Introduction
A personal purpose statement for a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program should communicate a candidate's commitment to patient care, showcase relevant experience, and convey the unique insights gained from a lifetime of diverse nursing roles. This example highlights an applicant's evolution from early healthcare roles to a skilled ICU nurse with leadership experience and a deep-seated dedication to serving underprivileged communities.
Nurse Practitioner Personal Purpose Statement
I am applying to your competitive master's program in Nursing at XXXX University because I have been driven to save and cherish lives ever since I was 16 years old; learning CPR and working as a lifeguard performing numerous water rescues at a government housing project in Toronto. After this ‘watershed’ experience, nursing school was the most natural of choices. 25 years later, my children now need me less and it is now the right time for me to devote myself to earning a graduate degree.
I have chosen XXXX University because it is committed to excellence and innovation. I just completed (December 2014) the online Advanced Pathophysiology for Clinical Decision-Making course at XXXX University (final grade 87%) and I am now enrolled in the Pharmacology for Nurse Prescribers course (January 2015). I am optimistic that I will be accepted primarily because of my vast experience in nursing in many different settings. I am self-directed and highly motivated, and I have always strived for leadership roles.
I am calm, a good listener, and a compassionate, hardworking nurse. Since much of my nursing experience has been overseas, I been able to cultivate a global sense of professionalism and I have learned a great deal from the diversity of the health care settings in which I have worked as well as my observations of a lifetime of travel to more than a dozen different countries.
The skill level that I have achieved as an ICU nurse is illustrated by the fact that I am a member of the RACE (Rapid Assessment Critical Events) team helping to coordinate rapid, multidisciplinary assessments of patients. I am especially knowledgeable in the areas of cardiology, cardiac surgery, burns, renal transplant, coronary care, intensive care, and air ambulance. I have assumed leadership roles as charge nurse as well as head nurse.
I would like to see myself in the role of nurse practitioner in the community setting, either doing home visits or in an NP led clinic. I think my greatest contribution to society as an NP would be to be involved in health promotion and prevention. My ideal job would be working in an NP-led clinic with an underprivileged population. I want to continue to pay special attention to the public health needs of Canada’s Indigenous communities in remote areas of our vast north. I have also just recently taken on a job with an air ambulance company providing repatriation of patients nationally and internationally. I have been on two flights so far, once to the US and back to Canada, and another up to the arctic (Baffin Island) transferring the patient to Ottawa.
The openness and flexibility of your program suits my lifestyle as an adult learner with a part time job and an active family. My husband is incredibly supportive and my children increasingly independent.
Detailed Analysis
This personal statement effectively highlights the applicant's diverse background in nursing, strong leadership skills, and commitment to underserved communities. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and areas for improvement:
Strengths:
Clear Motivation and Personal Growth: The opening establishes a lifelong commitment to healthcare, rooted in a formative experience as a lifeguard.
Specific Experience and Skills: The statement details specialized knowledge in critical areas of nursing and highlights leadership roles, making the candidate’s expertise evident.
Commitment to Community Health: The applicant’s desire to serve underprivileged communities and Indigenous populations conveys a strong social mission, which is valuable in community-based NP roles.
Areas for Improvement:
Further Personalization for XXXX University: Adding specific details about faculty, resources, or research opportunities would strengthen the “Why XXXX University” section.
More Details on NP Role Alignment: A clearer connection between the applicant’s current skills and the specific responsibilities of an NP could further illustrate their readiness for the role.
Conclusion with Vision: The statement could close with a brief reference to long-term goals to create a sense of future impact and dedication to the field.
Frequently asked questions [FAQs]
Should I include past leadership roles even if they're unrelated to nursing?
Leadership experience, even in other fields, can show valuable skills like decision-making and responsibility, which are useful for advanced nursing roles.
How can I stand out in my personal statement if I have a lot of nursing experience?
How should I address career breaks or shifts in my personal statement?
Additional Resources
For personalized assistance or feedback on your personal statement, reach out for guidance tailored to your unique experiences and goals.
Nurse Practitioner Personal Purpose Statement
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