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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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