Introduction
In the competitive field of nursing, a personal statement serves as a powerful tool to convey one's unique journey, motivations, and aspirations. For this Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) candidate, being a Navy veteran and a passionate nurse has shaped a compelling story of dedication to community health and leadership in the nursing profession.
Sample FNP Personal Statement
I am graduating this month, December 2016, with my BSN Degree. I could not be happier with my chosen profession of nursing. I am in a hurry to get to work each day and usually show up early in my position as a School Nurse for XXXX Schools, assessing the health needs of students and staff and administering medications and treatments as ordered. I especially enjoy developing individual healthcare plans for students with special healthcare needs, managing screenings, immunization programs, and physical examinations related to sports activities. I supervise paraprofessionals and maintain detailed and accurate health records, especially concerning immunizations. Earning the MSN Degree at XXXX University will enable me to do my job better and take on greater responsibility in the future as a nursing professional to maximize my contribution to my community by caring for the health of our children.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and making my home in Long Island, New York, I am as well-traveled as I am read, primarily as a result of serving several years in the US Navy, which provided me with a chance to get to know: Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Dubai, Mexico, Aruba, and the Dominican Republic. When I get the urge to travel, and the opportunity presents itself, I take my children on road trips exploring places of historical interest in the US Northeast. Reading has always been my favorite pastime, and it has been about nursing for years. I am also a certified massage therapist, which helps me comfort my patients with aches and pains. At times, nursing is very ‘hands-on’; I seek to heal holistically.
XXXX College is my first choice for graduate school in Nursing not only because I do not live far away from your campus but also because of my admiration for the sheer excellence of your program. I appreciate that I could attend on a less than full-time basis since I must continue to work full-time to provide for my family. Raised by a single parent with six children who passed away still a young woman, I got off to a difficult start. Nevertheless, I have gotten where I am today through grit, determination, and perseverance.
I was preparing to enter my associate in applied science nursing program at the XXXX School in Yonkers, NY when my mother had a misdiagnosis for three days in the hospital. She was about to be released when she passed away. This made nursing school very personal. This experience will continue to drive me toward excellence as a graduate student. In the decades that followed, the most dedicated FNP always gives her all, first to her patients, then to her community.
I started working as a nurse soon after graduation at the XXXX Children's Hospital. After the birth of my first child, I stayed home for her first year, then went back to work at a private practice working alongside multiple doctors. Now I am a School Nurse. I learned a lot of basic skills in the Navy that have helped me become an outstanding nurse. I was one of the first women to serve on an aircraft carrier, and I put the same effort into nursing as I did in the military. I take a particular interest in the care of undocumented youth in my community and help as many as possible to access what resources exist. I look forward to doing much more in this regard as an FNP.
I have exercised my leadership qualities by serving as the 2nd Vice President of the New York State Student Nurses Association from 2008 to 2009. I am certified by the American Red Cross in Disaster Relief. I go out of my way to provide a thorough and insightful examination and diagnosis followed by optimal care with a referral for every child entering my office. I calm their anxiety so they can return to class or get help if they need medical attention.
My long-term goal is to serve as a Medical Director for a school system serving an underserved community. Eventually, when I have many stories to share from years on the front lines of nursing, I would very much enjoy the opportunity to teach new generations of nurses with whom I could share some of my experiences, especially concerning marginalized or underserved populations and particularly the undocumented members of our community, who I see as just as deserving of medical care as anyone else.
Thank you for considering my application to your Master’s Program in Nursing, focusing on Leadership and Education at XXXX College.
Detailed Analysis
The personal statement effectively portrays a candidate who is both experienced and deeply committed to nursing. The introduction immediately captures attention by illustrating the candidate's enthusiasm for nursing. Their diverse background, including military service and nursing roles, adds depth and showcases adaptability. The narrative is further strengthened by the personal story of their mother's misdiagnosis, which provides emotional weight and a clear motivation for their career goals.
What Works Well:
Clear Motivation: The candidate’s reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in nursing are clearly articulated, with personal anecdotes adding authenticity and depth.
Diverse Experience: The range of experiences, from military service to various nursing roles, illustrates the candidate's versatility and resilience.
Community Focus: A strong emphasis on community health and caring for underserved populations aligns with the values of many nursing programs, enhancing the candidate's appeal.
Areas for Improvement:
Specificity: While the statement is comprehensive, adding more specific examples of patient interactions or challenges faced in the Navy or nursing could provide even more insight into the candidate’s skills and impact.
Conciseness: The statement could benefit from slight condensation, particularly in areas where experiences overlap, to maintain the reader’s engagement and keep the narrative focused.
FAQs
What should be included in a nursing personal statement?
A nursing personal statement should include an introduction, a detailed account of relevant experiences and motivations, specific examples of skills and achievements, and a conclusion outlining long-term career goals.
How can I make my personal statement stand out?
Is it important to include personal anecdotes in a personal statement?
What are common mistakes to avoid in a personal statement?
Additional Resources
Sample FNP Personal Statement
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