How to Write a Personal Nursing Statement
A personal nursing statement is a written declaration of achievements and interests included as part of an application. It lets you tell your unique story and highlight the special traits, skills, qualities, and values that make you an excellent candidate for nursing programs. It’s your opportunity to sell yourself, so here are a few tips to write the best personal statement.
- Know the school’s philosophy and values so you can explain how they align with your own. Show why you’re a great match for the program.
- Tell a story. Stories are one of the most effective methods you can use to make yourself memorable. Your first sentence should be a hook. Stress the characteristics and experiences that will help you stand out from other nursing school applicants. Use specific examples and strong, active language.
- Be authentic. Use your natural voice to explain how you became interested in nursing and why you love it. Even though you’ll edit and polish your final document, it should sound like you and accurately reflect who you are.
Step-by-Step Process for Writing a Nursing School Personal Statement
It takes a lot of thought and time to craft an outstanding personal nursing statement. Here’s a step-by-step guide that can help:
Step 1 – Plan
- Make a list of the key characteristics that best describe you.
- Write down examples of things you’ve done that illustrate those characteristics. Focus on the things that make you unique.
- List your achievements and the obstacles you’ve overcome. Create a strong verb and adjective for each item.
- Explain how you first became interested in nursing, why you want to pursue it, and why the decision-makers should choose you.
Step 2 – Organize
Choose the characteristics, events, and examples that make the strongest case possible, then organize them into an outline.
Step 3 – Create a Draft
Using your outline, write the first draft of your document. It will probably take you a few tries to craft a narrative that is both simple and powerful.
Step 4 – Edit and Polish
Make sure there are no typos, misspelled words, or grammatical errors. Using a tool such as Grammarly can help. Read your statement aloud and listen to the flow. Make any changes that are needed, then set it aside to get some distance. After a few days, read it again. When you think everything is as good as you can make it, have others read it.
Step 5 – Review
Ask several people you trust to read your statement and provide feedback. Ask if they can think of any way you can improve your personal nursing statement.
Graduate School Personal Statement Examples
As you can see, creating a nursing personal statement that stands out takes a lot of time and planning. A personal statement is especially important for nurses who pursue graduate school.
Although some undergraduate programs ask for a personal statement as part of your application, all nursing graduate programs require them. This is true whether you want to be a nurse practitioner, a nursing professor, or anything in between.
Here’s some additional information, as well as examples and templates.
It’s a lot of work, but a compelling personal nursing statement can make the difference in whether or not you’re one of the candidates selected. Good luck!
