders
  • Health & Stress
  • Labor and Delivery
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Disorders of Pancreas
  • Circulatory System
  • Microbiology
  • Neurological Emergencies
  • Intraoperative Nursing
  • Depressive Disorders
  • Central Nervous System Disorders – Spinal Cord
  • Postpartum Care
  • Prioritization
  • Fundamentals of Emergency Nursing
  • Shock
  • Emergency Care of the Trauma Patient

Study Plan Lessons

01.01 CCRN Test Overview for CCRN Review
12 Points to Answering Pharmacology Questions
5 Rules for Powerpoint
5 Things You Never Knew About The NCLEX – Live Tutoring Archive
9 Easy Steps to Passing Every Nursing School Test | With Jon Haws, BSN, RN, Founder of NURSING.com
Absolute Words
Acute vs Chronic
Addiction – Behavioral Problems Nursing Mnemonic (The 5 D’s)
ADLs (Activity of Daily Living) Nursing Mnemonic (BATTED)
Advanced Critical Thinking
Alcoholism – Outcomes Nursing Mnemonic (BAD)
Alkalosis and Acidosis Nursing Mnemonic (Kick Up, Drop Down)
Anatomy of an NCLEX Question
Anticholinergics – Side Effects Nursing Mnemonic (4 Can’ts)
Arterial Blood Gases Nursing Mnemonic (ROME)
Ask Questions
Assessment for Myasthenic Crisis Nursing Mnemonic (BRISH)
Avoiding Alarm Fatigue
Backwards and Forwards
Bacterial Endocarditis – Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (Be Joan Of Arc)
Be a Mix Tape (Rewind and Fast-Forward)
Beta 1 and Beta 2 Nursing Mnemonic (1 Heart, 2 Lungs)
Bloom’s Taxonomy
C – Content
Can You Draw It
Canes Nursing Mnemonic (COAL)
Care Plan Review (Addresses Patient Considerations) for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Caring Licensed Practical Nurse Nursing Mnemonic (CLPN)
Caring Practices for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
Causes of Dyspnea Nursing Mnemonic (The 6 P’s)
Causes of Poor Gas Exchange Nursing Mnemonic (All People Can Value Lungs)
Chance’s Story on His Personal Journey
Cheatsheets
CHF Treatment Nursing Mnemonic (UNLOAD FAST)
Child Abuse/Neglect – Warning Signs Nursing Mnemonic (CHILD ABUSE)
CHO, CHO, CHON Nursing Mnemonic (CHO, CHO, CHON)
Cholinergic Crisis – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (SLUDGE)
Clinical Inquiry for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
Common Signs of Parkinson’s Nursing Mnemonic (SMART)
Community Health Tool Nursing Mnemonic (MAP-IT)
Complications of Thoracentesis Nursing Mnemonic (Patients Sometimes Bleed Internally)
Concept Map Course Introduction
Connections
Cor Pulmonale – Signs & Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (Please Read His Text)
Course Introduction to Nursing School Preparation
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking to Facilitate Patient Care for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Degree Restrictions in Career Growth
Denying Feelings
Dig for the Why
Diploma vs ADN vs BSN vs Bridge
Drawing Pictures
Drug Interactions Nursing Mnemonic (These Drugs Can Interact)
Drugs for Bradycardia & Low Blood Pressure Nursing Mnemonic (IDEA)
Duplicate Facts
E – Engagement
Electrolytes – Location in Body Nursing Mnemonic (PISO)
Emergency Drugs Nursing Mnemonic (LEAN)
Environmental Health Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (I PREPARE)
Evaluating Patient Response to Plan of Care for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Evaluation of Irregular Moles Nursing Mnemonic (ABCDE)
Exercise Guidelines Nursing Mnemonic (FIT)
Explaining the “Why”
Exporting and Uploading to Frame.io
Fetal Distress Interventions Nursing Mnemonic (Stop MOAN)
Fetal Wellbeing Assessment Tests Nursing Mnemonic (ALONE)
Fire Safety 1 Nursing Mnemonic (PASS)
Fire Safety 2 Nursing Mnemonic (RACE)
Formulating Nursing Diagnoses for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Getting Access to frame.io
Getting Started with Tech
Gluten Free Diet Nursing Mnemonic (BROW)
Goal Setting
HESI® Prep Course Introduction
High Risk Behavior Nursing Mnemonic (HEADSS)
How to Write a Nursing Care Plan
Hyperkalemia – Causes Nursing Mnemonic (MACHINE)
Hyperkalemia – Management Nursing Mnemonic (AIRED)
Hyperkalemia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (Murder)
Hypernatremia – Causes Nursing Mnemonic (MODEL)
Hypoglycemia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (TIRED)
IADLS (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) Nursing Mnemonic (SCUM)
Identifying Interventions per Nursing Diagnoses for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Identifying Measurable Patient Outcomes for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Increase MAP Nursing Mnemonic (VAK)
Inflammation- Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (HIPER)
Interventions for Aphasia Nursing Mnemonic (PROP)
Interviewing for Nursing School
Introduction to CCMM
Jon’s Story on His Personal Journey
Keep it Short
Lesson Elements
Lidocaine Toxicity – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (SAMS)
Management of Pressure Ulcers (Pressure Injuries) Nursing Mnemonic (SKIN)
MAO Inhibitors Nursing Mnemonic (TIPS)
Marie’s Story on Her Personal Nursing Journey
Medications to Prevent Seizures Nursing Mnemonic (Pretty Little Liars Forever)
Miriam’s Story on Her Personal Journey
Mnemonic for Organ Systems (MR DICE RUNS)
MSN (Masters) vs. DNP (Doctorate)
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (DEMYELINATION)
NCLEX Question Traps! – Live Tutoring Archive
NCLEX® Question Traps
Need Help Making A Study Plan? – Live Tutoring Archive
NRSNG | Closing Thoughts
NRSNG Live | 5 Things You Never Knew About NCLEX Questions
NRSNG Live | AMA (Ask Me Anything) Nursing Success Roundtable
NRSNG Live | AMA Student Panel – How I Survive (Barely) Nursing School
NRSNG Live | How I Went From Nursing School Dropout to Passing NCLEX in 75 and Teaching 18 Million Nurses
NRSNG Live | How to Get the Most out of NRSNG
NRSNG Live | How to Pass Any Nursing School Test
NRSNG Live | My Super Secret Note Taking Method
NRSNG Live | The Core Content Mastery Method and How to Use it Throughout Your Nursing Journey
NRSNG Live | The Successful State of Mind
NRSNG Live | What Your Nursing Professors Want to Tell You But Can’t
Nursing Care Plans Course Introduction
Nursing Case Study Introduction
Nursing Process
Nursing Process – Assess
Nursing Process – Diagnose
Nursing Process – Evaluate
Nursing Process – Implement
Nursing Process – Plan
Nursing School Application Essay
NURSING.com Assessment & Skills Checks
NURSING.com Introduction
O – Origins
OLD CARTS Mnemonic (OLD CARTS)
Online vs Brick-and-Mortar
Opposite or the Same – Live Tutoring Archive
Opposites
Our Goals for Teaching
Our Mission
Outline Question Method (Note taking)
Overview of the Nursing Process
Paying for Nursing School
Personal Growth Resources for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Pharmacokinetics Nursing Mnemonic (ADME)
Pictures
Plan of Care Updates for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Planning Community Health Interventions Nursing Mnemonic (PRECEDE-PROCEED)
Post-Partum Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (BUBBLE)
Prioritization
Prioritizing Assessments
Priority
Purpose of Nursing Care Plans
Questions To Ask Before Applying To A Nursing Program
R – Real-Life
Real Life
Real-Life Experiences
Recording
Repeating Words
Resources for Lesson Creation
RN to MSN
Safety Check Nursing Mnemonic (MADLE)
Same
SATA
SATA like a BOSS – Live Tutoring Archive
SATA like a BOSS 2 – Live Tutoring Archive
SBAR Communication Nursing Mnemonic (SBAR)
Screencastify Setup
Seizure Causes Nursing Mnemonic (VITAMIN)
Seizure Documentation Nursing Mnemonic (TDOC)
Share the Wealth
Shock – Signs and symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (TV SPARC CUBE)
SSRI’s Nursing Mnemonic (Effective For Sadness, Panic, and Compulsions)
Start and End with the Linchpin
Steps in the Nursing Process 1 Nursing Mnemonic (ADPIE)
Steps in the Nursing Process 2 Nursing Mnemonic (AAPIE)
Steps In The Nursing Process 3 Nursing Mnemonic (SOAPIE)
Study Setting
Study Tips for Success
Systems Thinking for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
TEAS® Prep Course Introduction
Tenet 1 Filet Mignon
Tenet 2 Linchpins & Connections
Tenet 3 Why Behind the What
Tenet 4 Learner-Centered Talkabouts
Test Taking Course Introduction
The Academy
The CARPET Methods of Teaching
The Nurse Routine
The Nursing Process Pro Tips for Test Taking – Live Tutoring Archive
The Outline is the Foundation
Thinking Like a Nurse
Time Management
Time Management
To The Point
Tracheal Esophageal Fistula – Sign and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (The 3 C’s)
Trauma – Complications Nursing Mnemonic (TRAUMATIC)
Trauma Surgery – Medical History Nursing Mnemonic (AMPLE)
Triage Nursing Mnemonic (START)
Trusting your Gut
Two pathways of the peripheral nervous system Nursing Mnemonic (SAME)
Using Nursing Care Plans in Clinicals
Vasospasm Therapy Nursing Mnemonic (Triple H Therapy)
VEAL CHOP Nursing Mnemonic (Fetal Accelerations and Decelerations) (VEAL CHOP)
Vitamins – Fat Soluble Nursing Mnemonic (All Dogs Eat Kibble)
Vitamins – Water Soluble Nursing Mnemonic (Birth Control)
Walkers Nursing Mnemonic (Wandering Wilma Always Late)
Welcome to NURSING.com
Welcome to NURSING.com
What Are the Absolutes
What are the NCLEX Categories? – Live Tutoring Archive
What do you want me to know?
What is CCMM?
What is Pedagogy
What is the NCLEX?
What Should They Learn
What to Expect In Clinical
Where To Start
Why NURSING.com?
Working night shift
Your Role