nurse practitioner admission essay examples

nurse practitioner admission essay examples

The Importance of Nurse Practitioner Admission Essays

1. Introduction

This paper focuses on the importance of nurse practitioner (NP) admission essays when trying to become an NP. It provides an argument in the form of a literary review that supports the success and implementation of the admission essay when trying to be accepted into an NP program. NPs who currently are providing insight about their experiences were asked to reflect on their own admission essays. These NPs were able to see the relevance and importance of the essay process. This paper also provides a perspective to new NPs and those seeking to become an NP. It is a reflection from a new NP who has insight and experiences to share after going through the NP program and the process of writing and implementing an admission essay. Lastly, it will provide a broader understanding by comparing NP admission essays to the law school admissions process throughout the paper.

The burgeoning population of the elderly, coupled with the retirement of baby boomer nurses, is resulting in a global shortage of skilled nurses. It is for this reason that over the past decade, nursing has become one of the most popular undergraduate programs – nursing is now the sixth largest declared major amongst United States university and college students. Unfortunately, this is still not enough to meet the current demand and the shortage continues to grow. Because of this shortage, nursing has become a popular choice amongst second degree seekers. The future of nursing is here and the only way to meet this demand is for more advanced practice nurses to transition into a role where they can be primary care providers. Currently, nurse practitioners are 6% of the nursing workforce and with the shortage and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, that percentage is sure to grow. In order to fill this gap, it is necessary to encourage the nurses of today to further their education. One way to do this is by having nurse practitioners who are already in practice or those who are just finishing their nurse practitioner programs provide insight to other nurses about their experiences.

2. Highlighting Academic Achievements

In order to convince the school faculty that you are the best candidate for their program, you must focus on those who have failed and succeeded, improved with better CGPA. One significant way to prove this is by providing evidence of academic achievement. Academic achievement is considered a significant asset for a nursing candidate. Include the grade point average (GPA) for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Bachelor of Nursing (BN) and any other higher degrees that you have obtained. According to Haynes, Moulton, Miller, and Embree (2011), GPA is indicative of success in nursing students. This relates to the idea that the higher the GPA, the higher the level of knowledge available to a nursing student. High academic achievement is also viewed as an indicator of motivation, a strong work ethic, and the ability to set goals and achieve them. Admissions faculty often look for not only the amount of education an applicant may have but also the achievement of successful outcomes. They hope to select candidates who are able to successfully complete the course requirements. The ability to show progression over your academic career, such as improvement in GPA scores, is another positive characteristic. If you have had a low GPA at some stage, be sure to explain this and the reasons for it, such as personal factors or life-changing events.

3. Demonstrating Clinical Experience

Clinical experience is found at the foundation of NP practice. It is the high quality and quantity of clinical practice that differentiates the competency of one NP from another. Clinical experiences, both good and bad, provide a strong basis for NP practice. Acceptance to a nurse practitioner (NP) program is contingent upon an exemplary academic record and passing the national certification exam to become a registered nurse (RN). These achievements are mere prerequisites to the real qualifications for becoming an NP. NP education is at the post-master’s level and is most often provided in an academic or medical center setting. It is imperative that the applicant have a broad array of clinical experiences in diversified practice settings to be well-prepared to begin studies in an NP program. Until now, many NP programs have not required specific numbers of hours or types of clinical practices for admission. Thus, clinical experience often gets defined too narrowly and the NP student may find himself/herself lacking in the clinical skills necessary for advanced practice. It is essential that the applicant have a strong base in taking comprehensive health histories, physical examinations and diagnosing and managing common acute and chronic illnesses across the lifespan. The applicant should be able to locate and identify scientific evidence which will provide rationale for the diagnostic and treatment plan.

4. Expressing Passion for Patient Care

Undoubtedly, one of the most important components of a compelling essay is to express your passion for becoming a nurse and more specifically, a nurse practitioner. Much has been written about the logic, theories, and reasons for wanting to become a nurse practitioner, yet the passion is almost palpable. Use your essay to make a clear and convincing argument for your choice. An essay is like a window into your soul; it’s a chance to let your readers inside in order to help them understand where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going. It’s a journey that can only be reached by the soul, and it’s a journey that will continue to offer rewards for the rest of your life. One of the strongest reasons for becoming a nurse practitioner is the opportunity to effect change in the healthcare community. According to the McAllen Medical Center mission statement, it is our goal to provide leadership and excellence in delivering quality healthcare services. All individuals, whether graduate or janitor, want to feel that they contribute to the success of their organizations. A nurse practitioner is in a unique position to model and effect change from the inside out. As a nurse practitioner, one can lead by example by making a commitment to their own healthcare through lifelong learning and setting higher standards for themselves, while also helping to foster a trusting environment with a shared vision on the part of an inter-professional team.

5. Concluding Statement

Admission essays are not just a bunch of boring paperwork, it’s your life dependent on a single file; in this case, nurse practitioners. Your essay is the decisive factor on whether or not you will be accepted to the nursing program. You are not only representing yourself, but you are also representing the profession. Nurse practitioners are pivotal in the provision of healthcare through the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective services, and no other group of professionals can be a better fit for the nursing profession or the healthcare environment. This is why it is imperative to have a high level of competency upon acceptance to the nursing field. A study by Joanne Evans and Wynne Raymond, using data provided by a sample of nurse practitioners and family doctors in Ontario suggests, “Nurse practitioners provide Plan A quality of care whereas physicians have been shown to provide Plan B quality of care for the same illnesses.” They are often able to prevent hospital stays and readmissions, and are able to catch potential life-threatening medication errors. Because research shows that physicians are prone to making medical errors in various countries, and medication errors are a frequent occurrence and one of the leading causes of avoidable death in the United States, it is important to maintain a high level of autonomy for nurse practitioners through having the proper education.