essay on nursing education

The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the national voice for academic nursing, recognizes that education has a significant impact on the knowledge and competencies of the nurse clinician, as it does for all healthcare providers. Clinicians with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree are well-prepared to meet the demands placed on today's nurses. BSN nurses are prized for their skills in critical thinking, leadership, case management, and health promotion, and for their ability to practice across a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. Nurse executives, federal agencies, the military, leading nursing organizations, healthcare foundations, Magnet hospitals, and minority nurse advocacy groups all recognize the unique value that baccalaureate-prepared nurses bring to health care.

AACN encourages employers to foster practice environments that embrace lifelong learning and offer incentives for registered nurses (RNs) seeking to advance their education to the baccalaureate and higher degree levels. We also encourage BSN graduates to seek out employers who value their level of education and distinct competencies.

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Different Approaches to Nursing Education

There are three routes to becoming a registered nurse: a 3-year diploma program typically administered in hospitals; a 3-year associate degree usually offered at community colleges; and the 4-year baccalaureate degree offered at senior colleges and universities. Graduates of all three programs sit for the same NCLEX-RN© licensing examination.

Baccalaureate nursing programs encompass all course work taught in associate degree and diploma programs plus a more in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities. The additional course work enhances the student’s professional development, prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice, and provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence healthcare delivery. The BSN prepares nurses to practice the full scope of nursing responsibilities across all healthcare settings (NASEM, 2021). For more than two decades, policymakers, healthcare authorities, and practice leaders have recognized that education makes a difference when it comes to nursing practice.

• In March 2024, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released findings from its 2022 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses which found that for the first time, the baccalaureate was the most common degree for nurses seeking initial licensure as an RN. The latest data show that 45.4% of RNs entered the workforce with a baccalaureate degree. More than two-thirds of the RN workforce (69%) are prepared at the baccalaureate and graduate degree level.   
• In April 2023, results from the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey show that the percentage of RNs with a BSN or higher degree in the US workforce exceeded 70% for the first time (71.7%).  Most nurses now enter the workforce with a BSN or entry-level master’s degree (51.5%). This survey is administered every two years by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers.  
• Issued in November 2022, findings from the  CGFNS Nurse Migration Report 2022  point to an international shift toward baccalaureate education as the preferred pathway into the nursing profession. The latest data show the majority of nurses who migrated to the U.S. in 2022 were educated at the baccalaureate or higher level, which is consistent with how most new nurses are prepared in U.S. schools of nursing.  
• In March 2019, AACN approved a position statement on Academic Progression in Nursing , which called for preparing all RNs with a baccalaureate degree, at minimum, offered by an accredited four-year college or university. AACN supports the many pathways available to assist nurses in advancing their education, including expanding articulation agreements and concurrent enrollment options with community colleges.  
• In December 2017, the governor of New York signed legislation into law requiring future registered nurses graduating from associate degree or diploma nursing programs in the state to obtain a baccalaureate in nursing within 10 years of initial licensure. The legislators found that given “the increasing complexity of the American healthcare system and rapidly expanding technology, the educational preparation of the registered professional nurse must be expanded.”  
• In the September-October 2014 issue of Nurse Educator , a research team led by Dr. Sharon Kumm from the University of Kansas published findings from a statewide study , which showed clear differences in outcomes from BSN and associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs. The study showed that 42 of 109 baccalaureate outcomes were met in ADN programs. The 67 outcomes that were not met were in the areas of liberal education, organizational and systems leadership, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, finance and regulatory environments, interprofessional collaboration, and population health.  
• In September 2013, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) released an issue of its Charting Nursing’s Future newsletter titled The Case for Academic Progression , which outlined how patients, employers, and the profession benefit when nurses advance their education. Articles focus on the evidence linking better outcomes to baccalaureate and higher degree nurses, educational pathways, and promising strategies for facilitating academic progression at the school, state, and national levels.  
• In September 2012, the Joint Statement on Academic Progression for Nursing Students and Graduates was endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, American Association of Community Colleges, Association of Community College Trustees, National League for Nursing, and the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing. This historic agreement represents the first time that leaders from the major national organizations representing community college presidents, boards, and administrators joined with representatives from nursing education associations to promote academic progression in nursing. With the goal of preparing a well-educated, diverse nursing workforce, this statement represents the shared view that nursing students and practicing nurses should be supported in their efforts to pursue higher levels of education.  
• In October 2010, the Institute of Medicine released its landmark report on The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health , initiated by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which called for increasing the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in the workforce to 80% by 2020. The expert committee charged with preparing the evidence-based recommendations in this report state that to respond “to the demands of an evolving healthcare system and meet the changing needs of patients, nurses must achieve higher levels of education.”  
• In May 2010, the Tri-Council for Nursing (AACN, ANA, AONL, and NLN) issued a statement calling for all RNs to advance their education in the interest of enhancing quality and safety across healthcare settings. In the statement titled Education Advancement of Registered Nurses , the Tri-Council organizations present a united view that a more highly educated nursing workforce is critical to meeting the nation’s nursing needs and delivering safe patient care. The Tri-Council finds that “without a more educated nursing workforce, the nation's health will be further at risk.”  
• In December 2009, Dr. Patricia Benner and her team at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching released a study titled Educating Nurses: A Call for Radical Transformation , which recommended preparing all entry-level registered nurses at the baccalaureate level and requiring all RNs to earn a master’s degree within 10 years of initial licensure. The authors found that many of today’s new nurses are “undereducated” to meet practice demands across settings.  
• In February 2008, the Council on Physician and Nurse Supply , which is based at the University of Pennsylvania, called for increasing nursing school graduations by 30% and for increased federal support to enable more nurses to complete the BSN.  
• In March 2005, the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) – today known as the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) - released a statement calling for all RNs to be educated in baccalaureate programs to adequately prepare clinicians for their challenging, complex roles. AONL’s statement, titled Practice and Education Partnership for the Future, represents the view of nursing’s practice leaders and a desire to create a more highly educated nursing workforce in the interest of improving patient safety and nursing care.  
• The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) has urged that at least two-thirds of the nurse workforce hold baccalaureate or higher degrees in nursing. In a 2000 report , NACNEP found that nursing’s role calls for RNs to manage care along a continuum, to work as peers in interdisciplinary teams, and to integrate clinical expertise with knowledge of community resources. To meet scope of practice expectations, RNs must have critical thinking and problem-solving skills; a sound foundation in a broad range of basic sciences; knowledge of behavioral, social and management sciences; and the ability to analyze and communicate data. Among the three types of entry-level nursing education programs, NACNEP found that the BSN, with its broader and stronger scientific curriculum, best fulfills these requirements and provides a sound foundation for addressing the complex healthcare needs of today in a variety of nursing positions. Baccalaureate education provides a base from which nurses move into graduate education and advanced nursing roles.  
• Currently, there are 706 RN-to-BSN and 179 RN-to-MSN programs that build on the education provided in associate degree and diploma programs and prepare graduates for a broader base of practice (AACN, 2024). In addition to hundreds of individual agreements between community colleges and four-year schools, state-wide articulation agreements exist in most states to facilitate advancement to the baccalaureate. These programs further validate the unique competencies gained in BSN programs.  
• RNs work as part of an interprofessional team with colleagues educated at the graduate level. These professionals, including physicians and pharmacists, recognize the complexity involved in providing care and the need for higher education. Because nurses are primarily responsible for direct patient care and care coordination, these clinicians should not be the least educated member of the healthcare team.

Recognizing Differences Among Nursing Program Graduates

There is a growing body of evidence that indicates BSN graduates bring unique skills to their work as nursing clinicians and play an important role in the delivery of safe patient care.

•   In March 2022,  Nursing Outlook  published an article from Dr. Joshua Porat-Dahlerbruch, Dr. Linda Aiken, and colleagues that explored “ Variations in Nursing Baccalaureate Education and 30-day Inpatient Surgical Mortality .” The authors found that having a higher proportion of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in hospital settings, regardless of educational pathway, is associated with lower rates of 30-day inpatient surgical mortality.  
• In the July 2019 issue of  Health Affairs , Dr. Jordan Harrison, Dr. Linda Aiken, and their colleagues from the University of Pennsylvania published findings from a study, which found that each 10% increase in the hospital share of nurses with a BSN was associated with 24% greater odds of surviving to discharge with good cerebral performance among patients who experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest.  
• In the March 2019 issue of The Joint Commission Journal of Quality and Patient Safety , Dr. Maya Djukic and colleagues from New York University released details from a study, which found that baccalaureate-prepared RNs reported being significantly better prepared than associate degree nurses on 12 out of 16 areas related to quality and safety, including evidence-based practice, data analysis, and project implementation. The authors conclude that improving accreditation and organizational policies requiring the BSN for RNs could help safeguard the quality of patient care.  
• In the July 2017 issue of BMJ Quality and Safety , Dr. Linda Aiken and colleagues reported findings from a study of adult acute care hospitals in six European nations, which found that a greater proportion of professional nurses at the bedside is associated with better outcomes for patients and nurses. Reducing nursing skill mix by adding assistive personnel without professional nurse qualifications may contribute to preventable deaths, erode care quality, and contribute to nurse shortages.  
• In the October 2015 issue of Global Qualitative Nursing Research , Dr. Allison Brandt Anbari published a qualitative meta-synthesis of studies on practice differences identified by graduates of RN to BSN programs. Nurses completing the programs reported enhanced assessment and critical thinking skills, improved communication abilities, and better patient outcomes. Findings were consistent with a 1988 study published by Dr. Joyce Johnson in Research in Nursing and Health .  
• In a study published in the October 2014 issue of Medical Care , researcher Dr. Olga Yakusheva from the University of Michigan and colleagues found that a 10% increase in the proportion of baccalaureate-prepared nurses on hospital units was associated with lowering the odds of patient mortality by 10.9%. The authors also found that increasing the amount of care provided by BSNs to 80% would result in significantly lower readmission rates and shorter lengths of stay. These outcomes translate into cost savings that would more than off-set expenses for increasing the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in hospital settings.  
• In the May 2013 issue of Medical Care , researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, led by Dr. Matthew McHugh, found that surgical patients in Magnet hospitals had 14% lower odds of inpatient death within 30 days and 12% lower odds of failure-to-rescue compared with patients cared for in non-Magnet hospitals. The study authors conclude that these better outcomes were attributed in large part to investments in highly qualified and educated nurses, including a higher proportion of baccalaureate-prepared nurses.  
• In an article published in the March 2013 issue of Health Affairs , nurse researcher Dr. Ann Kutney-Lee and colleagues found that a 10-point increase in the percentage of nurses holding a BSN within a hospital was associated with an average reduction of 2.12 deaths for every 1,000 patients—and for a subset of patients with complications, an average reduction of 7.47 deaths per 1,000 patients.  
• In the February 2013 Journal of Nursing Administration , Dr. Mary Blegen and colleagues published findings from a study of 21 University HealthSystem Consortium hospitals on the association between RN education and patient outcomes. Hospitals with a higher percentage of RNs with baccalaureate or higher degrees had lower rates of congestive heart failure mortality, decubitus ulcers, failure to rescue, and postoperative deep vein thrombosis as well as shorter lengths of stay.  
• In a January 2011 article published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship , Drs. Deborah Kendall-Gallagher, Linda Aiken, and colleagues released the findings of an extensive study of the impact nurse specialty certification has on lowering patient mortality and failure to rescue rates in hospitals. The researchers found that certification was associated with better patient outcomes, but only when care was provided by nurses with baccalaureate-level education. The authors concluded that “no effect of specialization was seen in the absence of baccalaureate education.”  
• In an article published in Health Services Research in August 2008 that examined the effect of nursing practice environments on outcomes of hospitalized cancer patients undergoing surgery, Dr. Christopher Friese and colleagues found that nursing education level was significantly associated with patient outcomes. Nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-level were linked with lower mortality and failure-to-rescue rates. The authors conclude that “moving to a nurse workforce in which a higher proportion of staff nurses have at least a baccalaureate-level education would result in substantially fewer adverse outcomes for patients.”  
• In a study released in the May 2008 issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration , Dr. Linda Aiken and colleagues confirmed the findings from her landmark 2003 study, which show a strong link between RN education level and patient outcomes. Titled “Effects of Hospital Care Environment on Patient Mortality and Nurse Outcomes,” the researchers found that every 10% increase in the proportion of BSN nurses on the hospital staff was associated with a 4% decrease in the risk of death.  
• In the January 2007 Journal of Advanced Nursing , a study on the “Impact of Hospital Nursing Care on 30-day Mortality for Acute Medical Patients” found that BSN-prepared nurses have a positive impact on lowering mortality rates. Led by Dr. Ann E. Tourangeau, a team of Canadian researchers studied 46,993 patients admitted to the hospital with heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, and blood poisoning. The authors found that “hospitals with higher proportions of baccalaureate-prepared nurses tended to have lower 30-day mortality rates.” Findings indicated that a 10% increase in the proportion of BSN nurses was associated with 9 fewer deaths for every 1,000 discharged patients.  
• In a study published in the March/April 2005 issue of Nursing Research , Dr. Carole Estabrooks and her colleagues at the University of Alberta found that baccalaureate-prepared nurses have a positive impact on mortality rates following an examination of more than 18,000 patient outcomes at 49 Canadian hospitals. This study, titled “The Impact of Hospital Nursing Characteristics on 30-Day Mortality,” confirms the findings from Dr. Linda Aiken’s landmark study in September 2003.  
• In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on September 24, 2003, Dr. Linda Aiken and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania identified a clear link between higher levels of nursing education and better patient outcomes. This extensive study found that surgical patients have a "substantial survival advantage" if treated in hospitals with higher proportions of nurses educated at the baccalaureate or higher degree level. In hospitals, a 10% increase in the proportion of nurses holding BSN degrees decreased the risk of patient death and failure to rescue by 5%. The authors recommend that public financing of nursing education should aim at shaping a workforce best prepared to meet the needs of the population. They also call for renewed support and incentives from nurse employers to encourage RNs to pursue baccalaureate and higher degree levels.  
• Evidence shows that nursing education level is a factor in patient safety and quality of care. As cited in the report When Care Becomes a Burden released by the Milbank Memorial Fund in 2001, two separate studies conducted in 1996 – one by the state of New York and one by the state of Texas – clearly show that significantly higher levels of medication errors and procedural violations are committed by nurses prepared at the associate degree and diploma levels as compared with the baccalaureate level. These findings are consistent with findings published in the July/August 2002 issue of Nurse Educator by Dr. Cheryl Delgado that reference studies conducted in Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, Ohio, and Tennessee that also found that nurses prepared at the associate degree and diploma levels make the majority of practice-related violations.  
• Chief nurse officers (CNOs) in university hospitals prefer to hire nurses who have baccalaureate degrees, and nurse administrators recognize distinct differences in competencies based on education. In a 2001 survey published in the Journal of Nursing Administration , 72% of these CNOs identified differences in practice between BSN-prepared nurses and those who have an associate degree or hospital diploma, citing stronger critical thinking and leadership skills (Goode et al., 2001). A strong preference for hiring new RNs with a BSN was confirmed in a study released by NCSBN in 2002.  
• Research shows that RNs prepared at the associate degree and diploma levels develop stronger professional-level skills after completing a BSN program. In a study of RN-to-BSN graduates from 1995 to 1998 (Phillips et al., 2002), these students demonstrated higher competency in nursing practice, communication, leadership, professional integration, and research/evaluation.  
• Data show that healthcare facilities with higher percentages of BSN nurses enjoy better patient outcomes and significantly lower mortality rates. Magnet hospitals are model patient care facilities that typically employ a much higher proportion of baccalaureate prepared nurses when compared to other hospitals. In several research studies, Dr. Marlene Kramer (1988), Dr. Linda Aiken (2013) and others have found a strong relationship between organizational characteristics and patient outcomes.  
• The fact that graduates of baccalaureate, associate degree, and diploma nursing programs can pass the NCLEX-RN©, the national licensing exam for RNs, is not proof that no differences exist among graduates. The NCLEX-RN© is a multiple-choice test that measures the minimum technical competency for safe entry into basic nursing practice. Passing rates should be high across all programs preparing new nurses. This exam does not test for differences between graduates of different entry-level programs. The NCLEX-RN© is only one indicator of competency, and it does not measure performance over time or test for all knowledge and skills developed through a BSN program.

Public and Private Support for BSN-Prepared Nurses

The federal government, the military, nurse executives, healthcare foundations, nursing organizations, and practice settings acknowledge the unique value of baccalaureate-prepared nurses and advocate for an increase in the number of BSN nurses across clinical settings.

• The nation’s Magnet hospitals , which are recognized for nursing excellence and superior patient outcomes, have moved to require all nurse managers and nurse leaders to hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing.  
• The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP), policy advisors to Congress and the Secretary for Health and Human Services on nursing issues, and the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine recognize the unique contributions of baccalaureate-prepared nurses to high quality, safe, and effective patient care.  
• In the interest of providing the best patient care and leadership by its nurse corps officers, the U.S. Army , U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force all require the baccalaureate degree to practice as an active-duty Registered Nurse. Commissioned officers within the U.S. Public Health Service also must be baccalaureate prepared.  
• The Veteran's Administration (VA), the nation's largest employer of registered nurses, has established the baccalaureate degree as the minimum preparation its nurses must have for promotion beyond the entry-level.  
• Minority nurse organizations, including the National Black Nurses Association , Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities , and National Association of Hispanic Nurses , are committed to increasing the number of minority nurses with baccalaureate and higher degrees.  
• Based on a nationwide Harris Poll conducted in June 1999, an overwhelming percentage of the public – 76% – believes that nurses should have four years of education or more past high school to perform their duties.  
• The Pew Health Professions Commission in a 1998 report called for a more concentrated production of baccalaureate and higher degree nurses. This commission was an interdisciplinary group of healthcare leaders, legislators, academics, corporate leaders, and consumer advocates created to help policymakers and educators produce a workforce able to meet the changing needs of the American healthcare system.  
• Countries around the world are moving to create a more highly educated nursing workforce. Canada, Sweden, Portugal, Brazil, Iceland, Korea, Greece, and the Philippines are just some of the countries that require a four-year undergraduate degree to practice as a registered nurse.

Fact Sheet References

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Updated: June 2024

Robert Rosseter [email protected]

Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses are Essential to Quality Health Care   Impactful Nursing 

Discover how nursing education elevates patient outcomes and why BSN-educated nurses play a pivotal role in ensuring healthcare quality. This document is a must-read for healthcare advocates and stakeholders, shedding light on the vital role of baccalaureate-prepared nurses. 

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Most nursing schools (colleges and universities) require aspiring students to write an application essay for nursing school admission. It is a personal essay submitted as part of the application process, which the admission officers review to determine if you can be accepted.

A good nursing school essay shows your interest in the nursing field, your chosen career path, why you want to pursue your nursing education through a specific nursing school program, and why you believe you should be accepted into the institution. It has to show why the entire process is crucial to you and why you are a worthy candidate to select for the nursing school program.

Sometimes, it is the only hope one has left, especially if the competition is stiff. Imagine a situation where the application materials such as grades, resumes, test scores, or recommendation letters are all qualified; a nursing school essay will be the only means to select the best out of the rest fairly.

Writing a perfect nursing essay will demonstrate that you are ready to go down the thorny path of training to become a nurse. Nursing education entails research and writing assignments, and a well-written essay demonstrates your readiness.

Helpful Information to Include in a Nursing Admission Essay

You are probably wondering what goes into an application essay for nursing school admission. Well, your nursing essay will answer an essay prompt from the university. Most colleges will specify the essay questions for college of nursing applicants for various levels of study (MSN, DNP, BSN, Ph.D., or ADN).

Below are some examples of what might be expected:

• Your goals and ambitions for a successful nursing career
• How do you plan to achieve your academic goals
• The specific reasons why you want to join the nursing field
• Reasons you are selecting the particular nursing school or program
• Personal accomplishments that set you apart as the right candidate
• Experiences and encounters that make you love nursing career
• Plans for the future once accepted
• Experience with medical training or patient care
• Character traits aligned to being a nurse
• How you are prepared to become a successful nurse
• Academic, personal, and career interests
• Any other reasons to convince the admissions committee to approve your admission

In some quarters, a nursing school application essay might be a statement of purpose, personal essay, or letter of intent. It is a chance to plead with the admissions committee to accept you into your dream nursing college or program. Having looked at what goes into it, it is also essential to cover the steps to writing a perfect and comprehensive admission essay for nursing school.

Structure of a Nursing School Essay

A nursing essay for admission into a nursing program or school follows the typical format of an academic essay. It is organized into three main sections: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

• This is the opening paragraph that has to impress your readers (admissions officers)
• It can make or break your admission essay or personal statement
• It should be direct to the point
• It is a roadmap that helps the readers to know what to expect as your story grows.
• Open it using an enticing quote, event, anecdote, or statement
• You are allowed to use personal pronouns such as I in the introduction and the rest of the essay
• It has 2- 3 and sometimes five paragraphs
• Elaborates the introduction
• Every paragraph has a unique opening sentence that is a mini-thesis statement.
• Bears the best ideas yielded in your brainstorming session
• It can be as long as your word limit allows but contributes to at least 70-80% of the word count
• Focuses on quality over quantity
• Has one idea or experience per paragraph
• You should mention the skills you intend to develop and how they will help you become a successful nurse
• Connect the skills and experiences to the program and your future career
• Summarize and emphasize the main ideas
• It should be captivating and insightful
• Conveys a sense of closure to the readers
• Invites the readers to reflect on the ideas in your essay
• Creates one last lasting impression on the readers

Outline for a Nursing School Essay

A good nursing school essay outline should give you directions that help you visualize what the essay will look like in its final draft.

If you are writing a nursing essay, having the outline is the first thing you do after brainstorming (as shown in the steps).

It helps you to figure out how to arrange the ideas and points in the essay for a better flow. You can develop each section independently, regardless of the sequence, and still have a quality essay. 

In most cases, the outline is meant for personal consumption, especially when writing a personal statement. However, if you are writing a nursing essay on a given nursing topic , you might be required to write an outline, annotated bibliography , and the nursing essay , and each will be graded separately.

Given the structure, you can outline your nursing school essay as follows:

    Introduction paragraph

• Hook (quote, statement, or anecdote)
• Background information
• Thesis statement
• Transition sentence

    Body paragraph 1

• Topic sentence
• Evidence, data, and facts
• Transition to the second body paragraph

    Body paragraph 2

• Transition to the third body paragraph

    Body paragraph 3

• Transition to the conclusion

    Conclusion

• Summary of the main ideas
• Restate the thesis statement
• Last impression (call to action to the admissions committee)

Steps for Writing a Nursing School Essay

Optimizing your application essay increases your chance of getting accepted into the nursing program or nursing school. The essay should elaborate on your person (who you are as an individual) by providing a comprehensive perspective of your career ambitions, goals, and plans related to your passion for nursing. You should elaborate to the admissions committee why you are a good fit for their nursing program. Students at the ADN, BSN, ABSN (Accelerated BSN), MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. might be required to write an admission or personal essay, and here are the five steps to make it successful.

• Read the prompt
• Brainstorm for ideas
• Plan your essay
• Write the first draft
• Edit and Polish your Essay

Let's explore all these steps before delving into the tips to help you write the essay better.

Read the Prompt

If you are considering applying to a specific nursing school, you need to begin by researching the application process to know when you will be expected to submit your application essay.

In most cases, the nursing schools have essay prompts and instructions for the potential nursing candidates published on their websites. The prompts might vary depending on the programs you are interested in pursuing and the institutional preferences. Therefore, it is vital to begin by locating the nursing school essay guidelines. A quick search online can help, or you will also find it enclosed in the email sent to you by the school's admissions committee.

Read the instructions thoroughly with a specific focus on the essay question, word limit, and topics you must cover. If you apply to many nursing schools, you should locate and read each prompt before moving to the next steps.

Reading and understanding the instructions is the first step in writing an excellent application essay. Besides, it helps you to customize the essay to the requirements and not the other way around.

Brainstorm for Ideas

Now that you know what is expected of you, you need to decide what to include in your nursing essay to make it stand out. For this, get into an idea-generation marathon where you brainstorm ideas based on the prompt and the requirements.

Give every idea a thoughtful consideration and make shorthand notes so that you have all the ideas condensed. Consider your ambitions, accomplishments, drive, passion, preferences, strengths, weaknesses, character traits, and other attributes that might relate to your urge to pursue nursing as a career.

Also, research the nursing program and relate it to your personal ambitions and desires. Such information will help you spot the specific things you like about it. You can then tailor your experiences and encounters to the requirements. Look at the program's website and examine 2-3 aspects that stand out. This will help you focus on what you have that makes you the best pick for the program. You can also reference experiences, events, or traits related to the program.

Consider the environment and people around you and relate them to your desire to become a nurse.

Experiences, encounters, and events can inspire ideas to pen into your nursing school essay.

You can also research some well-written examples of nursing personal statements and essays to get inspired when brainstorming ideas for yours. Besides, you can also ask people in your network, such as family, friends, or peers, for ideas that can stand out and then choose the best.

To get the most robust ideas, rate them depending on how best they answer the prompt; this is the fodder for the entire application essay. Choose 3-5 strongest points and make them the central focus of your essay.

Plan your Essay

As a nurse, planning is everything, even when it comes to clinical decision-making. And because you are destined for this noble career, planning your personal essay won't hurt. Instead, it helps you know what to put and where to engage the admission officers from the beginning to the end of your nursing school essay.

With the ideas in mind, create a rough outline and adjust it until you are fully satisfied that your thoughts, facts, and opinions are well-organized. The outline will help you to structure your essay, avoid derailing it, and write a draft that bears all the quality ideas.

A good step is to organize the essay into paragraphs that align with the word count (often given as the minimum or maximum number of words, exact number of words, or characters).

Include an introduction to give your readers a clear understanding of the focus of your essay. Yes, a good nursing essay has a thesis statement that shows your central claim or the main idea you are focusing on the entire essay.

You should include the body paragraphs, each with a topic sentence supporting the thesis and a series of supporting facts such as examples, evidence, and illustration.

Finally, include a conclusion as the last paragraph that reverberates the thesis, summarizes the essay, and has a call to action to the admissions committee.

Write the First Draft

After the outline, you must begin writing your essay sentence by sentence and paragraph after paragraph. Whatever approach you take, ensure that every detail covered in the outline ends up in your essay as long as it is valid.

Write the introduction paragraph by giving a hook or attention grabber. You can begin with a quote from a famous nurse or a scholarly nursing article. You can also state facts or give statistics if they matter to your application. You should also elaborate on your selected topic, especially if the prompt provides options. End your first paragraph with a thesis statement that describes the focus of your nursing school essay. The introduction should account for 10-15% of the word count.

Each body paragraph has a unique, unmistakable, and concise topic sentence followed by supporting details and a concluding sentence that transitions to the next paragraph. Ensure that you have at least two body paragraphs considering that you can write either a three-paragraph or a five-paragraph nursing essay. Collectively, the body section should be 70-80% of the essay's word count. The body paragraphs should outline your encounters, experiences, and events and how they relate to the specific nursing program.

The final part is the conclusion, where you summarize the main ideas in the essay. for this, avoid the clich� conclusion starters such as "in conclusion," "to sum up," or "in summary." Instead, use conclusion opening sentences that demonstrate to your reader that the essay has ended � it gives the best closure and helps close the information loop in your essay. Rephrase your thesis and summarize the main ideas before appealing to the admissions committee to accept you into their nursing program. It should be 10-15% of the word count, like the introduction paragraph.

Edit and Polish the Essay

Now that you are done with your first draft, it is only the beginning, and you are far from being done. You need to take a break to cool down your frustrations, anxiety, and adrenaline developed when writing. It is a chance to establish an objective mind to look at things from a broader perspective when you settle for editing and proofreading.

If you are not good with editing and proofreading, you can hire a professional proofreading and editing expert to look at your essay and suggest changes to make. You can also use friends and family as a second and third eye to see what you cannot see. Using their feedback will help you optimize the essay for better results. You can incorporate the suggestions and proceed to editing and proofreading.

As for editing and proofreading, you can take advantage of tools such as Grammarly, Ginger, Hemingway Editor, and other editing and proofreading tools available by students and professionals. Revise the essay until it meets the requirements and addresses the prompt. If anything, do not be afraid to do away with an entire paragraph or a few paragraphs that don't make sense.

It is better to start over again than submit a subpar nursing school essay that will be a laughingstock of the admissions committee. The only way to entertain the admissions officers is to write an outstanding nursing school essay that will automatically dial you into the nursing program of your choice. Best of luck!

Example of Nursing School Essay Prompts

• Discuss your interest and understanding of the clinical nurse leader role. What's your story? And what experiences have contributed to your interest?
• The DNP program aims to prepare nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice. Describe experiences that exhibit your formal leadership role or informal leadership skills.
• How will the program help you achieve your academic and career goals?
• What experiences have influenced your interest in pursuing a clinical specialty you have chosen?
• The DNP program aims to prepare nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice. Describe experiences that exhibit your leadership skills.
• Why have you chosen to pursue a nursing research doctorate?
• How does becoming a nurse fulfill your ambitions?
• What does becoming a nurse mean to you?
• What drives you to become a nurse?
• Why do you want to become a nurse?
• What is your nursing philosophy?
• What was your reason for choosing nursing as a career? Do you have any additional information that you would like the admissions committee to know about you that has not been previously considered in the application?
• What are your professional goals? How will this accelerated nursing program help you materialize those goals?
• Discuss a specific leadership position (e.g., manager, director, associate dean) you wish to attain within three to five years after completing the DNP program.

Note: Some of these prompts have been rephrased from the Rush University Website . They keep changing depending on the preferences of the admissions committee. Inquire with your university or college of nursing to get specific directions on the most current prompts and instructions.

Related Reading: Ideas for a nursing capstone project.

Tips for Writing an Effective Nursing School Admission Essay

When grades, test scores, and other material entries don't count , a nursing school essay, referred to as a personal statement, suffices. In this case, a great nursing school can only be your hope for getting into nursing school. If you want to get ahead of the competition, these proven tips will significantly help you.

1. Plan Well

To pen an excellent nursing school essay that gets you accepted, you need to plan the essay.

Read the instructions, brainstorm as you take notes, research widely, and create an outline.

And even when done, the purpose is to have a reverse outline to help you score the essay against the requirements. Planning helps you to know what attention-grabbing statement to begin the essay with, the sequence of the body paragraph ideas for a logical flow, and what specifics to include in the conclusion.

Having an outline will help you save time when writing the first draft and help you to stay focused when writing.

2. Show, Don't Tell!

All effective nursing school essays express your personality, experiences, and encounters while convincing the admissions officers that you are the best fit for the program.

You should not focus on telling your story alone. Instead, show how your account relates to the prompt.

Discuss experiences, encounters, and events but show how they have impacted your choice of the program and desire to become a nurse.

If you are applying to a specific program, enlighten your readers on why you are specifically interested in the program and what that means.

It could be the hybrid learning model that entails both online and classroom learning or the history or reputation the school has, parental preferences (if they were a graduate), mentor recommendation, etc.

3. Choose Information Wisely

Ensure that every idea or information in your essay is unique, authentic, and original. Don't just write fictitiously.

If you have no past experiences directly related to nursing, you can introduce them and twist them to fit the context.

Impress the admissions committee with your wits, not just a summary of what others have written online.

Standing out in your presentation of facts will always carry the day. Genuinely share your story about what made you want to become a nurse.

4. Avoid Excuses

Even if you don't have appealing past encounters with medicine, hospitals, or anything related to nursing, tell your story as it is.

Do not excuse yourself for telling the truth. After all, you are on your journey to becoming a nurse; all you are seeking is training to develop the knowledge and skills.

If you have cared for your family members at home, babysat your siblings, or have compassion for the suffering, these are the most authentic stories you have, and they can spell meaning on your ambition. Therefore, prove your strong candidature by stating things as they are without clutching at things that do not matter.

5. Let it Flow!

Instead of forcing things such as humor or stories, write plainly about your experiences, encounters, and past events that made you want to become a nurse.

Most "why I want to be a nurse" essays don't have to have any humor. If it clicks well and is good, if it doesn't, don't force it.

As well, avoid exaggerating things when writing your nursing school essay. You should focus on making it as interesting, engaging, and convincing as can be but be truthful.

Avoid mixing up stories. A good way is to focus each paragraph on the main point that relates to your thesis.

6. Show you care about People and Yourself

Nursing is a noble career that entails caring for oneself as you care for others. Your full-time attention and job will be to care for people to help them achieve better health outcomes.

You must show empathy, selflessness, and determination to be a nurse. You can bring examples of when you took care of others and yourself.

Let the committee know that even when training as a nurse, you understand self-care as much as you understand caring for others.

7. Bring in Current Issues

If there is a chance that you can introduce nursing concepts or ideas from current events, it will beef up your nursing school essays.

Get facts from well-established nursing organization websites such as the American Nurses Association, National League of Nursing, Emergency Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau, or National Black Nurses Association, etc.

Intrigue your readers by understanding the challenges and opportunities in the nursing field.

You can relate your application to nursing shortages, medical errors, nursing burnout, continuing education, evidence-based practice, etc.

8. Briefly Explain your Qualifications

Since you have already provided material such as transcripts, resumes, and test scores, it is imperative to briefly expound on the qualifications without going into details. Tell them about your experiences, your education, and how you have set yourself up for success in nursing school . For instance, elaborate on how volunteering and internships helped you develop a sense of becoming a nurse or how they developed skills you will apply in nursing school.

9. Share your plans

Everybody has plans. You have short, medium, and long-term goals as you prepare to enter nursing school. You should include them in your essay and demonstrate how the program or school will help you achieve them. Admission officers are always wowed by hearing about goals, especially if they relate to their schools or programs. As you do this, be very specific with the goals and how you intend to achieve them.

All set, but before You Go �

As you contemplate entering nursing school, you must understand that it will never be a walk in the park. There is so much to learn within the specified time frame, and you must show your preparedness. A nursing school personal essay is one of the ways to do so.

Related Article:

• Writing a nursing philosophy ( a student's guide)
• Writing a nursing student resume (a guide)

Lucky for you, our nursing admission essay writers have shared insights, tips, and steps that can help you write an exceptional application essay for any nursing school or program. If you follow them, you will write a seamless admission essay that increases your chances of getting into the nursing school of your dreams.

We wish you luck in your endeavors and promise that were available in case you need a well-written, organized, and plagiarism-free admission essay tailored to your experiences and the specific nursing school or program requirements.

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Nursing Essay Examples

Nursing Essay Examples That Will Help You Write a Stellar Paper

Published on: May 6, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

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Many nursing students struggle with writing effective nursing essays, which are an essential part of their education and professional development.

Poor essay writing skills can lead to low grades and an inability to effectively communicate important information.

This blog provides a comprehensive guide to writing nursing essays with examples and tips for effective writing. Whether you are a nursing student or a professional looking to improve your writing skills, this blog has something for you. 

By following the tips and examples provided, you can write compelling nursing essays that showcase your dedication to the field.

Let’s get started.

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What is a Nursing Essay?

A nursing essay is a type of academic writing that aims to explore a particular topic related to nursing. It also presents a clear and concise argument or viewpoint supported by evidence. 

Nursing essays can take many forms, including:

• Descriptive essays
• Reflective essays
• Analytical essays
• Persuasive essays

What is the Importance of the Nursing Essay?

Nursing essays are important for several reasons. First, they help nursing students develop critical thinking skills by requiring them to analyze and evaluate information.

Second, they help students develop research skills by requiring them to locate and use credible sources to support their arguments. 

Third, nursing essays help students develop communication skills by requiring them to present their ideas clearly and concisely in writing. Finally, nursing essays are important for nursing education because they prepare students for the types of writing.

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To help students better understand how to write nursing essays, it can be helpful to review examples.

Below are some examples of nursing essays.

Nursing School Essay Examples

College Nursing Essay Examples

Graduate Nursing Essay Examples

Nursing Scholarship Essay Examples

Nursing Essay Conclusion Examples

Nursing Essay Examples of Different Fields

Nursing is a diverse field with many different specialties and areas of focus. As a result, nursing essays can take many different forms and cover a wide range of topics. 

Given below are some examples of different types of nursing essays:

Personal Philosophy Of Nursing - Essay Examples

Cal State Fullerton Nursing Essay Examples

Evidence Based Practice Nursing In Medical Field - Essay Examples

Leadership In Nursing And Healthcare Professionals - Essay Examples

Principles Of Professional Practice Of Nursing Professionals And Pharmacists

If you're seeking additional examples of nursing essays, you're in luck! 

Below are some more examples that can help you gain a better understanding of nursing essays:

Health Care And Reflective Models For Nursing - Essay Examples

History Of Nursing Essay Examples

Ethical Dilemma In Nurses Work - Essay Examples

Mental Health Nursing Essay Examples

Why I Want To Be A Nurse Essay

Working In A Team And Collaboration In Nursing

How to Write a Nursing Essay

Writing a nursing essay can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience.

Here are the key steps involved in writing a nursing essay:

Understanding the Topic and Question

The first step in writing a nursing essay is to carefully read and understand the topic and question. 

This will help you determine what information you need to research and include in your essay. Make sure you understand any key terms or concepts related to the topic. Consider different perspectives or viewpoints that may be relevant.

Researching the Topic

Once you have a clear understanding of the topic and question, it's time to research. 

Start by gathering information from credible sources such as academic journals, textbooks, and government websites. 

Consider both primary and secondary sources, and make sure to take detailed notes as you read.

Organizing and Outlining the Essay

Once you have completed your research, it's time to organize your ideas and create an outline for your essay. 

Start by identifying the main points or arguments you want to make, and then organize them into a logical order that flows well. 

Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Writing the Essay

With your outline in place, it's time to start writing your essay. Make sure to follow your outline closely, and use clear and concise language that effectively communicates your ideas. 

Use evidence from your research to support your arguments, and cite your sources appropriately.

Editing and Revising the Essay

Once you have completed a first draft of your essay, take some time to edit and revise it. Look for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation, and make sure your essay is well-organized and flows well. 

Consider asking a peer or instructor to review your essay and provide feedback.

What To Include In Your Nursing Essay

When writing a nursing essay, there are several key elements that you should include. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Introduction

Your introduction should provide a brief overview of the topic and purpose of your essay. It should also include a clear thesis statement that presents your main argument or point of view.

• Background Information

Provide some background information on the topic to help the reader better understand the context of your essay. This can include relevant statistics, historical information, or other contextual details.

• Evidence and Examples

Use evidence and examples from your research to support your arguments and demonstrate your knowledge of the topic. Make sure to cite your sources appropriately and use a variety of sources to strengthen your argument.

• Analysis and Evaluation

Provide analysis and evaluation of the evidence and examples you've presented. This can include discussing strengths and weaknesses, comparing and contrasting different viewpoints, or offering your own perspective on the topic.

Your conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement. It should also offer some final thoughts or suggestions for further research or action.

Nursing Essay Topic Ideas

Choosing a topic for your nursing essay can be challenging, but there are many areas in the field that you can explore. Here are some nursing essay topic ideas to consider:

• The role of technology in nursing practice
• The impact of cultural diversity on healthcare delivery
• Nursing leadership and management in healthcare organizations
• Ethical issues in nursing practice
• The importance of patient-centered care in nursing practice
• The impact of evidence-based practice on nursing care
• The role of nursing in promoting public health
• Nursing education and the importance of lifelong learning
• The impact of nursing shortages on healthcare delivery
• The importance of communication in nursing practice

These are just a few ideas to get you started. You can also explore other topics related to nursing that interest you or align with your academic or professional goals. 

Remember to choose a topic that is relevant, interesting, and feasible to research and write about.

Tips for Writing an Effective Nursing Essay

Writing a successful nursing essay requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you write an effective nursing essay:

• Writing Concisely and Clearly

Nursing essays should be written in clear and concise language, avoiding unnecessary jargon or technical terms. Use simple language and short sentences to help ensure that your ideas are communicated clearly and effectively.

• Stating a Clear Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement should clearly state your main argument and provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and located at the end of your introduction.

• Using Proper Citation and Referencing

Citing and referencing your sources is crucial in any academic writing, including nursing essays. Make sure to use proper citation and referencing styles, such as APA or MLA. Include a reference list or bibliography at the end of your essay.

• Seeking Feedback and Revising

Before submitting your nursing essay, seek feedback from peers, professors, or writing tutors. Use their feedback to revise and improve your essay. Make sure that it is well-structured, coherent, and effectively communicates your point of view.

By following these tips, you can write a nursing essay that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in the field.

In conclusion, writing a successful nursing essay requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. 

To showcase your knowledge in the field of nursing, it is important to have a clear understanding of the topic at hand. When writing your nursing essay, be sure to include relevant examples, incorporate current research, and use proper citation and referencing. 

And remember , seeking feedback and revising your essay is key to ensuring that it effectively communicates your ideas and arguments.

If you need help with your nursing essay or any other type of academic writing, consider using our AI essay writer . 

Our nursing essay writing service can provide personalized support to help you succeed in your academic goals.

So, why wait? Contact us to get college essay writing help today! 

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How to Write a Nursing Reflective Essay as a BSN Nursing Student

• November 29, 2023

Welcome to NursingWriters.net, your go-to resource for expert information and guidance on writing nursing essays. In this article, we will provide you, as a BSN nursing student , with a comprehensive guide on how to write a compelling nursing reflective essay. Reflective essays are a personal reflection on your experiences in the nursing profession, and we are here to help you navigate this writing challenge.

As a busy nursing student, we understand that you may have limited time to spare. That’s where NursingWriters.net comes in, empowering you to excel in your BSN program by providing expert guidance on different writing and comprehension challenges you may face. Let’s dive into the world of nursing reflective essays and discover how you can effectively express your thoughts and insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Reflective essays allow nursing students to reflect on their experiences and personal growth in the profession.
• A nursing reflective essay is different from a personal statement, focusing on self-reflection rather than academic achievements.
• Key elements to include in a nursing reflective essay are the inciting incident, personal reflections, vivid details, and actions taken.
• The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide a clear thesis statement.
• The body paragraphs should delve into the writer’s reflections and emotions with specific examples and anecdotes.

What Is a Reflective Essay in Nursing?

A reflective essay in nursing is a powerful tool that allows nursing students to analyze their experiences, emotions, and actions related to their nursing practice. It provides an opportunity for self-reflection, critical thinking, and personal growth. Reflective writing can help nurses develop a deeper understanding of their own practice, improve patient care, and enhance their professional development.

Reflective essays in nursing differ from personal statements in that they focus on specific experiences and their impact on the writer’s growth and development. These essays require the writer to critically reflect on their actions, emotions, and thoughts, and identify ways to improve their practice. By examining their experiences and applying reflective frameworks, nursing students can gain valuable insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth.

When writing a reflective essay in nursing , it is important to follow a structured approach. This includes describing the incident or experience, analyzing personal thoughts and feelings, exploring the actions taken, and reflecting on the outcomes and implications. By structuring the essay effectively, nursing students can communicate their reflections in a clear and organized manner.

Key Elements to Include in a Nursing Reflective Essay

When writing a nursing reflective essay, it is important to include key elements that will make your essay comprehensive and impactful. These elements will help you convey your thoughts and experiences clearly, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of your reflections on nursing practice.

Inciting Incident or Event

The first key element to include in your nursing reflective essay is the inciting incident or event. This is the moment or experience that triggered your reflection and made a significant impact on your practice. It could be a challenging patient encounter, an ethical dilemma, or a personal realization. By describing this event in detail, you set the stage for your reflective journey.

Personal Reflections

Your nursing reflective essay should also include personal reflections on the experience. This is where you delve into your thoughts, feelings, and emotions related to the inciting incident. Reflect on how the event made you feel, what you learned from it, and how it has influenced your growth as a nursing professional. Be honest and vulnerable in your reflections, as this will allow the reader to connect with your experience on a deeper level.

Vivid Setting and Descriptive Details

To create a vivid and engaging narrative, include specific details that paint a picture of the setting and the people involved. Describe the physical environment, the interactions between healthcare professionals and patients, and any other relevant details that contribute to the overall context of the experience. This will help the reader visualize the situation and understand the complexities of the event.

Actions Taken

Finally, it is important to describe the actions you took in response to the inciting incident. Discuss how you applied your nursing knowledge and skills to address the challenges or opportunities presented by the event. Reflect on the effectiveness of your actions and whether there were any areas for improvement. This demonstrates your ability to critically analyze your own practice and make informed decisions.

By including these key elements in your nursing reflective essay, you can create a comprehensive and impactful piece of writing that showcases your growth and development as a nursing professional.

How to Write the Introduction of a Nursing Reflective Essay

The introduction of a nursing reflective essay plays a crucial role in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the entire essay. It should provide a concise overview of the main points that will be discussed and create a sense of curiosity and engagement. Here are some tips to help you write an effective introduction for your nursing reflective essay:

• Start with an intriguing opening line: Begin your introduction with a captivating statement or anecdote that relates to the topic of your essay. This will grab the reader’s attention and make them eager to continue reading.
• Provide context and background information: Give a brief overview of the event or experience that you will be reflecting on in your essay. This will help the reader understand the context and significance of your reflections.
• Present a clear thesis statement: Your thesis statement should clearly state the main purpose of your essay and the specific points or themes that you will be exploring. This will give the reader a preview of what to expect in the body of the essay.

By following these tips, you can craft an introduction that captivates the reader and sets the stage for a compelling nursing reflective essay.

“As I walked into the busy hospital ward on my first day of clinical rotation, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Little did I know that this experience would become a pivotal moment in my nursing journey, shaping my understanding of empathy, communication, and patient-centered care. In this reflective essay, I will delve into the details of this encounter and explore the personal and professional growth that resulted from it.”

With an attention-grabbing opening, providing context, and presenting a clear thesis statement, your introduction will set the stage for a compelling nursing reflective essay that captures the reader’s attention and lays the foundation for your reflections.

Nursing Reflection Essay Tips and Examples

Writing a nursing reflective essay requires careful consideration and thoughtful analysis. Here are some tips to help you craft an impactful and meaningful reflection essay as a BSN nursing student . Additionally, we will provide examples to illustrate how these tips can be applied.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Reflection Essay:

• Start by choosing a specific experience or event that had a significant impact on your nursing practice. This could be a challenging patient encounter, a critical incident, or a personal realization that transformed your perspective.
• Reflect on the experience and consider how it affected your emotions, thoughts, and actions. What did you learn from the experience? How has it shaped your growth as a nursing professional?
• Focus on the key aspects of the experience that were particularly impactful or meaningful to you. Avoid including unnecessary details or deviating from the main message of your reflection.
• Use specific examples, anecdotes, or patient scenarios to support your reflections. This will make your essay more engaging and relatable to the reader.
• Consider the ethical implications of the experience and reflect on how it has influenced your approach to patient care and decision-making.
• End your essay with a reflection on the implications of your learning for future nursing practice. How will you apply the lessons learned to provide better care and improve patient outcomes?

Now, let’s take a look at two examples of nursing reflective essays to further illustrate these tips:

“During my clinical rotation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), I encountered a complex patient case that challenged my critical thinking skills and decision-making abilities. The patient was a middle-aged woman who had undergone a complicated surgery and experienced numerous post-operative complications. This experience taught me the importance of collaboration within the healthcare team and the significance of advocating for the patient’s best interests…”

“One of the most significant experiences during my nursing education was my time spent in the pediatric oncology unit. Witnessing the resilience and bravery of children facing life-threatening illnesses had a profound impact on my perspective as a nurse. It taught me the importance of providing holistic care, not only addressing physical needs but also supporting emotional well-being and promoting a positive environment for healing…”

These examples demonstrate how personal reflections, specific details, and professional insights can be incorporated to create a compelling nursing reflective essay. Remember to structure your essay in a clear and organized manner, ensuring that your reflections flow logically and coherently.

By following these tips and utilizing examples, you can create a compelling nursing reflective essay that showcases your growth and development as a nursing professional.

How to Conclude a Nursing Reflective Essay

The conclusion of a nursing reflective essay serves as the final reflection on the writer’s growth and learning from the experience. It is an essential part of the essay that summarizes the main points discussed and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The reflective essay conclusion should bring closure to the essay by restating the thesis statement and highlighting the key takeaways from the essay.

To write a strong and impactful conclusion, start by restating the thesis statement in a clear and concise manner. This reminds the reader of the main focus of the essay and reinforces its significance. Next, summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs, highlighting the most important insights and reflections. This helps to reinforce the main ideas and ensures that they are not overlooked in the final reflection.

In addition to summarizing the main points, a thought-provoking statement or future outlook can be included to provide a sense of closure and leave the reader with something to ponder. This can be a reflection on how the experience has influenced the writer’s future practice or a call to action for continued personal and professional growth. By ending the essay on a strong and meaningful note, the conclusion enhances the overall impact of the nursing reflective essay.

A well-crafted conclusion is essential for a nursing reflective essay as it reinforces the main ideas, leaves a lasting impression on the reader, and provides a sense of closure. By following these tips, nursing students can create a powerful and impactful conclusion that enhances the overall effectiveness of their reflective essays.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Reflective Essay

Writing a nursing reflective essay can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can also be a rewarding experience. Here are some helpful tips and strategies to guide nursing students in their essay writing process:

• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm ideas, reflect on your experiences, and write and revise your essay. Starting early will help you avoid last-minute stress and allow for a more thoughtful and polished essay.
• Conduct thorough self-reflection: Before you begin writing, take the time to reflect on your experiences and emotions related to your nursing practice. Consider how these experiences have shaped your growth and development as a nurse, and what lessons you have learned along the way.
• Organize your thoughts and ideas: Create an outline or a rough structure for your essay to ensure a logical flow of ideas. Group similar thoughts and reflections together to create cohesive paragraphs, and use headings or subheadings to further organize your essay.
• Seek feedback: Share your essay with trusted peers or instructors and ask for their feedback. They can offer valuable insights, provide constructive criticism, and help you refine your essay to make it stronger and more impactful.

Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the technical aspects of your essay:

• Grammar and spelling: Proofread your essay carefully to ensure it is free of any grammatical or spelling errors. Use grammar and spell-check tools, and consider asking someone else to review your essay for a fresh perspective.
• Coherent writing style: Use clear and concise language to convey your thoughts and reflections. Avoid excessive jargon or technical terms, and focus on communicating your ideas effectively.
• Formatting guidelines: Follow any formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or institution. Pay attention to font style, size, spacing, and citation style if required.

By following these tips and strategies, nursing students can approach their reflective essay writing with confidence and produce compelling and insightful essays that showcase their growth and development in the nursing profession.

Reflective Tools and Models for Nursing Reflective Essays

Reflective tools and models can provide structure and guidance for nursing students when writing reflective essays. These tools help organize thoughts and experiences, allowing for a more comprehensive and meaningful reflection. By utilizing reflection models , nursing students can enhance their reflective writing skills and deepen their understanding of their own growth and development as healthcare professionals.

Gibbs’ Reflective Model

“Reflective practice is both an art and a science that requires ongoing commitment and practice.” – Gibbs

Gibbs’ Reflective Model is a widely used reflection framework in nursing. It consists of six stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan. This model encourages a structured approach to reflection, allowing the writer to systematically explore their thoughts and emotions, analyze the situation, and identify areas for improvement or further development.

Dewey’s Reflective Thinking Model

“We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience.” – Dewey

Dewey’s Reflective Thinking Model focuses on the importance of reflection as a tool for learning and growth. It emphasizes the need to actively engage with experiences, thoughts, and emotions, and to critically evaluate them in order to gain deeper insights and understanding. This model encourages nursing students to think analytically and develop a continuous learning mindset.

Kolb Reflective Model

“Knowledge results from the combination of grasping experience and transforming it.” – Kolb

The Kolb Reflective Model is based on the concept of experiential learning. It consists of four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. This model encourages nursing students to engage in a cyclical process of learning, where they actively participate in experiences, reflect on them, conceptualize their insights, and apply their learning in real-life situations.

Schön Reflective Model

“Reflection-in-action is the heart of the learning process.” – Schön

Schön Reflective Model emphasizes the importance of reflection in the midst of action. It focuses on the ability to think and adapt in real-time, making decisions based on professional knowledge and experiences. This model encourages nursing students to develop a reflective mindset that allows them to learn and grow while actively engaging in their practice.

Benefits of Reflective Writing in Nursing

Reflective writing plays a crucial role in nursing practice, offering numerous benefits for nursing students and professionals alike. By engaging in reflective writing, nurses can enhance their self-awareness, develop their critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper understanding of patient experiences. This section will explore the advantages of reflective writing in nursing and its significance in healthcare.

Enhanced Self-Awareness

Reflective writing fosters self-reflection, allowing nurses to examine their thoughts, emotions, and actions in various clinical situations. Through this process, they gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This heightened self-awareness enables nurses to provide more effective and compassionate patient care, fostering a patient-centered approach.

Improved Critical Thinking

Reflective writing encourages nurses to think critically about their experiences and the impact of their actions. It requires them to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of their decision-making and problem-solving skills. By reflecting on past experiences, nurses can identify areas where they can enhance their clinical practice and make informed decisions based on evidence and best practices.

Increased Empathy and Understanding

Through reflective writing, nurses develop a deeper empathy and understanding of patient experiences. By reflecting on their interactions with patients, nurses can recognize the emotions, fears, and challenges faced by individuals in their care. This increased empathy enables nurses to provide more holistic and patient-centered care, improving the overall healthcare experience for patients.

Continuous Professional Development

Reflective writing is an essential tool for nurses’ continuous professional development. It allows them to document their growth, learning, and achievements throughout their nursing career. By regularly engaging in reflective writing, nurses can identify areas for further development, set goals for improvement, and ensure they are providing the best possible care to their patients.

Overall, reflective writing in nursing is a powerful tool that empowers nurses to enhance their self-awareness, critical thinking skills, and empathy. By engaging in this practice, nurses can continuously improve their clinical practice, provide high-quality patient care, and contribute to the ongoing development of the nursing profession.

Nursing Reflective Essay Examples

Looking for inspiration for your nursing reflective essay? Here are some examples that showcase different experiences, reflections, and growth in the nursing profession.

These examples demonstrate how nursing reflective essays can provide valuable insights into personal experiences, reflections, and professional growth. They serve as excellent references to help nursing students develop their own reflective writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of the nursing profession.

Writing a Nursing Reflective Essay for Nursing School Application

A nursing reflective essay can be a powerful tool for nursing school applications. It allows applicants to showcase their self-awareness, critical thinking skills, and passion for the nursing profession. When writing a nursing reflective essay for a nursing school application, there are a few key tips to keep in mind.

Reflect on your passion for nursing

Start by reflecting on what drew you to the nursing profession and why you are passionate about it. Consider your personal experiences, such as volunteering or shadowing healthcare professionals, and how they have shaped your desire to become a nurse. Highlight your commitment to providing compassionate and quality patient care.

Share personal experiences in healthcare settings

Provide specific examples of your experiences in healthcare settings, such as clinical rotations or internships. Reflect on the challenges you faced, the lessons you learned, and how those experiences have impacted your growth and development as a future nurse. Discuss any significant interactions with patients, healthcare teams, or mentors that have shaped your understanding of the nursing profession.

Align with the nursing school’s values and mission

Research the nursing school’s values, mission, and educational philosophy. Ensure that your reflective essay aligns with these principles and demonstrates your commitment to the school’s mission. Use the nursing school’s prompts or essay questions as a guide to structure your essay and address the specific criteria they are looking for in applicants.

By following these tips, you can write a compelling nursing reflective essay that effectively conveys your passion for nursing, showcases your experiences, and aligns with the nursing school’s values. Remember to proofread your essay carefully for grammar and spelling errors and seek feedback from mentors or trusted individuals in the nursing profession to ensure your essay is clear, concise, and impactful.

(Table) Tips for Writing a Nursing Reflective Essay for Nursing School Application

Writing a nursing reflective essay can be a transformative experience for BSN nursing students. It allows them to gain valuable insight into their own growth and development as future healthcare professionals. Throughout this comprehensive guide, we have provided expert information and guidance on how to write a compelling nursing reflective essay.

By understanding the purpose of a reflective essay and the key elements to include, nursing students can effectively showcase their personal experiences and reflections. Incorporating reflection models such as Gibbs’ Reflective Model or Kolb Reflective Model can also provide structure and depth to their essays.

At NursingWriters.net, we are dedicated to empowering busy nurses and providing them with the tools they need to excel in their BSN programs. Whether it’s writing a reflective essay or any other writing challenge, we are here to support and guide nursing students towards success.

What is a nursing reflective essay?

A nursing reflective essay is a personal essay where the writer reflects on their own experiences and how those experiences have shaped their growth and development in the nursing profession.

How is a reflective essay in nursing different from a personal statement?

While a reflective essay in nursing focuses on the writer’s personal experiences and reflections, a personal statement is more of a formal document that highlights the writer’s qualifications, achievements, and future goals in the nursing profession.

What are the key elements to include in a nursing reflective essay?

The key elements to include in a nursing reflective essay are the inciting incident or event, personal reflections on the experience, specific details to create a vivid setting, and a description of the actions taken by the writer. It is important to avoid including academic details and excessive focus on emotions.

How should I write the introduction of a nursing reflective essay?

To write an engaging and informative introduction for a nursing reflective essay, you can grab the reader’s attention with an intriguing opening line, provide context and background information, and present a clear thesis statement. Focus on the specific event or experience that will be the main focus of the essay.

How should I structure the body paragraphs of a nursing reflective essay?

The body paragraphs of a nursing reflective essay should have a clear structure. Use the first paragraph to present the thesis statement and provide background information on the event. Use subsequent paragraphs to explore your reflections, emotions, and actions taken. Use specific examples and anecdotes to make the essay more engaging.

How should I conclude a nursing reflective essay?

To write a strong conclusion for a nursing reflective essay, you can summarize the main points discussed in the essay, provide a final reflection on your growth and learning from the experience, restate the thesis statement, and leave the reader with a thought-provoking statement or future outlook.

What are some tips for writing a nursing reflective essay?

Some tips for writing a nursing reflective essay include starting early, conducting thorough self-reflection, organizing your thoughts and ideas, and seeking feedback from peers or instructors. Pay attention to proper grammar and spelling, coherent writing style, and adhere to any formatting guidelines provided.

How can reflective tools and models help with nursing reflective essays?

Reflective tools and models provide structure and guidance for nursing students when writing reflective essays. Models such as Gibbs’ Reflective Model, Dewey’s Reflective Thinking Model, Kolb Reflective Model, and Schön Reflective Model can be used as frameworks for organizing thoughts and experiences in a nursing reflective essay.

What are the benefits of reflective writing in nursing?

Reflective writing in nursing offers benefits such as enhanced self-awareness, improved critical thinking skills, increased empathy and understanding of patient experiences, and continuous professional development. It promotes lifelong learning and helps improve patient care.

Where can I find nursing reflective essay examples?

You can find nursing reflective essay examples that showcase different experiences, reflections, and growth. These examples incorporate personal reflections, specific details, and professional insights into nursing practice. They demonstrate the diversity of topics and experiences that can be explored in nursing reflective essays.

How can I write a nursing reflective essay for nursing school applications?

To write a nursing reflective essay for nursing school applications, reflect on your passion for nursing, personal experiences in healthcare settings, and future goals in the nursing profession. Address specific prompts and align the content with the nursing school’s values and mission.

How can writing a nursing reflective essay benefit BSN nursing students?

Writing a nursing reflective essay allows BSN nursing students to gain insight into their own growth and development as future healthcare professionals. It helps improve critical thinking skills, self-awareness, and understanding of patient experiences. It also promotes continuous professional development.

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Writing Tips for Nursing School Students

• Nursing School Writing Types
• Writing a Nursing Essay
• Citations Guide
• Common Writing Mistakes
• Writing Resources

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Writing is an essential skill nurses should achieve proficiency in early in their career. It is a crucial part of the profession, as nurses need to be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

While verbal communication also plays a vital role in nursing, being able to write well builds the nurse’s ability to provide better care.

Being able to accurately detail a patient’s personal history, symptoms, and diagnosis allows for the execution of a precise treatment plan that is clearly communicated to all parties involved, both professional and personal.

From registered nurses to clinical nurses and beyond, being able to communicate effectively and efficiently is a critical soft skill that will help nurses in any role increase their ability to treat their patients.

This guide provides an overview of the types of writing nurses will experience throughout their educational training. Utilize the following tips and tricks to help strengthen your writing skills, which will ultimately help in the development of transferable career skills .

Types of Writing Nurses Will Do in School

Personal statements for nursing school.

Nursing schools want candidates who meet academic and professional requirements. They also want a candidate who demonstrates a sincere passion for patient care and individual connections. You should always craft a personal statement, even when the application doesn’t explicitly require one. Personal statements allow you to describe your goals, characteristics, credentials, volunteer work, and meaningful life experiences. A well-crafted essay can help you stand out among other qualified applicants. And, as with any piece of writing, you must take the time to revise.

In your personal statement, you should portray yourself as determined and empathetic, with characteristics, goals, work ethic, and healthcare philosophy that align with a program’s values. Some nursing schools ask for a general personal statement, while others require a specific prompt. Colleges commonly ask students to describe a hardship they overcame, a difficult task they accomplished, or a professional goal they hope to achieve through the program. Many schools also ask students to detail previous experiences in healthcare. You may decide to write about how you connect with patients or how you provide practical and emotional support to loved ones.

You will also encounter writing prompts during examinations, including standardized tests like the GRE or MCAT, nursing school entrance exams , and course-specific evaluations. You may also take exams to get state licensure or professional certification. In most of these instances, you will need to write one or several long-form essays. Proper planning is key. Though you won’t know what specific prompt the test will require, you can expect certain common topics. You can search online or use study guides to determine which prompts usually appear on each test.

On test day, you should begin by creating an outline that lists three main points in response to the prompt. Using these points, work backwards to write a central thesis to guide the essay’s structure. Review what you’ve written to ensure that the essay actually responds to the prompt at hand. Be sure to leave time to correct spelling, grammar, and stylistic errors.

Research Papers

Like essays, research papers follow a long-form structure. Unlike an essay, which heavily relies on the writer’s point of view, a research paper presents an in-depth investigation of a topic using data, expert opinions, and insights. While an essay evaluates general critical thinking and writing skills, a research paper tests your knowledge, research skills, and original contributions. Research papers also allow you to prove you understand what has been argued and discovered about a topic. Research papers, especially at the graduate and doctoral levels, require independent research and analyses. These papers sometimes take months or years to complete.

To write a successful research paper, you should pick a topic relevant to your interests and the nursing field. Possibilities include elderly care challenges, patient safety and ethics, mental health treatment and regulations in the U.S., and nursing shortages and possible solutions. Whatever your choice, you must plan accordingly. Advanced papers such as dissertations may require funding or help from professors. Research papers often consist of the following sections: abstract, introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. You should keep this general structure in mind as you prepare notes and outlines.

How Do You Write a Nursing Essay?

In nursing school, essay writing includes academic papers, personal narratives, and professional compositions. You should become familiar with each of the five major forms below. There are many similarities between these essay types, such as an overarching thesis and a supportive, logical structure. You should support claims with factual, statistical, anecdotal, and rhetorical evidence. However, each form requires distinct skills to achieve specific results.

Comparative

Cause and effect, citations guide for nursing students.

Citations allow readers to know where information came from. By citing sources, you avoid plagiarizing or stealing another person’s ideas, research, language, and analyses. Whether intentional or unintentional, plagiarism is one of the most egregious errors one can make. Consequences for plagiarism include automatic course failure, disciplinary actions from the university, and even legal repercussions. You should take special care to ensure you properly cite sources.

Which Style Should Nursing Students Use?

Because nurses rely on scientific terms and information, professionals in the field usually use APA style. Regardless of the purpose and specific genre of your text, you should always strive for concise, objective, and evidenced-based writing. You can expect to learn APA style as soon as you enroll in a major course. However, you should also prepare to learn other styles as part of your academic training. For example, freshman composition classes tend to focus on MLA guidelines.

Common Writing Mistakes Students Make

Active vs. passive voice.

Active and passive voice represent two different ways to present the same piece of information. Active voice focuses on the subject performing an action. For example, the dog bites the boy. This format creates clear, concise, and engaging writing. Using active voice, nurses might write, I administered patient care at 11:00. Passive voice, on the other hand, focuses on the object of the sentence or the action being performed. For example, the boy was bitten by the dog. A passive sentence is usually one that contains the verb “to be.” Using passive voice, you might write, patient care was administered at 11:00.

Professionals in the sciences often use passive voice in their writing to create an objective tone and authorial distance. Passive voice can prioritize specific terms, actions, evidence, or research over the writer’s presence. Additionally, nurses use passive voice because it is usually clear that the reported thoughts, actions, and opinions come from them. However, you must also learn how to use active voice.

Punctuation

There are 14 punctuation marks in the English language, each with multiple and sometimes overlapping uses. Additionally, certain punctuation marks only make sense in highly specific and nuanced grammatical instances. To master punctuation, you must learn through practice, particularly by revising your own writing.

For example, colons and semicolons are often used interchangeably, when they actually serve distinct purposes. Generally used before itemized lists, colons stand in for the phrases “here is what I mean” or “that is to say.” For example, I am bringing three things to the picnic: applesauce, napkins, and lemonade. Semicolons separate two independent clauses connected through topic or meaning. For example, It was below zero; Ricardo wondered if he would freeze to death. Comma splices, which create run on sentences, are another common mistake. You can identify a comma splice by learning the differences between an independent and dependent clause.

Grammar refers to the rules of a particular language system. Grammar determines how users can structure words and form sentences with coherent meaning. Aspects include syntax (the arrangement of words to convey their mutual relations in a sentence) and semantics (how individual words and word groups are understood). Unless you major in writing, literature, etymology, or another related field, you generally won’t examine English grammar deeply. Through years of cognitive development and practice, native users implicitly understand how to effectively employ the language.

Distinct grammatical systems exist for each language and, sometimes, even within a single language. For example, African American Vernacular English uses different syntactic rules than General American English. You should learn grammatical terms and definitions. Common errors include subject/verb agreement, sentence fragments, dangling modifiers, and vague or incorrect pronoun usage. Hasty writers can also misuse phonetically similar words (your/you’re, its/it’s, and there/their/they’re).

Writing Resources for Nursing Students

Apa style central, reviewed by:.

Shri Deshaies is a nurse educator with over 20 years of experience teaching in hospital, nursing school, and community settings. Deshaies’ clinical area of expertise is critical care nursing and she is a certified critical care nurse. She has worked in various surgical ICUs throughout her career, including cardiovascular, trauma, and neurosurgery.

Shri Deshaies is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. Learn more about our review partners here .

Page last reviewed November 30, 2021

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How to Write a Nursing Essay Quickly and Effortlessly?

Samuel Gorbold

In the demanding field of nursing career, efficient and effective writing is a valuable skill that can greatly enhance academic success. Whether faced with looming deadlines or seeking to streamline the writing process, understanding how to compose a nursing essay quickly and effortlessly is crucial. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, offering practical tips, proven strategies, and insightful techniques tailored to the unique demands of nursing essays. From effective planning and nursing essay examples to honing research and writing skills, this article will teach you how to master the essay-writing process seamlessly, ensuring both academic excellence and time management in the dynamic world of healthcare education.

What Is a Nursing Essay?

A nursing essay is a written academic assignment that provides students in nursing programs with the opportunity to articulate their understanding of a particular topic, concept, or clinical experience. Nurse essay creation often requires students to explore and analyze nursing theories, healthcare practices, or case studies, demonstrating a deep comprehension of the subject matter. Additionally, nursing essays may involve critical reflection on personal experiences in clinical settings, allowing students to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application.

The structure of a nursing essay typically includes an introduction, where the topic is introduced, and the thesis is stated, followed by the body paragraphs that elaborate on key points, provide evidence, and analyze the topic in depth. The conclusion summarizes the main arguments and reinforces the thesis, highlighting the significance of the discussed writing concepts in the context of nursing practice. Throughout the essay, students are encouraged to incorporate evidence-based information, uphold ethical considerations, and adhere to academic writing standards. Use our nursing essay writing service to get a better grip on structure and argumentation.

Medical essays play a crucial role in the educational journey to a nursing career, fostering critical thinking, effective communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the complexities within the healthcare field. These written works not only contribute to academic assessments but also serve as a means for students to articulate their perspectives, share insights gained from clinical experiences, and engage with the ongoing discourse in nursing practice and theory.

How to Start a Nursing Essay?

Starting essays on nursing effectively involves capturing the reader's attention, clearly stating your thesis or main idea, and providing a roadmap for what the essay will cover. Here are some steps to help you begin your nursing essay:

• Start with a Compelling Introduction

Begin your nursing essay with a strong and engaging introduction. You can use a thought-provoking question, a relevant anecdote, or a compelling statistic to grab the reader's attention. Clearly state the purpose of your essay and provide a concise overview of what you will discuss.

• State Your Thesis

In the introduction, clearly state your thesis or main argument. This is the central point that your essay will revolve around. Make sure it is concise, specific, and reflective of the main theme of your essay.

• Provide Context

Write some background or context related to the topic of your essay. This helps the reader understand the significance of the subject matter and sets the stage for the detailed discussions in the body of the essay.

• Outline the Structure

Briefly outline the structure of your essay in the introduction. This provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Mention the main points or sections you will cover in the essay's body.

• Maintain Clarity and Conciseness

Write your introduction clearly and concisely. Avoid unnecessary details or information that does not directly contribute to the main theme. Aim for a balance between providing context and maintaining brevity. In the next section, you will discover a nursing essay introduction example, as well as instructions on how to structure the main body and conclusion. 

How to Structure a Nursing Essay?

Essay creationing is an inalienable part of nursing education. A compelling paper parallels a meticulously executed performance, requiring a carefully crafted script and a narrative that unfolds effortlessly, captivating the audience throughout. This script manifests as a thoughtfully organized structure. Let's explore the components that guide the transformation of a nursing essay from a mere assortment of words into a captivating journey filled with valuable insights.

Introduction

The nursing essay introduction should serve as a captivating gateway, enticing the reader to delve into the complexities of the topic. Start with a compelling hook that relates to the subject matter. For instance, you might begin with a thought-provoking question, such as, "How do nurses navigate the delicate balance between empathy and professionalism in patient care?" Following the hook, write a brief overview of the paper's focus, culminating in a clear and concise thesis statement. For example, "This nursing essay will explore the nuanced challenges nurses face in maintaining empathetic connections with patients while upholding the standards of professional healthcare."

The body of your nursing essay should unfold like a well-organized narrative, with each paragraph contributing to the overall storyline. Write each paragraph with a topic sentence that encapsulates a key aspect of your argument. Substantiate your points with relevant examples, drawing from nursing theories, personal experiences, or real-life case studies. For instance, if discussing the importance of effective communication in nursing, narrate a scenario where clear communication positively impacts patient outcomes. Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs, allowing ideas to transition seamlessly. Address counterarguments and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic, supporting your claims with scholarly references and evidence.

Conclude your nursing essay by summarizing the key points and reinforcing the significance of your thesis. Avoid writing new information but rather synthesize the insights presented in the main body. Reflect on the broader implications of your findings for nursing practice or education. For example, if your essay explored the role of technology in modern healthcare, discuss the potential impact on patient outcomes and the evolving responsibilities of nurses. Conclude with a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader, prompting them to contemplate the complexities you've unraveled in your essay.

Nursing Essay Outline

Within the framework of nursing essay composition, the outline serves as a vital architectural blueprint. This section delves into the key elements constituting an effective nursing essay outline, offering a structured foundation for insightful and well-articulated academic discourse.

I. Introduction

• Engaging question or relevant anecdote.

Background:

• Brief context on the significance of the topic.

Thesis Statement:

• A clear and concise statement of the main argument.

Paragraph 1:

• Topic Sentence: Introduction of the first key aspect.
• Example: Real-life scenario, personal experience, or case study.
• Explanation: Analyze the example and relate it to the thesis.

Paragraph 2:

• Topic Sentence: Introduction of the second key aspect.
• Example: Another relevant illustration or supporting evidence.
• Explanation: Elaborate on the connection to the overall argument.

Paragraph 3:

• Topic Sentence: Introduction of the third key aspect.
• Example: Additional supporting evidence or nursing theory application.
• Explanation: Discuss the implications and significance.

Counterarguments:

• Acknowledge opposing views and counter with supporting evidence.

Integration:

• Demonstrate connections between the discussed aspects.
• Showcase a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

III. Conclusion

Summary of Key Points:

• Recap the main points discussed in the body.

Thesis Reinforcement:

• Reiterate the thesis and its significance.

Broader Implications:

• Discuss the broader impact on nursing practice or education.

Thought-Provoking Statement:

• Conclude with a memorable and reflective statement.

How to Write a Nursing Essay Step-by-Step?

Before the writing process begins, remember to adhere to academic standards, cite your sources appropriately, and proofread your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy before submission.

Step 1 – Understand the Assignment

Begin by thoroughly understanding the essay prompt or assignment requirements. Identify the specific topic, guidelines, and any key components that must be addressed in your essay.

Step 2 – Research and Gather Information

Conduct thorough research on the chosen topic. Utilize reputable nursing sources, including academic journals, textbooks, and evidence-based literature. Collect relevant information to support your arguments and enhance the credibility of your essay.

Step 3 – Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument or purpose of your nursing essay. Ensure that your thesis is specific, debatable, and reflective of the key themes you will explore.

Step 4 – Create an Outline

Organize your thoughts and structure your essay by creating an outline. Divide your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Outline the main points you want to cover in each section, ensuring a logical flow of ideas.

Step 5 – Write a Compelling Introduction

Capture the reader's attention with a compelling introduction. Start with a hook, provide background information on the nursing topic, and end with a strong thesis statement that outlines the main focus of your essay.

Step 6 – Develop the Body Paragraphs

Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific aspect or key point related to your thesis. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence, support it with relevant examples or evidence, and provide analysis. Ensure a smooth transition between paragraphs to maintain the coherence of your nursing paper.

Step 7 – Craft a Thoughtful Conclusion

Summarize the main points discussed in the body of your essay and restate your thesis in the conclusion. Reflect on the broader implications of your findings, and end with a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression on the nursing readers.

How to End a Nursing Essay?

In concluding a nursing essay, the primary goal is to reinforce the key points made throughout the essay and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Begin by summarizing the main arguments and findings presented in the essay's body. This recap should concisely revisit the critical aspects of your discussion, emphasizing their significance in the context of nursing practice or theory. By summarizing, you provide a quick reference to the essential takeaways, ensuring clarity and reinforcing the coherence of your essay.

Following the summary, re-write your nursing thesis in a slightly different manner, connecting it back to the broader implications of your study. Discuss how the insights gained from your exploration contribute to the nursing field or address real-world challenges. In this section, it's essential to avoid introducing new information; rather, focus on synthesizing the information presented and showcasing the broader relevance of your work. Finally, leave the reader with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action that encourages further contemplation of the discussed concepts and their impact on the dynamic landscape of nursing. This concluding touch ensures that your nursing essay concludes on a strong and memorable note. Hire long essay writer on EssayHub to get a proper assistance with all academic struggles you have.

15 Nursing Essay Writing Tips

• Clarify the essay requirements and ensure a precise understanding of the topic.
• Craft a clear and focused thesis statement to guide your essay.
• Utilize reputable sources and evidence-based nursing education literature for robust arguments.
• Break down tasks to manage time effectively and avoid last-minute stress.
• Create a well-organized outline to maintain a logical flow in your essay.
• ECapture attention with a compelling hook and clearly state your thesis.
• Dedicate each paragraph to a specific point supported by evidence.
• Move beyond description; analyze and reflect on the significance of your points.
• Use clear, concise, and professional language in your writing.
• Check for grammar, spelling, and coherence errors before submitting.
• Keep your essay focused on the main theme, avoiding unnecessary details.
• Properly cite all sources to uphold nursing integrity.
• Seek feedback from peers or instructors to gain valuable insights.
• Summarize key points and discuss broader implications in your conclusion.
• Review your essay with a fresh perspective, making targeted revisions for improvement.

Nursing Essay Example

It’s a well-known fact that a writing example packed with practical insights into how to produce a certain type of academic document helps students cope with such an assignment faster. That’s why we’ve prepared a nursing essay example for your inspirational and consulting needs.

Samuel Gorbold , a seasoned professor with over 30 years of experience, guides students across disciplines such as English, psychology, political science, and many more. Together with EssayHub, he is dedicated to enhancing student understanding and success through comprehensive academic support.

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Nursing Education: Personal Statement Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

My interest in nursing started when I received guidance from my father on the essentiality of enrolling in health science classes to help the community. Skill marketing is crucial as it will enable nurses to communicate explicitly about the position they are applying for and their qualifications to execute the role effectively (Hartley et al., 2019). I am applying for a nurse practitioner job specializing in primary care. Several professional skills I possess that make me a better nurse practitioner candidate include executive leadership, clinical instruction, increasing patient outcomes, improving nursing practice, and problem-solving.

In my career path, I registered for a nursing degree and was certified as a registered nurse (RN). I have extensive healthcare work setting knowledge of private practice and outpatient care. My military experience is that I have been able to treat and counsel veterans in a home care nurse company operated by my father. Interacting with the patients made me realize the essentiality of building trust via holistic quality care.

I have volunteered to work at my college, whereby I offered elaborate assistance to the new nursing students by providing mentorship services. My clinical rotations include working as a nurse assistant and registered nurse, collaborating with the medical team to learn more about primary care. My civilian work experience is that I have worked with Somali community members with diverse healthcare needs. I possess exceptional soft skills, such as communication, whereby I can communicate in Arabic, Somali, and English. In addition, I have leadership capabilities as I have been leading a home care nurse company with my father.

Notably, I have outstanding planning and organization skills, and working four years as an RN and four years as a nurse assistant have made me develop hard abilities, including conducting physical exams for patients. I am highly motivated to continue my education and acquire my nursing doctorate in the next few years, enabling me to expand my employability skills as a nurse practitioner.

Hartley, P., Routon, P. W., & Torres, L. (2019). The skills marketing majors believe they acquire: Evidence from a national survey. Journal of Marketing Education , 41 (3), 202-214. Web.

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Critical self-reflection for nurse educators: Now more than ever!

The dynamic healthcare world and increased demands on nurses call for a parallel shift in nursing education that is optimally geared toward effectiveness. Just as student nurses are taught to reflect on their practice to effectively meet clients’ needs, educators also need to be well versed in self-reflection to enhance their teaching methods. Self-reflection is the deliberate consideration of experiences, which when guided by the literature helps an individual gain insight and improve practice. Educators should not only opt for personal reflection but should also seek the views of their students and peers. Self-reflection becomes critical when it goes beyond mere reflection, questioning teaching assumptions, and addressing their social and political context. Given the remarked benefits of using self-reflection in education, and the current COVID-19 global repercussions which have urged faculties to try alternative methods of teaching, a concise guide to self-reflection is hereby provided for use by nurse educators.

Introduction

Over the past years, there has been an increased interest in the understanding of teaching effectiveness in higher educational institutions ( Kirpalani, 2017 ). Another notion that has received importance in the literature is self-efficacy ( Hemmings, 2015 ), a key component of Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory which is “concerned with judgement of personal capabilities” ( Bandura, 1997 , p.11), described within higher education as the educator's personal belief and confidence in his/her's ability to carry out appropriate actions to attain specific performance goals ( Artino, 2012 ). These two concepts are interrelated; teachers’ self-efficacy is interlinked with teaching effectiveness, both with respect to the teacher's performance and also as it pertains to students’ achievements ( Klassen & Tze, 2014 ). Although all educators aim to be effective, societal and healthcare changes and increasing demands on nurses ( Handwerker, 2012 ; Nielsen, Noone, Voss, & Rae, 2013 ; World Health Organisation, 2020 ) expect nurse educators to continuously monitor their teaching practice to adequately prepare future nurses. Just as student nurses and practicing nurses reflect on their practice to improve their professional and personal skills and knowledge in line with today's challenges and requirements ( Jootun & McGarry, 2014 ), nursing faculties should also follow suit to ensure successful teaching. Given the current unprecedented global situation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, where nursing faculties are adjusting their teaching and learning methods, ensuring success in the revised teaching methods is paramount, now more than ever.

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of using personal reflection, or self-reflection to improve nursing education and to promote this practice among nurse educators working within nursing faculties worldwide, especially during these extraordinary times. An outline of the use of self-reflection amongst nurse educators is provided followed by a description of the concept of self-reflection. Reference is made to a deeper and more comprehensive concept of self-reflection, that is, critical self-reflection. Furthermore, based on the identified literature, the author provides a concise guide to self-reflection for nurse educators, referring to current times.

Use of self-reflection by nurse educators

Reflection is defined as the individual's deliberate consideration of a particular experience, guided by the literature to gain insight, ultimately developing and improving practice ( Graham & Johns, 2019 ). It can help route teaching practices towards effectiveness ( Gardner, 2014 ), resulting in the development of scholarship in the teaching of nursing ( Lubbe & Botha, 2020 ). Self-reflection, together with confidence building, is considered a distinctive requirement for the advancement of educators, particularly those who are new to the nursing faculty ( Jetha, Boschma & Clauson, 2016 ). As highlighted by Lubbe & Botha (2020 , p.9), “students can smell fear and poor knowledge.” If the educator is not knowledgeable or confident in his/her teaching practices, his/her credibility may be questioned. Self-refection can help identify gaps in knowledge and the need for professional development in a particular area ( Lubbe & Botha, 2020 ). Given the ongoing developments in healthcare, educators must remain in touch with the dynamic health care needs ( Lubbe & Botha, 2020 ), while embarking on a lifelong self-reflective journey to sustain their continuous professional development ( Graham & Johns, 2019 ; Jetha et al., 2016 ; Lubbe & Botha, 2020 ). Furthermore, if nurse educators are not trained and well versed in self-reflection, their role in promoting the use of reflective learning among their students will be limited ( Kemp & Baker, 2013 ; Naicker & van Rensburg, 2018 ).

Self-reflection is not only a means to ensure effectiveness in the teaching of nursing. According to Kirpalani (2017) , the process of self-reflecting on the educator's teaching methods may be an effective supplement to evaluative quantitative measures that are already available, such as students’ evaluations. These may not truly reflect the efficacy of the teacher's interventions ( Vanacore & Pellegrino, 2019 ), however, self-reflection activities that consider students’ informal feedback have proven to be beneficial ( Greer et al., 2010 ).

Engaging in self-reflection in the nursing faculty

Given the remarked benefits of engaging in self-reflection, the nurse educator, who is a reflective practitioner, should continuously explore the question, “Why do I teach the way I do?” Lubbe and Botha (2020 , p.7). Following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic where many nursing education institutions had to transition from traditional classroom-based education to online teaching and learning, keeping this question in mind helps nurse educators ensure that any revisions being made are still geared toward effectiveness.

According to Kirpalani (2017) , reflections may be carried out on:

• • The teaching content – reflecting on whether the content is adequately updated to current events and needs;
• • The teaching processes – the understanding of how students learn;
• • And the teaching premise – seeing one's contribution to the overall goals of the institution.

Once an issue is identified, Kirpalani (2017) suggests deciding on the appropriate time to engage in reflection. Reflection is concerned with three critical time periods of practice: before; in; and on action. In the study by Lubbe & Botha (2020) , where they elucidated on their teaching reflective journey before action, reflection was done through self-assessment by looking at their personal teaching development and experience and relating this to the context in which they had to teach, while also identifying their own learning needs. Reflection in action was done during teaching; by getting students’ feedback, and acting on it right away ( Lubbe & Botha, 2020 ). Reflection on action involved getting an informal evaluation of the course content, style, and presentation, learning from feedback, and carrying out the necessary revisions ( Lubbe & Botha, 2020 ).

In reflection, apart from contemplating on personal experiences and looking at theory and research, Brookfield (2017) suggests that educators should ask for their students’ and colleagues’ views. In Kemp and Baker (2013) ’s study, where one of the authors, a nurse educator, reflected both in action and on action in revising a continuous professional development program, the educator amplified his reflection by collecting student evaluations for feedback and discussing his views with his peers. This enabled the author to identify several positive outcomes and opportunities for improvement ( Kemp & Baker, 2013 ).

Critical self-reflection

Despite the various methods outlined to embark in this lifelong developing process, this approach can remain superficial because of its technical dimension ( Brookfield, 2017 ). Critical self-reflection goes beyond that. Legare and Armstrong (2017) refer to critical self-reflection as a deeper state of personal reflection, one which was found to support the transition from clinical practice to the nursing faculty, however, a more appropriate definition that looks beyond deep reflection to ensure comprehensiveness, was provided by Brookfield (2017) . According to Brookfield (2017) , in education, self-reflection becomes critical when the identified teaching practices are seen within their social and political context. In being critical, self-reflecting educators must understand and question the power exerted by education and the wider society on the teaching processes and interactions being carried out, consequentially challenging the hegemonistic processes ( Brookfield, 2017 ). Hence, to be a critical self-reflective educator, one should look beyond his/her reflection, exploring the impact of outside forces (including the faculty itself) on teaching practices and not holding back from questioning assumptions and beliefs commonly accepted as normal and common sense. Moreover, he/she should uncover and reframe any processes whereby teaching practices benefit mostly those in power, those in control in structuring educational experiences ( Rothman, Kelly-Woessner & Woessner, 2011 ), such as the educator him/herself, even if this is viewed by the faculty members and administrators as naturalistic and orderly ( Brookfield, 2017 ; Rothman et al., 2011 ), as this will not be effective toward student education in the long term ( Brookfield, 2017 ).

The use of critical self-reflection is illustrated in Lubbe and Botha (2020) ’s study where they share their journal of reflective practice. Although their module's learning outcomes were already set within the framework, Lubbe & Botha (2020) challenged hegemonistic processes, asking for their students’ input on their learning needs. With further planning and evaluation, they succeeded in ensuring scholarship in their teaching.

The use of critical self-reflection is particularly warranted in these extraordinary circumstances. Educators should not hold themselves back from questioning changes in module curricula and delivery, where practical placements may be on hold or inadequately being covered, or where new online methods of teaching and learning are being used. Attention must also be given to equilibrate the power dynamics in the virtual classroom, particularly if student interactions are noticed to be minimal or completely absent. “Sharing power” with students may help them achieve a sense of identity within the online learning community, and avoid disconnectedness ( Koole, 2014 ). Given that students are less likely to perceive the faculty as able to identify their educational needs ( Rothman et al., 2011 ), it is important, now, more than ever, that nurse educators reflect on their new teaching practices with a critical perspective to ensure that students’ learning needs are still being met, in line with the evolving healthcare world.

A guide to self-reflection for nurse educators

Despite the recognition of value from reflective practice, it was determined that nurse educators do not necessarily endeavor to develop their reflective practices ( Naicker & van Rensburg, 2018 ).

Self-reflection on teaching practices may not be automatic for most educators. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many nurse educators are being urged to take on new teaching methods. Rather than opting for a particular teaching method and style, or making assumptions, nurse educators should see this period as an opportunity to deeply engage in reflective practices. Various recommendations and strategies for engaging in self-reflection within the nursing faculty have been outlined in the literature and referred to in this article. A concise strategy to help educators to start is presented in Table 1 .

To increase nurse educators’ self-efficacy and effectiveness in their teaching practices, and to meet the demands of students in an ever-changing healthcare environment, the development of self-reflective skills is encouraged within the nursing faculty. Self-reflection can be carried out on an individual level; however, it is more likely that the educator progresses to a higher level if students and peer feedback are factored in. Self-reflection is a starting point, not an endpoint. Educators should embark on a lifelong self-reflective journey to sustain their continuous professional development, and learn to be critical, looking at identified issues/problems within their social and political context for obtaining meaningful outcomes. The benefits of reflection extend beyond improving effectiveness in teaching. Only when educators are well versed in using self-reflection can they ask their students to incorporate this approach, which is a means of learning and practice development. In light of the benefits associated with the engagement in self-reflective practice, and especially given the current global situation that limits teaching delivery, this article provided a concise guide to self-reflection for nurse educators.

Declarations of interest: The author has nothing to report.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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How to Write a Good Nursing Application Essay (With Examples)

Wilson logan.

• May 19, 2024
• Nursing Writing Guides

Embarking on a nursing school journey? Becoming a nurse takes more than just desire—it requires a demonstration of commitment and insight into the field of nursing. A pivotal step in your application is crafting a compelling nursing application essay. This piece is your window to express your individuality, passion, and aspirations within the nursing field.

This essay not only showcases your writing prowess and critical thinking skills but also your ability to convey ideas clearly. Creating an outstanding nursing application essay that resonates with the admission committee can seem daunting. You might ponder over questions like: What should my focus be? How do I illustrate my enthusiasm for nursing?

Or even, how do I make a memorable impression on the admissions panel and steer clear of common pitfalls?

In this guide, we aim to address these queries and more. We’ll navigate you through crafting an impactful nursing application essay, coupled with insights, examples, and best practices to forge a personal and persuasive narrative. Embrace this advice, and script an essay that mirrors your unique path, your goals, and your dedication to the nursing vocation, positioning you as an ideal candidate for your chosen nursing program.

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Understanding the Importance of a Nursing Application Essay

A nursing application essay stands as more than merely an academic composition. It plays a pivotal role in the nursing school admission process, where crafting a persuasive piece may distinguish you as an exceptional candidate among those who want to be nurses. The inclusion of personal experiences, achievements, objectives, and motivations behind your desire to become a nurse communicates to the admissions team your suitability for their program.

This essay acts as your personal voice throughout the admission journey. It offers a platform to directly address the admissions committee, narrate your story, and articulate your attraction to the nursing profession. The significance of this essay cannot be understated, as it often becomes the critical element in differentiating you from the pool of applicants, especially when you want to include experiences that underscore your suitability to become a nurse.

It mirrors your past experiences, future ambitions, and dedication to the principles upheld by the nursing profession.

To enhance the likelihood of your application’s acceptance, it is essential to excel in crafting your nursing school application essay. This necessitates dedicative planning. Focus on identifying key points you wish to include in your essay, encapsulating your personal journey, and integrating your achievements.

Initiate your essay with an engaging introductory statement to captivate your audience. It’s imperative to convey to the readers who you are and the significance of nursing to you.

The value of a nursing school essay extends beyond just satisfying an application criterion—it represents a chance to humanize your application. Picture your application as a canvas; your academic achievements and certificates illustrate your scholarly and technical expertise. However, the nursing essay adds dimension and vibrancy to this canvas, imbuing your application with life and allowing you to showcase your distinctiveness.

In the highly competitive realm of nursing school applications, your essay assumes a critical role in setting you apart from the competition. Amid numerous qualified applicants, your essay offers a window into your unique character, detailing your personal journey, challenges, successes, compassion, and enthusiasm for nursing.

Furthermore, it provides applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in coherent communication, an essential skill for nurses required to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Creating a compelling nursing application essay that secures your admission to your desired nursing school or program demands meticulous planning, research, and creativity. In the forthcoming sections, we will furnish you with tips, examples, and best practices to aid you in developing a personal and impactful nursing school essay.

Preparation Before Writing

Embarking on your nursing school personal statement requires preliminary legwork to ensure you’re well-informed about the essay prompt and the nursing school of your choice. This crucial step will enable you to write a personal statement that resonates with the admissions committee’s specific criteria and expectations. Follow these essential steps:

Comprehending the Prompt

The inaugural step involves thoroughly understanding the prompt and the nursing application essay requirements. The prompt is essentially the question or statement your essay needs to address, focusing on your interest, motivation, and objectives in pursuing a nursing career. Familiar prompts include:

• Your motivation for choosing nursing as a career
• Your immediate and long-term nursing goals
• How the nursing program will facilitate your goal achievement
• Key qualities that define an exemplary nurse
• The experiences shaping your nursing career choice

Decipher the prompt by identifying pivotal words and phrases signifying the essay’s intended purpose, scope, and tone. If it necessitates a description or explanation, ensure you provide comprehensive and factual information. Conversely, prompts demanding analysis or evaluation require a critical and reasoned outlook, while persuasion calls for a compelling argument.

Adhere to the essay’s stipulated requirements, including word count, format, style, and submission deadline, to avoid penalties or disqualification. For any uncertainties regarding the prompt or requirements, engaging with the nursing school for further clarification is advisable.

Researching the Nursing School

The subsequent step involves detailed research into the nursing school or program of interest. This showcases your enthusiasm and familiarity with the specific nursing field and institution and ensures your essay is in consonance with the school’s mission, vision, and values.

Employ a variety of sources for your research, like the school’s official website, promotional materials, social platforms, alumni feedback, and online reviews. Interactions with the nursing school’s faculty, staff, or students can also offer deeper insights.

Key research areas should include:

• The history, reputation, and accreditation status of the nursing school or program
• The academic offerings, faculty expertise, and curriculum structure
• Details on the admissions criteria, selection process, and statistics
• Available facilities, resources, and extracurricular opportunities
• The institutional culture, values, and overarching goals

As you compile your findings, maintain detailed notes and source references to ensure proper citation and avoid plagiarism. Focus on integrating information that reinforces your main arguments while omitting any superfluous details that might detract from your message.

Crafting Your Essay

Once you’ve grasped the essay prompt and researched your chosen nursing school thoroughly, it’s time to embark on the writing process. Crafting an engaging nursing personal statement is no small feat—it demands meticulous planning, organization, and a touch of creativity. Follow these key steps to ensure your essay stands out:

Creating an Outline

Begin by drafting an outline, a crucial step that provides a structured framework for organizing your thoughts and arguments clearly and coherently. An effective outline helps prevent redundancy, irrelevant content, and omissions, typically featuring three main sections: the introduction, body, and conclusion.

The introduction should present who you are, your enthusiasm for nursing, and your core thesis statement—the primary message you wish to communicate to the admissions panel. This statement needs to be succinct, transparent, and precise.

For instance, a compelling thesis statement might be, “Driven by a genuine desire to aid others, my robust academic foundation, and a personal journey towards nursing, I am poised to pursue a nursing career.”

In the body, elaborate on your thesis with supportive evidence, examples, and anecdotes. Structure the body into several paragraphs, each spotlighting a distinct idea tying back to the thesis. Open each paragraph with a topic sentence introducing its main idea, and conclude with a sentence that summarizes the idea and transitions into the next section.

An example structure could include paragraphs dedicated to your passion for helping others, your educational background, and a defining personal experience.

The conclusion is your opportunity to reiterate your thesis, encapsulate your primary arguments, and make a memorable impression on the admissions committee. Summarize your points without introducing new ideas, highlighting the significance of what you’ve discussed. Conclude with a potent statement reflecting your enthusiasm, confidence, and appreciation, something akin to, “I am confident in my ability to thrive as a nurse and contribute significantly to the nursing profession. It would be a privilege to join your esteemed nursing school and gain insights from your distinguished faculty and staff.”

Writing an Engaging Introduction

The second step involves crafting a captivating introduction. This segment, being the admissions committee’s first point of contact with your essay, should seize their interest immediately. Employ strategies like a compelling hook—a question, a quote, an intriguing statistic, or a personal story. For instance, “Witnessing a car accident at the age of 12 profoundly transformed my perspective on life.”

Following your hook, offer necessary background information that frames your essay. Briefly introduce yourself, explain your interest in nursing, and your reasons for applying to the specific nursing school or program, invoking the school or program’s name to demonstrate your detailed interest and familiarity.

The introduction’s final element is your thesis statement, which should clearly, concisely, and specifically outline the main argument or message you aim to convey, along with a preview of the key points or ideas that will be further explored in the essay body.

Developing the Body of Your Essay

The body of your essay is where you flesh out your thesis statement with concrete evidence, engaging examples, and compelling narratives. Ensure each paragraph focuses on a singular idea relevant to your thesis, introduced via a topic sentence and concluded in a way that seamlessly leads to the subsequent point.

Employ a mix of sentence structures, lengths, and vocabulary to keep the essay dynamic and engaging. Use transitional phrases like “firstly,” “secondly,” “however,” and “consequently,” to ensure a coherent flow between paragraphs. Be mindful of the essay’s word count, format, style, and tone, adhering to the nursing school’s guidelines to maintain a professional and positive tone throughout.

Concluding with Impact

The conclusion is your final chance to influence the admissions committee. Reinforce your thesis statement and summarize the essay’s core points, underscoring their relevance and demonstrating how they align with the nursing program’s values and objectives. Avoid introducing new information; instead, solidify the arguments you’ve presented and their significance. Conclude with a powerful statement that encapsulates your main message, reaffirms your commitment and suitability for the program, and expresses gratitude for the committee’s consideration. For example, “Confident in my potential to excel in nursing and make meaningful contributions to patient care, I am eager to join your nursing school and absorb knowledge from your esteemed faculty. Thank you for considering my application.”

Personalize Your Essay

To ensure your essay captivates the admissions board, infusing it with your personal touch is crucial after you’ve laid down its structure, crafted an engaging introduction, built out the body, and concluded with impact. Making your essay uniquely yours involves shining a light on your distinctive traits, expressing your desire to become a nurse, and demonstrating your empathy and compassion.

Follow these steps to add that personalized flair:

Highlighting Your Unique Qualities

Begin by spotlighting the singular qualities that render you an excellent fit for the nursing program. Discuss your personality, strengths, skills, and achievements to illustrate your readiness and suitability for a career in nursing.

It’s also key to share stories of any hurdles you’ve overcome, showcasing how these experiences have molded your character and spurred growth. Use specific, relevant anecdotes to bring these qualities to life, employing confident and positive language. Remember to stay true to yourself, dodging the pitfalls of clichés and overstatements, while ensuring you’re not redundantly repeating your resume but instead revealing new facets of your profile.

Sharing Your Nursing Aspirations

The next phase involves sharing your ambitions within the nursing field, detailing your career objectives and what sparks your enthusiasm for nursing. Clarify why you want to become a nurse, your goals as a registered nurse, and how you aim to make a difference. Discuss any particular interests or specializations and their resonance with your chosen program.

Your narrative should convey a realistic, yet passionate vision, highlighting your excitement for nursing, its alignment with your principles, and your cognizance of the profession’s evolving landscape. This is the moment to express your eagerness for lifelong learning in nursing and how the program will bolster your career trajectory.

Showcasing Empathy and Compassion

Lastly, your essay should illustrate your empathy and compassion—fundamental traits of a nurse. Empathy reflects your capacity to understand others’ feelings, whereas compassion showcases your desire to assist and care. Narrate instances where you’ve exemplified these virtues in personal or professional scenarios, emphasizing their impact on your nursing ambition.

Utilize emotive and vibrant language supported by concrete examples to depict your compassionate actions and their transformative influence on your life and nursing philosophy , illustrating how they cement your ethical framework and inform your patient care approach.

Polishing Your Essay

After highlighting your unique qualities, sharing your nursing aspirations, and showcasing empathy and compassion within your essay, it’s crucial to refine it to perfection. Polishing includes seeking feedback, editing, and proofreading to enhance the essay’s content, structure, and style. Here are some tips to help you write a strong essay perfect for the application process.

Follow these steps to elevate your essay:

Seeking Feedback

Gathering external feedback is your initial step. This can be from friends, family, mentors, teachers, or professional editors. It’s a way to identify your essay’s strengths and shortcomings and offers suggestions for refinements. Feedback also provides a fresh perspective, akin to viewing your essay through the admissions committee’s eyes.

Choose a reviewer who is knowledgeable, honest, and supportive. Provide them with the essay’s prompt and requirements, and ask for an assessment based on:

• Content: Does your essay respond to the prompt and address key points? Does it offer ample evidence and stories to back your thesis? Does it reflect your personality, passion, and nursing ambitions?
• Structure: Is your essay logically organized with an engaging introduction, coherent body, and strong conclusion? Are transitions and sentences used effectively to connect ideas?
• Style: Does your essay adhere to a clear format (APA, MLA, Chicago) for citations and plagiarism prevention? Is the style formal and professional, free from slang, jargon, and contractions? Does it maintain a positive tone without negativity or exaggeration?
• Grammar: Are spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar correct? Does the essay utilize varied sentence structures and word choices to enhance readability?

Upon receiving feedback, thank the contributor, review their insights carefully, remain open-minded, and view this as an opportunity to refine your essay. Avoid taking feedback personally; instead, see it as a means to enhance your work.

Editing and Proofreading

The subsequent step is editing and proofreading your essay to correct any errors or inconsistencies. While editing focuses on improving content, structure, and style, proofreading targets grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format accuracy.

During editing, concentrate on your essay’s overall quality. Ensure it fulfills the prompt, supports your thesis with relevant examples, portrays your aspirations and personality, maintains coherent organization with a compelling opening and conclusion, employs transitions effectively, follows a consistent citation format, and presents a formal style with a confident tone.

In proofreading, zoom in on details and accuracy. Verify grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format correctness, and ensure adherence to the nursing program’s requirements like word count and style guidelines.

Utilize tools and techniques like reading aloud, spell checkers, grammar checkers, style guides, dictionaries, thesauruses, peer reviews, professional services, and checklists fora thorough revision. Revise multiple times until your essay reaches its best version, ready to apply for nursing school.

Example Essays and Analysis

In this informative section, we present two exemplar nursing school personal statement examples that successfully encapsulate the ideals of engaging and effective writing, as previously explored. These samples serve as a beacon of inspiration, illustrating best practices for prospective nursing students aiming to craft compelling narratives of their own experiences and goals.

It’s crucial, however, to regard these essays as models rather than templates. The uniqueness of each essay stems from the personal stories and individual journeys of the writers. As such, your essay should be a mirror reflecting your personal aspirations, experiences, and character.

Sample Nursing Application Essay 1

The essay that follows was penned by Jane Doe, a hopeful applicant to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Northeastern University. The essay addresses the prompt, “Why do you want to pursue a career in nursing?” with a compelling narrative.

At the age of 12, a car accident unfolded before me, forever altering the trajectory of my life. A woman, engulfed by flames within her vehicle, screamed for help. I dashed to the closest phone booth, dialed 911, and soon, paramedics were on the scene, waging a battle against time and flames. Their success in rescuing the woman left an indelible mark on me, sparking a determination to emulate their bravery and compassion.

My name is Jane Doe. My application to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Northeastern University is driven by a lifelong fascination with human health, a profound desire to aid those in distress, and a rich tapestry of academic and professional experiences that have groomed me for a nursing career.

My passion lies in serving those who are vulnerable, providing care and comfort in their times of need. Volunteering across various health settings and participating in community engagement initiatives have enriched my skills in empathy, communication, and teamwork.

Furthermore, an extensive academic background in biology and psychology from Boston University, coupled with practical research experiences, has laid a solid foundational knowledge critical for a nursing career.

A defining moment came when, at 12, I witnessed my aunt suffer in a harrowing car accident. The compassionate care she received from her nurses during recovery illuminated the profound impact of nursing on patient and family alike, steering me toward this noble calling.

This essay encapsulates my unwavering passion for nursing, my academic preparedness, and a deeply personal inspiration. These elements not only shape my ambitions but also epitomize the qualities and drive necessary for success in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Northeastern University. It would be an honor to contribute to and learn within this esteemed nursing community.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sample Nursing Application Essay 2

Our next essay is by John Smith, who seeks to further his nursing career through the Master of Science in Nursing program at the University of California, Los Angeles, aiming to articulate his short-term and long-term nursing goals.

My journey towards nursing began in childhood, deeply influenced by a family legacy of nursing professionals. My mother’s battle with breast cancer and the exceptional care she received highlighted the profound role nurses play both in patient recovery and as pillars of support, solidifying my resolve to join their ranks.

As John Smith, an applicant to the Master of Science in Nursing program at UCLA, I bring a robust background in nursing, having earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Francisco, and garnered extensive hands-on experience in various clinical settings.

My immediate aspiration is to excel in the UCLA Master of Science in Nursing program as a step towards becoming a nurse practitioner, a role that promises both personal fulfillment and professional advancement. My vision extends to becoming a nursing educator and leader, dedicated to elevating nursing practice through teaching, research, and advocacy.

These goals reflect not only my aspirations but also my potential to contribute meaningfully to the UCLA program and the nursing profession at large. I am eager to embark on this next phase of my professional journey, guided by the exemplary faculty and peers at UCLA.

Thank you for your consideration.

Writing Techniques Demonstrated

The essays showcased here exemplify the core writing strategies discussed in prior sections. These include:

• Thoroughly addressing the essay prompt and adhering to its requirements.
• Conducting diligent research on the nursing program to tailor the essay with insightful knowledge.
• Structuring the essay coherently with a compelling introduction, a well-supported body, and a memorable conclusion.
• Infusing the narrative with unique personal insights and a clear demonstration of empathy and compassion.
• Meticulously refining the essay through thoughtful revisions and feedback to polish the final submission.

3 Typical Problems in Writing a Nursing Application Essay

Lack of focus.

When crafting a nursing application essay, one common pitfall is a lack of focus. Applicants often struggle to narrow down their ideas to a coherent narrative that effectively communicates their passion and qualifications for nursing. This can lead to an essay that feels scattered or unfocused, making it difficult for admissions committees to discern the applicant’s main message.

Too Much Information

Another issue is the tendency to include too much information. In an attempt to cover all their bases, applicants might overload their essays with too many details, from personal anecdotes to technical explanations of nursing concepts. This not only overwhelms the reader but also dilutes the impact of the most important points. Striking the right balance between being thorough and concise is key to a compelling essay.

Poor Writing Skills

Finally, poor writing skills can severely detract from an otherwise strong nursing application essay. Grammatical errors, awkward sentence structures, and improper formatting can distract from the content, making it hard for reviewers to focus on the applicant’s strengths. Investing time in proofreading and possibly seeking feedback from others can significantly improve the quality of the essay.

In this blog post, we’ve shared a detailed and actionable guide to crafting a standout nursing application essay. We’ve explored the importance of the nursing school application essay in the application process, offered tips to write an effective nursing school personal statement, and highlighted the best nursing programs’ expectations. Our advice on personal essay preparation, essay composition techniques, and steps to personalize your writing aims to help you craft a compelling nursing personal statement that articulates your desire to pursue a nursing degree.

• The significance and goals of the nursing application essay.
• Preparation steps, including comprehending the essay prompt and researching your chosen nursing school.
• Essay composition techniques, such as outlining, crafting an engaging introduction, developing a coherent body, and finishing with a memorable conclusion.
• How to inject personality into your essay by showcasing your unique traits, articulating your nursing ambitions, and demonstrating your empathy and compassion.
• Tips for refining your essay, such as soliciting feedback, and the importance of thorough editing and proofreading.
• A list of common pitfalls to avoid, like losing focus, providing excessive information, or showcasing inadequate writing skills.
• A review and analysis of two successful nursing application essays.

To clinch a spot in the best nursing programs, remember a well-written essay can serve as a winning nursing application essay. Your personal narrative takes center stage in the admissions landscape; it’s an influential piece that can sway the admission committee’s decision. With our guidelines and personal examples, we trust that writing your personal statement for nursing school will be an enriching and productive endeavor. So polish that strong essay—it’s an essential step toward your future nursing job.

Should you seek further assistance or inspiration, resources and professional services are available to help you craft a compelling nursing essay. Your application essay is a testament to your commitment to the field of nursing as you apply for nursing school. It’s crucial to apply the strength of your convictions and aspirations into the writing process, showcasing a personal narrative that resonates with the values and goals of the nursing program you’re eager to join.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Write a Good Nursing Application Essay

1. how important is a nursing application essay for those who want to be a nurse.

A good essay is crucial for individuals aspiring to become nurses. It is typically a key component of the application process for nursing programs and provides applicants with the opportunity to showcase their passion, skills, and experiences.

2. What are some tips for writing a compelling nursing application essay?

When crafting your essay, consider using essay examples as a reference. Focus on highlighting your strengths, motivations to pursue nursing , and unique qualities that make you a strong candidate. Additionally, tailor your essay to each college application to demonstrate your genuine interest.

3. Why do you need to write a compelling nursing application essay?

To make your nursing application stand out among other applicants, it is imperative to create a compelling essay that showcases your passion for the field, your relevant experiences, and the reasons applying to nursing is important to you.

4. How can you make your nursing application essay more impactful with the use of examples?

Utilizing best examples in your essay can help illustrate your points and provide concrete evidence of your qualifications and attributes. Including specific scenarios or experiences can make your essay more compelling and memorable to reviewers.

5. What should you consider when making the decision to become a nurse and including it in your essay?

When discussing your decision to become a nurse in your application essay, reflect on your personal motivations, experiences that influenced your choice, and the qualities you possess that align with the nursing profession. This can help admissions committees understand your genuine passion for nursing.

6. Why are examples of nursing personal statement important in the nursing application process?

Nursing personal statement examples serve as valuable resources for applicants to understand the structure, tone, and content expectations for their own essays. They can also provide inspiration and guidance on how to effectively convey one’s story and aspirations.

7. What specific aspects should you highlight in your nursing application essay to showcase what you bring to the table?

Focus on application materials that emphasize your unique attributes, experiences in the healthcare field, skills, and qualities that make you a strong candidate for the nursing program

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Writing an Outstanding Application Nursing Essay

Embarking on the path to a nursing career involves navigating through various challenges and significant moments, with the nursing application essay standing out as a key component. This essential part of your application transcends mere formality; it presents a special chance for you to highlight your character, commitment, and aptitude for the nursing profession. In this detailed guide, we aim to explore the intricacies of creating a standout nursing application essay. Whether you’re just starting to explore the nursing field or are ready to submit your application, this article is your roadmap to success.

Understanding the Purpose of the Essay

What do nursing schools seek in your essay.

Nursing schools are looking for candidates with the academic qualifications and personal qualities essential for nursing. Your essay should reflect your compassion, empathy, commitment to the profession, and understanding of the nursing role.

The Essay’s Role in Your Application

Your application essay is your voice in the admission process. It’s where you can speak directly to the admissions committee, tell your story, and explain why you are drawn to the nursing field. This essay can be the deciding factor in your application, setting you apart from other candidates.

Preparing to Write

• Research: Aligning with the School’s Values

Prior to beginning your essay, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the fundamental ideals and beliefs of the nursing school you’re applying to. Spend time browsing their website, absorbing their mission statement, and comprehending their perspective on nursing education. This crucial insight will help you tailor your essay to resonate with the school’s philosophy. This research will help you tailor your essay to resonate with their ethos.

• Self-reflection: Your Nursing Journey

Reflect on your experiences and why you chose nursing. Think about moments in your life that led you to pursue this career. These reflections will help you create an authentic and personal narrative.

• Brainstorming: Crafting Your Story

Take time to brainstorm ideas for your essay. Think about your strengths, experiences, and what aspects of nursing excite you. Make sure to note down these key points; they will be the essential framework for your essay.

Structuring Your Essay

• Introduction: Making a Strong First Impression

The introduction of your essay is your first chance to capture the reader’s attention. Begin with an engaging story, a meaningful personal experience, or a statement that makes the reader think. This approach will offer a window into your personality and highlight your enthusiasm for nursing.

• Body: Building Your Narrative

Organize the body of your essay around a few key experiences or ideas. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your journey or a particular quality you possess. Use examples from your life to demonstrate your commitment, compassion, and ability to overcome challenges.

• Conclusion: Leaving a Lasting Impression

Your conclusion should wrap up your essay by summarizing the key points and reaffirming your interest and readiness for a nursing career. This is your final chance to remind the admissions committee why you are a suitable candidate.

Writing Tips and Best Practices

• Clarity and Conciseness

Keep your writing clear and concise. Avoid unnecessary jargon and be direct in your storytelling. Remember, the admissions committee reads many essays, so getting your point across quickly is crucial.

• Authenticity: Be Yourself

Your essay should reflect your true self. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Honesty and sincerity will resonate more than trying to fit a certain mold you think the school wants.

• Using Specific Examples

Provide specific life examples rather than general statements about your passion for nursing. This might include volunteering, personal experiences with healthcare, or moments of inspiration from other nurses.

• Attention to Technical Details

Proofread your essay multiple times for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Also, adhere to the nursing school’s formatting guidelines, such as word count and font size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Steering Clear of Clichés and Generalities

Clichés and overused phrases can make your essay sound generic. Instead, focus on providing unique insights and personal experiences that highlight individuality.

• Directly Answering the Essay Prompt

It’s crucial to stay on topic and answer the essay prompt directly. Deviating from the prompt can lead the admissions committee to question your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.

• Avoiding Excessive Jargon

Revising and Refining Your Essay

• The Importance of Drafts and Revisions

Your first draft is just the beginning. Be prepared to revise and refine your essay several times. This process helps fine-tune your message and improve the overall flow and clarity.

• Seeking Feedback

Get feedback on your essay from mentors, teachers, or peers. They can provide valuable insights and suggest improvements you might not have considered.

• Final Proofreading

Before submitting your essay, do a thorough proofreading. Check for grammatical errors or typos, and ensure your essay adheres to the specified word limit and formatting requirements.

Crafting your nursing application essay is an opportunity for self-reflection and a chance to convey your zeal for nursing. It’s important to remain authentic, be truthful in your narrative, and allow your sincere passion for nursing to be evident. With careful preparation, thoughtful structure, and attention to detail, your essay can prove your readiness for a nursing career.

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Standard B.S.N. Application Checklist

The following must be completed to be considered for the standard B.S.N. program in Brookings, Rapid City or Sioux Falls:

• Prior to applying to the nursing program, students must apply for admission to SDSU (if you are not already a student). The university application can be completed online through the Admissions Office.
• Students who are currently enrolled at SDSU do not need to complete the university admissions application.
• The application deadline for spring admission is Sept. 25 (January start). Spring admission is available in Brookings, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. The deadline for fall admission is Jan. 25 (August start). Fall admission is available in Brookings and Rapid City only.
• Applicants are encouraged not to wait until the last day, especially after business hours or on weekends as staff will not be available to assist with any technical difficulties. 
• Visit the College of Nursing application to download the application. Any application deadline updates are also posted there.
• Eligible students may apply to the professional nursing major when all required prerequisite courses are completed or in progress and eligibility requirements are met.
• Students preparing for education in the field of professional nursing must demonstrate a stable personality and the ability to meet the demands of the professional nurse role. For admission to, progression in and completion of the undergraduate program in nursing, the student must meet technical standards for the professional nursing major.
• All courses from other institutions must be transferred and present on the SDSU transcript by the time of application to the major. If this is not possible because of courses in progress at another institution, then attach ALL college transcripts (unofficial transcripts acceptable) to the nursing application.
• Highlight the prerequisite (or equivalent) courses on the transcripts.
• If prerequisite courses are in progress at another institution at the time of application to the major, include a current transcript or course schedule which shows these courses.
• See the eligibility requirements for additional information.
• The College of Nursing requires all students who meet the definition of English as a Second Language to complete the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam, regardless of residency status.
• The minimum TOEFL score required for admission to the nursing program is 79 (iBT), with a minimum speaking score of 26. The required IELTS band score for admission to the professional program is 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each module. The required Duolingo score is 110. These scores are required before the student will be accepted into the major.
• The Legal Questionnaire is a separate DocuSign form linked on application page when you apply. 
• Students who answered “yes” to legal question(s) must attach and submit the required documentation.
• Students who answered “yes” to any of the legal questions must submit copies of charges or citations and ALL communications with (to and from) the citing agency AND the court of jurisdiction, including evidence of completion/compliance with court requirements.
• These documents must be uploaded to the Legal Questionnaire itself and will go only to the director of nursing student services for compliance and legal requirements. These documents will not be seen by the reviewers of your application. 
• The essay questions are provided in the application. 
• Students are encouraged to draft and refine their essay responses offline and review them several times.
• When ready to submit, your essay questions will be copy and pasted into an online platform for scoring.  The link to that online platform will be provided in the application information for each application cycle.
• Essay questions are scored independently of each other so your response to one should not include a reference to another response.  Essay questions are scored blinded so do not include any identifying information in your essay.
• CHEM 106/106L Chemistry Survey and Lab (or CHEM 112/112L Gen Chem I and Lab)
• SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology or SOC 150 Social Problems or SOC 240 Sociology of Rural America or ANTH 210 Cultural Anthropology
• PSYC 101 General Psychology
• BIOL 221/221L Anatomy and Lab
• HDFS 210 Lifespan Development
• MICR 231/231L General Microbiology and Lab
• NUTR 315 Human Nutrition
• BIOL 325/325L Physiology and Lab
• SGR 1 Written Communication: any eligible course
• SGR 2 Oral Communication: any eligible course
• SGR 4 Arts and Humanities (it is strongly encouraged, but not required, to have one of two eligible courses completed or in progress at the time of application)
• SGR 5 Mathematics: MATH 103 or higher course
• NURS 119 Seminar

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