example of adult nursing personal statement

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Your personal statement is a key aspect of the selection process.

It's your opportunity to demonstrate your drive and passion to study to become a nurse, what's inspired and motivated you to choose this profession, and to demonstrate the skills and qualities you have that will enable you to practice as a future registered nurse, showing how you can make a difference and contribute in meaningful ways when you're in post. 

You need to detail the skills you have acquired such as specific communication skills, an understanding of and an ability to appreciate the needs of others such as supporting peers, and an understanding of cultural differences. 

You should explain the inspiration behind your nursing field route and the sort of qualities you have that suit the programme you've chosen to apply for.

You should also show a genuine understanding of how the programme is structured and the differences between the practical and theoretical aspects of the programme.

The following tips may prove useful:

If you're applying for a degree in adult nursing you need to be able to demonstrate your ability to interact on a professional basis with adults from diverse backgrounds and ethnic groups, from young adults through to the older person and the acutely ill in hospital care, community care and end of life care.

Adult nurses also promote health, educate people how to live healthier lifestyles, assess, lead, co-ordinate, and deliver compassionate, sensitive, and culturally informed care. ​You need to demonstrate your knowledge of nursing in the adult field.

You should be able to evidence a wide range of personal and social interactions that support your application and highlight your qualities and strengths to the full.

Learning disabilities nurses work with people across the whole lifespan, enabling each person to reach their full potential, flourish and live their best lives. ​They facilitate the care and treatment of people, including advocacy to ensure the people you care for have choice, control, and independence in all aspects of their daily lives.

Working in a diverse range of settings, such as people's homes, education, residential and community centres, hospitals and specialist Autism services, learning disabilities nurses help break down barriers to reduce health inequalities. You should be aware that a learning disability diagnosis varies between all individuals, and expert nursing care can really make a vast difference to outcomes.

Mental health nurses work with patients and carers from a variety of sectors in life, supporting patients experiencing acute, complex, or long-term mental health problems.

Mental health nurses support patients to understand their situation, promote recovery and help them live independent lives​ using their communication, interpersonal and therapeutic skills to build positive, trusting and person-centred relationships.

This type of role may entail nursing patients with drug or alcohol abuse issues alongside the complex range of mental illnesses that can present. Mental health nursing offers a range of opportunities, including crisis care and follow-up community psychiatric nursing opportunities. Make sure you research this area well before writing your personal statement in full.

There are five key themes we look for in your personal statement. Ensuring you’ve clearly covered and addressed these will further strengthen and improve your application and hopefully secure an invitation to interview.

Making sure you’ve covered the below points will not only help you succeed in being offered an interview, but it provides excellent preparation for the interview as you’ll have already considered the key areas that will be discussed:

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How to Write a Mature Student Nursing Personal Statement

Need some help with your mature student nursing personal statement? We’ve got you. Most nursing programs consider mature students (typically applicants who are 21 years of age or older) to be  non-traditional applicants , and although it is very common, applying for nursing school as a non-traditional applicant can quickly feel intimidating. However, with the right strategies, it is possible to create strong application components that will improve your chances of getting admitted, and one of the components you need to pay special attention to is your nursing personal statement. In this blog, we are going to tell you why your mature student nursing personal statement is so important, what you can do to strengthen your essay, and we’ll share some examples of  nursing school personal statements  that’ll inspire your own. So, keep reading to learn how to write a compelling mature student nursing personal statement.

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Article Contents 10 min read

What is the purpose of a nursing personal statement.

The nursing personal statement is a common admissions essay that is part of the application process to nursing school, studying nursing, and practicing nursing. Writing skills are essential for nurses since they need to be able to communicate, verbally and in written form, with their colleagues, patients, and the medical community at large. Your nursing personal statement gives the admissions committee one of it's few chances to evaluate your communication skills. 

It also gives you a chance to tell them why you are a good fit for the field of nursing and for their nursing program specifically. Your essay should essentially outline who you are and why you're applying to nursing school. It should give answers the question, " why do you want to be a nurse ". It should be noted that many nursing school applications include an essay component, but not all of them do. You should take the time to verify the specific requirements of your chosen school.

1. Answer the Question 'Why Now?'

As a mature student, it is essential that you show the admissions committee that you are not only interested but also committed to nursing. This is why we recommend that you spend a paragraph or a few short sentences answering the question 'why now?' Perhaps this was always part of the plan for you, or perhaps your current career made you realize that nursing was a better fit for you – whatever the case is, providing some context of your decision-making in your mature student nursing personal statement will help the admissions board get a picture of your commitment to and suitability for the field of nursing.

You should not spend your entire essay explaining why you've decided to change direction and apply to this program at this particular point in your life, but you should briefly discuss the experience or event that led to your decision. Take some time to reflect and really brainstorm before putting pen to paper on this one. Sometimes your reasons for applying to a nursing program as a mature applicant are straightforward - like perharps, you simply could not afford it, but other times they might be less tangible than merely training for a new career. Start by thinking about why you didn't choose to go into nursing immediately after high school or college, consider what has changed since then, and how those changes have affected your decision.

One of the most important essay writing strategies we can share with you is to show, not tell. The reality is that anyway can talk about their accomplishments and use buzzwords to make themselves sound like a strong candidate. The admissions committee doesn't just want to read about the qualities and traits that you think you possess, they want to know how you know you have those skills, how you developed them, and how you have used them.

This is why you want to use specific experiences and examples in your mature student nursing personal statement. That'll show the admissions board that you have the skills and abilities required to thrive in their program. It is also a great way to discuss the advantages that being a mature student can give you. You can provide more information about your experiences and how they have prepared you for this next chapter of your academic and professional career by giving you new skills. For example, if you have been working in customer service in the medical field, you can share a short anecdote highlighting your communication and interpersonal skills. 

Remember to avoid summarizing or merely listing facts about yourself. Instead, use short anecdotes and describe specific experiences because this will make your nursing personal statement more impactful. The aim is to show the admissions board that you can back up the claims you are making about yourself. Moreover, people are also more likely to remember a narrative than a list of traits or facts, making your essay more memorable.

Have you started preparing for your nursing school interviews? This infographic can help:

3. Get Help From the Experts

Considering the role that nursing school admission essays play in the admissions process, you need to do everything you can to make sure that you are submitting the best essays possible. You can do that by working with  nursing essay writing services . These services are offered by  nursing admission consultants  , who are trained to assist students and guide them through the complex world of nursing school admissions.

These experts can review your essays and give you personalized feedback to help you edit and polish them until they are ready for submission. Please note that these advisors will not write your essay for you. Actually, we'll just go ahead and warn you right now: stay away from "admission experts" who offer to write your mature student nursing personal statement for you. It is not only unethical, but if the nursing school you applied to ever finds out, it could cost you the acceptance that you were hoping for. 

Instead, consultants can give you additional nursing school essay tips and strategies to help you write a compelling personal statement. They also review your essay drafts and help you edit them to ensure that your final essay highlights your strengths, skills, and abilities in the best way possible. They are able to see little things that the untrained eye wouldn't notice, but that could make a big difference in the quality of your overall personal statement.

Mature Student Nursing Personal Statement Example #1

My first official job was with a Rent-A-Car service as an assistant manager. I started as an intern during college and continued after graduating from Fictional University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Administration. At that point, I had never really thought about a career path. I grew up in a family that struggled financially, and I was always focused on making enough money to help with the bills in the best way I could. This job allowed me to do that, and I believed it would lead to a successful career in the industry.

After several months with XYZ Rent-A-Car, I realized that this job was not what I had expected. My happiest moments were when I got to speak to customers directly and help them out of challenging situations or make a small change that would make someone's day a little easier. The sad reality of my position as an assistant manager is that those days were few and far between. Each morning, waking up to go to work became more and more difficult as I started craving a career that would allow me to interact with others and help them more often. 

One of my favorite memories from my time at XYZ Rent-A-Car was helping a single mother who was driving across the country to attend her oldest son's college graduation. It was the middle of the night, and we only had two small sedan cars left in the parking lot, but she needed an SUV because she was traveling with two kids, and one of them was in a wheelchair. I knew how important this was for her, so I spent almost an hour on the phone with other XYZ Rent-A-Car branches in the state, looking for a car that would fit her needs before driving her for 1 hour and 35 minutes across the state line to pick up a vehicle from a different branch. 

That experience was a pivotal moment in my career. First, it was special to me because I felt like I had gotten the customer out of a jam, and I got to do it while interacting with her two adorable children. However, what made it truly special is that she left a review on our website in which she explained how grateful she was for the patience I showed her son, and how comfortable I made her son feel when I was helping him out of his wheelchair and into the new car. She explained that he has cerebral palsy and often gets defensive with strangers but that he had taken a liking to me because of how I treated him.

I hadn't paid attention to that moment because it had come naturally to me, but the fact that she had noticed it and it had made a difference for them made me very happy. I wanted more of that in my career, and I decided to start thinking about the different career options that would allow me to do so. I wanted a job that would suit my compassion and innate desire to help people and that also had longevity and security. 

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After carefully researching different fields and career options, I realized that nursing was my best choice. I have always been curious about the field of medicine, but I never had any interest in becoming a doctor. Even as a child, I remember playing doctor and being more interested in helping my dolls manage their pain, ensuring they were clean, dressing their wounds, and making sure they felt cared for rather than curing them.

I knew that becoming a nurse would not be easy or cheap, so before embarking on this journey, I wanted to make sure that I was on the right path for me. I spent the following months talking to different nurses and researching the many roles nurses occupy depending on their credentials. 

I even spent three months shadowing a nurse practitioner who works as a travel nurse. During those three months, she was taking care of a terminal patient in their home, and I got the opportunity to learn so much about interacting with patients. I watched as she administered his medication with care, spoke with him, listened to him, made him laugh, and did many other little things to ensure he was as comfortable as possible. It helped me understand that a big part of being a great nurse is interacting with your patients and communicating with them, verbally or otherwise. 

I know I am finally on the right path for my career, and I look forward to learning more about all the other traits and competencies that make a great nurse. I am confident that my desire to care for others, commitment to nursing, and work ethic will make me a great student and, eventually, a great nurse.

My desire to become a nurse - a nurse for elderly patients in particular - has developed over the years. I have always believed that my fulfillment lies in serving those most vulnerable, but I was not sure which career path would allow me to do so and also suit my skills. After high school, I worked a number of different jobs. One of them was as a customer service representative for an insurance company, which enabled me to not only develop my communication skills but also understand that I wanted to play an active role in patient care. 

One of the companies that we represented was a nursing home, and I always felt a connection to many of the residents who called us. So when I started looking for a role that would allow me to actively interact with people in person, taking a job as a care assistant in that facility felt natural. That job helped me discover how satisfying such work could be and how it gave purpose to my life, both personally and professionally. 

I tended to the needs of several terminally ill patients. That experience taught me about the emotional demands of nursing while simultaneously helping me gain a deep sense of reward from feeling that I had contributed to their welfare during their final days. One of the patients I bonded with the most suffered from Alzheimer's, and I remember being especially touched by his frustration at being unable to communicate effectively. To make his life a bit easier, I helped him create infographics and write sticky notes that we strategically placed around the home so that he could be a bit more independent. To this day, it is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. 

The next role I took - as an in-home healthcare assistant- gave me even more opportunities to gain experience with a wide variety of illnesses and a chance to observe nurses at work. For example, recently, I have been working with a patient with tetraplegia who suffers from emotional and cognitive disabilities, which sometimes manifest themselves in challenging behavior. With patience and clear communication, we have been able to build a mutually trusting relationship, thus helping him manage a degree of independent life. 

In addition to learning how to build trust and interact with even the most challenging patients, I have been learning many nursing skills - such as taking blood pressure, noting symptoms, as well as the administrative processes of nursing like keeping accurate notes, relaying information, and the like. 

Over the years, my experiences and the conversations I have had with other professionals in the industry have shown me that being an adult nurse is very demanding and calls for a greater level of personal commitment than many other occupations. That is part of what appeals to me. I genuinely believe that most of the best things in life require a great deal of commitment and hard work. I am prepared to take on this challenge. Additionally, my experiences have prepared me for nursing school and the nursing profession by sharpening my communication skills, attention to detail, sense of empathy, and work ethic. 

Now that I have found the right career path for me, I am ready to start my tertiary education and become a nurse. I took the time to research several institutions before deciding on which ones to apply to because it is important to me to study at a school that not only has an excellent curriculum and practicum opportunities but one that also values patient-centered care. 

So, as you read this essay and the rest of my application, I'd like you to know that I took the time to learn about myself, my chosen profession, and your school before making any commitments. I am indeed committed to becoming the best nurse that I can be, and I know that you can help me on that journey.

Nursing school acceptance rates in the US and Canada differ widely depending on your school and program of choice, but it is safe to say that nursing schools are pretty competitive, and most schools are highly selective.

Not necessarily. Most nursing schools have a written application component, such as a nursing personal statement or letter of intent. That said, different schools have their own admission requirements and process, so you will need to check the requirements of your school of choice.

Your nursing school personal statement is supposed to tell the admissions committee more about who you are, what will make you a good nursing school student, and eventually, a nurse.

Unless otherwise stated, your personal statement should be between 650 and 800 words. That said, verifying the requirements specified by the school you're actually applying to is important as some schools may require a longer or shorter essay.

As a mature nursing applicant, you should discuss your reasons for applying to nursing school at this stage of your life and the different experiences in your journey that have prepared you for nursing school and a career as a nurse. 

Essentially, it means that you should use specific examples and anecdotes to highlight the various qualities and traits that you want to showcase instead of simply telling them that you possess those qualities.

A strong mature nursing student personal statement should be concise, grammatically correct, have specific examples, address the 'why now' question, have a strong opening statement, and follow the instructions given by your chosen school. 

Writing a solid personal statement requires time. We recommend giving yourself at least six and eight weeks to work on your essay.

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College personal statement examples and writing tips.

A crucial step in your nursing journey is learning how to write a personal statement that resonates with admissions committees and vividly portrays your passion for healthcare. This collection of amazing personal statement examples is curated to guide and inspire you as you articulate your aspirations, experiences, and motivation to pursue nursing.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a written narrative that typically forms a significant part of an application to universities, colleges, or professional programs, particularly in fields like nursing. It’s an opportunity for junior year applicants to present themselves beyond test scores and grades, offering insights into their personalities, experiences, goals, and motivations.

In a personal statement, applicants explain why they are interested in a specific field of study or profession, what they hope to achieve through the program, and how their background and experiences have prepared them for this path. It’s a chance to highlight unique attributes, significant life experiences, challenges overcome, or special achievements that make them an ideal candidate for the program.

Why Read Personal Statement Examples?

Reading personal statement essay examples is immensely beneficial for several reasons, especially when preparing your own statement for applications to nursing programs:

• Inspiration and Ideas: Examples can inspire you and provide ideas on structuring your statement, what kind of content to include in your application essay, and how to convey your story and passion effectively.
• Understanding Expectations: They offer insight into what admissions committees look for, helping you understand the level of detail, tone, and approach that resonates successfully in such applications.
• Learning from Others: Seeing how others have articulated their experiences, challenges, and aspirations can guide you in reflecting upon and articulating your own journey and motivations.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: By examining a range of examples, you can identify common pitfalls and clichés to avoid, ensuring your statement stands out and feels genuine.
• Gaining Confidence: Reading successful common app essays can boost your confidence, showing you that crafting a compelling narrative that combines personal experiences with professional aspirations is possible.
• Diverse Perspectives: Examples offer a glimpse into the diversity of paths and motivations that lead people to nursing, potentially broadening your perspective and enriching your own approach to writing your statement.

How Long Should a Personal Statement Be?

The length of your personal statement should ideally align with the guidelines provided by the institution or program you are applying to. Personal statements are expected to be concise yet comprehensive, often ranging around 500 to 650 words , translating to about one to two pages. 

This word count allows enough space to clearly articulate your experiences, motivations, and aspirations without overloading the reader with information. It’s important to always adhere to the program’s specific word or character limits to demonstrate your ability to follow instructions and present your thoughts.

What Should a Personal Statement Include?

A well-written college admissions essay should include several key elements to effectively communicate your suitability for the program or position you are applying for. Here’s what to typically include:

Introduction

Your personal statement should begin with an engaging introductory paragraph that captures the essence of your motivation for pursuing your chosen field. This could be a brief narrative of a defining moment, an experience that ignited your passion, or a clear articulation of your interest and enthusiasm.

The introduction sets the tone and should intrigue the reader, providing a glimpse into your unique journey and motivation. It’s important that this section hooks the reader’s attention and provides a compelling reason to continue reading your statement.

Academic and Professional Background

In this section, brainstorm and detail your relevant academic and professional experiences that have prepared you for this next step. Highlight key academic achievements, coursework, research, or projects that align with the field you are pursuing.

Also, include any relevant work experience, internships, or positions that have given you practical skills and insights. This part of the statement is crucial for showcasing your foundational knowledge and preparedness for advanced study or professional development and gaining a scholarship in your chosen area.

Extracurricular Activities and Volunteering

Your involvement in extracurricular activities and volunteering can significantly enrich your personal statement. This section should reflect how these activities have contributed to your personal growth, skills development, or understanding of your field.

Whether it’s a hobby, leadership roles in clubs, participation in sports teams, or volunteer work in community organizations, these experiences demonstrate your broader interests, commitment, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities. It’s an opportunity to show aspects of your character and values that academic achievements alone might not convey.

Personal Qualities and Skills

Reflect on and draft the personal qualities and skills that make you suited for your chosen path. This might include traits like resilience, empathy, critical thinking, or effective communication. Use specific examples or experiences to demonstrate how you have developed and applied these traits.

This personal reflection not only provides depth to your statement but also gives the admissions committee a clearer picture of who you are as an individual, beyond academic and professional achievements.

Career Goals and Aspirations

Discuss your career aspirations and how the program or position you are applying for aligns with these goals. This section should convey a clear vision of where you see yourself in the future and how the specific program or role will be a stepping stone toward that vision.

It’s important to show that you have a direction and purpose and that you see this opportunity as integral to your career journey. This not only demonstrates foresight and planning but also shows your commitment and seriousness about the path you are choosing.

Reasons for Choosing the Specific Program or Institution

Clearly articulate why you are applying to this particular program or institution. Discuss what specific aspects of the program, faculty, institution’s philosophy, or opportunities available are particularly attractive to you and why they resonate with your goals and preferences.

This shows that you have done your research and are making a well-informed decision. It also indicates that you have a genuine interest in what the program or institution uniquely offers, rather than a generic application.

Conclude your statement with a strong, memorable closing that encapsulates your main points and reaffirms your enthusiasm and suitability for the program or career. This is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression, summarizing why you believe you are an ideal candidate.

The conclusion should tie back to your opening, creating a cohesive narrative that leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your passion, commitment, and readiness for the next step in your academic or professional journey.

What Does an Admissions Officer Look for in a Personal Statement?

When reviewing a personal statement, admission officers are looking for several key elements to assess the suitability of a candidate for their program:

• Clarity of Purpose: Admissions officers want to see a clear understanding of why the applicant wants to pursue a particular field or program. The statement should convincingly articulate the candidate’s passion, motivation, and how the program aligns with their career goals.
• Personal Insight and Self-Reflection: A strong personal essay offers insight into the applicant’s personality, experiences, and the factors that have shaped their decision to pursue a specific path. Admissions officers look for depth of reflection and a sense of how past experiences have driven the candidate’s current ambitions.
• Relevant Experience and Skills: It’s important for the statement to highlight any relevant academic, professional, or volunteer experiences that demonstrate preparedness for the program. Admissions officers are interested in how these experiences have contributed to the development of skills and knowledge pertinent to the field.
• Writing Quality and Structure: The ability to communicate effectively and coherently through writing is crucial. Admissions officers pay attention to the overall quality of writing, including grammar, clarity, coherence, and the ability to organize thoughts logically.
• Individuality and Authenticity: They seek to understand what makes each applicant unique. A personal statement should reflect the individual’s authentic self, showcasing unique perspectives, diverse experiences, and personal growth.
• Commitment and Passion: Demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and a strong commitment to the field is essential. Admissions officers look for candidates who are likely to thrive in the program and contribute positively to their field.
• Alignment with Program Values and Goals: Candidates who show that their personal and professional values align with those of the program or institution often stand out. Admissions officers look for indications that the candidate has researched the program and understands how it fits into their broader aspirations.
• Future Potential: Finally, they are interested in the applicant’s potential for future success and contribution to the field. A compelling statement should give a sense of the candidate’s ambition to go to college and how they intend to utilize the education and opportunities provided by the program to achieve their long-term goals.

The Best Personal Statement Examples

Here are some examples that illustrate effective writing styles, clear articulation of goals, and the ability to connect personal experiences to broader career or academic aspirations:

Personal Statement Example #1 

Personal statement example #2, college essay example #3, personal statement example #4, application essay example #5, personal statement example #6, personal statement example #7, personal statement example #8, personal statement example #9, personal statement example #10, personal statement example #11, personal statement example #12, personal statement example #13, personal statement example #14, personal statement example #15, key takeaways for writing a great personal statement.

When reflecting on the nursing personal statement examples provided, several key takeaways emerge that are crucial for anyone crafting their statement. These insights are vital for effectively conveying your passion, commitment, and suitability for a career in nursing:

• Clearly articulate your personal motivation for choosing nursing.
• Highlight your relevant healthcare experiences and achievements.
• Specify your interest in any particular nursing specialty.
• Showcase qualities and skills that make you suitable for nursing.
• Outline your long-term professional aspirations in nursing.
• Acknowledge the challenges and rewards in the nursing profession.
• Express dedication to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Ensure clarity, structure, and coherence in your statement.
• Customize your statement for each specific nursing program.
• Maintain authenticity and genuineness throughout your statement.

Final Thoughts: Personal Statement Essay Examples

These nursing personal statement examples and key takeaways provide valuable insights for anyone aspiring to enter the nursing freshman year. They demonstrate the importance of a well-crafted statement that blends personal motivation, relevant experiences, and a clear understanding of the nursing profession’s demands and rewards. 

An effective personal statement is not only a reflection of your qualifications and aspirations but also a testament to your passion, empathy, and commitment to the field of nursing. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your individuality and suitability for a career that is as challenging as it is rewarding. 

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Nursing Personal Statement Examples in 2023

In this article, we look at the best nursing personal statement examples in 2023 along with tips and advice for writing a great personal statement for a nursing program.

Table of Contents

What is a nursing personal statement, what should you include in your nursing personal statement, how to write an outstanding nursing personal statement, nursing personal statement example #1, nursing personal statement example #2, nursing personal statement example #3, related articles.

• FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Keep reading for 3 examples of nursing personal statements and the 7 things you should include in your statement. Also, find out how taking care of her grandmother at home inspired one student to go into nursing.

A nursing personal statement is an essay or statement that is usually part of a list of requirements for admittance to a nursing program.

The purpose of a nursing personal statement is to give the selection committee information about your character and qualities so they can see you will be a good fit for the program.

The goals that should be included in a nursing personal statement are:

• Passing all of your exams and receiving an honours degree in general nursing.
• Becoming a registered nurse and securing a job as a nurse.
• Helping a certain group of people (for example children, the elderly, and vulnerable youth)

2. Professional Experience

Any professional experience related to nursing should be included in a nursing personal statement. This could include:

• Hospital, clinic and GP practice experience
• Any other relevant work with people such as volunteering or mentoring roles
• Any paid work that has given you administrative or client-facing experience
• Previous work experience in healthcare settings such as residential care demonstrates your ability to handle complex situations and care for patients.

For example, one student wrote about how working in a dental clinic helped her to start to consider nursing as a career.

3. Interests and motivation

When writing a nursing personal statement, it is important to explain your motivation for pursuing a career in nursing. Possible interests to include in your statement include:

• Your desire to help others and make a difference in people’s lives
• You were inspired by a family member, teacher or neighbour who was a nurse
• Your interest in providing care and support to those who need it most when they are at their most vulnerable
• The positive impact that nurses have on their patients’ lives, both physically and mentally
• Your desire to work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals
• Your commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care for all patients, regardless of their background or lifestyle choices.

One of the students profiled below wrote I have a particular interest in pain management and the non-traditional methods of holistic care to support patients, such as hypnosis.

4. Qualifications

When writing a nursing personal statement, it is important to include details of the qualifications you have earned or are currently working towards. These should include:

• A degree in nursing or a related field.
• Certification in CPR, advanced life support techniques, and other relevant skill sets.
• Strong scores in High School science, math and related subjects.

5. Personal Traits

When writing a personal statement for nursing programmes, it is important to include personal qualities such as:

• Honesty and integrity – you should be honest about your abilities and experience, as well as your intentions for pursuing a career in nursing.
• Empathy – being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand their perspective is an essential trait of a good nurse.
• Compassion – having compassion for others will help you provide them with the best possible care.
• Initiative – taking the initiative when needed shows that you are capable of taking on responsibilities without being told what to do.
• Maturity – having maturity means being able to think rationally in stressful situations, even if emotions may be running high around you.

When writing your nursing personal statement, you should include the following skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare systems
• Knowledge of various treatments, protocols, policies, and procedures related to nursing practice.

Make it clear that you know you have a lot to learn and that you are looking forward to a steep learning curve!

7. Achievements

Achievements that could be included in a nursing personal statement include, but are not limited to:

• Awards and honours received for academic or other achievements
• Volunteer work or community service activity awards related to nursing
• Extra-curricular activities that have helped you develop the necessary skills for nursing school, such as tutoring or mentoring programs
• Accomplishments related to previous jobs or internships related to healthcare professions (e.g., certifications)

Step 1: Research the Schools

Researching the schools you are applying to can help with writing an outstanding nursing personal statement because it gives you an idea of what each school is looking for and what their requirements are.

This process will help you rank the programs in order of preference, determine which schools are reach schools and which institutions should be your ‘safety schools’, if you are not selected by your number one choice.

You could identify any specific topics or themes that each school tends to favor in their applications.

This knowledge will allow you to craft an effective personal statement that stands out from the rest.

Step 2: Get Ready to Talk about Yourself

• Start by brainstorming: Read the prompt carefully. If it asks you to talk about anything other than your motivation for nursing school (for example, a time when you helped someone) highlight it and brainstorm it separately.
• Write down any experiences, traits, or qualities that make you an outstanding candidate for the nursing program.
• Select the best stories and anecdotes: Choose those that demonstrate your strengths and show why you are an ideal fit for the program.
• Edit thoroughly: Go through each section multiple times to ensure it is relevant and well-written, then reread it with a critical eye to catch any mistakes or typos that may have slipped through in the editing stages.

Step 3: Write the Essay in free-form

• Sometimes getting started is the hardest part! If you know the examples you are going to talk about and have a rough plan for your essay, write the example that’s most important to you first.
• To begin, don’t worry about grammar or making it sound perfect. Say what you want to say, and let your passion for nursing shine through.
• Then, refine your ideas by shaping them and going back in to shape them further if needed. Sometimes, taking a break overnight will give you time to subconsciously improve your ideas.
• Ensure that your essay is captivating by giving yourself adequate time to go through this process thoroughly before starting on the final draft of your essay.

Step 4: Revise and Revise Some More

• Read through the entire essay carefully and make notes of any areas that need improvement.
• Make corrections to grammar and sentence structure issues, as well as any other minor mistakes or typos you find along the way.
• Re-read your essay multiple times to make sure it flows smoothly from start to finish without any awkward transitions or sections that need further clarification or expansion. Ask trusted guidance counsellors, teachers or study partners to read it and give you some feedback.
• Read it through again after making changes if necessary, double-check that you have completed the whole application and attached your supporting documents, then submit your application when it’s ready.

In 2023, an example of a successful nursing school personal statement might look something like this:

“The week after I turned 16, I was walking backwards down a hill, my arms supporting the weight of the wheelchair as its wheels rolled slowly in reverse.

Sunlight danced through the trees around us and shone in my grandmother’s hair as she sat inside the wheelchair.

I couldn’t see my grandmother’s face from that angle, but I could hear her laughing with joy as she enjoyed the outdoors for the first time in weeks. My exhausted parents were finally trusting me as a caregiver and it changed my life.

My grandmother came to live with my family two years ago after breaking her hip. She completed much of her recovery at our home, but Nurse George came by every day to perform personal care tasks, monitor vital signs and assist with physical therapy exercises.

George also taught me some basic patient care practices such as how to support a wheelchair correctly while going downhill and emphasised the importance of positive mental health in patient recovery.

I am excited by this opportunity to apply to Seaton’s College of Nursing because I appreciate your program’s specialization in rehabilitation nursing; it is exactly what inspired me pursue a career helping people recover from injuries or medical surgery!

Additionally, your focus on assisting patients to regain their independent skills will help me achieve these professional aspirations I have set for myself.

“I grew up close to a hospital, where I watched patients go through the double doors for a variety of ailments. From a young age, this drove me to develop a strong interest in the field of medicine. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the future that would allow me to take care of those in need.

Through my courses in the natural sciences as well as social studies, I have continued to develop my knowledge in the field and prepare for my future education.

Listening to my mother talk about her patients and their families at Jackson Pediatrics Center has taught me the value of empathy and communication.

Frequently, they simply want someone to listen; I do my best to give them a judgment-free space where they can share their stories.

Whether it’s an emotional or physical issue they’re facing, patients appreciate working with flexible and considerate people like myself who understand how important it is for them feel comfortable talking about their struggles or concerns without fear of judgement or criticism from others around them. I want to be that kind of nurse in the future.

Additionally, being able to help young people overcome their challenges and navigate their way back towards recovery is something that excites me about pursuing this career path.”

“I first thought of nursing and a career in health when I started a part-time job at a local dental practice. My job was secretarial but almost immediately I was spending some time interacting with patients and became interested in working in the healthcare industry.

I have a particular interest in pain management and the non-traditional methods of holistic care to support patients, such as hypnosis which was used successfully at the practice to help patients with phobias and extreme anxiety prepare for treatment.

This experience helped inspire me to apply for nursing school with the goal of becoming an RN someday because it showed me how rewarding it could be helping people access healthcare.

Since then I have volunteered at our local drop-in health clinic at the community centre; there is no feeling comparable when they offer you their sincere thank yous! Furthermore, these experiences have taught me the value of community support when trying to encourage members of minority communities to access healthcare.

If they know someone who has had a positive experience at the clinic they are much more likely to attend. Going forward, I would like to focus on pain management in the community because I think there is huge scope for development in this field.”

What should be included in a nursing personal statement?

When writing your nursing personal statement, make sure to include:

• Why you want to become a nurse
• What inspires you about nursing
• The experiences you’ve had that have taught you about nursing
• Program-specific reasons for your interest in the school
• How you intend to contribute to the program and field of nursing

What format should be used for a nursing personal statement?

The outline of the format should include:

• Half-inch indentations for each paragraph
• Left-align or justify your essay
• Double spacing between sentences and paragraphs
• One-inch margins all around
• Times New Roman font style (12 points) with no title or headings.

Note – the nursing school may provide more specific guidance. Use the above if they do not include formatting advice.

What topics can be discussed in a nursing personal statement?

Topics that can be discussed in a nursing personal statement include:

• Why you want to study nursing and what sparked your interest in the field.
• Your skill sets, such as patience, empathy, teamwork and communication.
• Any experiences that have shaped who you are today or influenced your decision to become a nurse (e.g., an unwell family member).
• Any personal details that are relevant to why you should be accepted into the program (e.g., life experiences).
• Any personal challenges that may impact your ability to access the course, like severe financial hardship or a disability and the specific suppport you would need.

How do I write a great nursing personal statement?

• Determine your purpose
• Research the school
• Brainstorm ideas
• Write down key points

What is the difference between a nursing program and a nursing school?

The difference between a nursing program and a nursing school is Nursing programs are the courses that individuals take to earn their nursing degree. Nursing schools are institutions that offer these programs and provide education and training for students.

Nursing schools typically require applicants to submit a personal statement as part of the application process.

Additionally, nursing schools often have a broader focus than just providing education in the field of nursing, such as offering classes in related subjects like biology or chemistry.

How do I find admission requirements for nursing school?

Research the different nursing schools you are interested in, and find their website. All the information you need about admissions should be on the university website

Once you have decided that nursing is for you, you can also schedule an appointment (in-person or online) with an admissions counsellor for each nursing school you are considering to get a better understanding of their personal statement requirements and other criteria they look for in applicants.

What are the different types of nursing careers?

There are many types of nursing careers, including:

• Registered Nurse (RN): Registered nurses are licensed professionals who provide direct patient care, educate patients about their conditions, and administer medications.
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Licensed practical nurses are also licensed professionals who provide direct patient care but do not have the same level of education as registered nurses.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Certified nursing assistants assist registered nurses and licensed practical nurses with basic patient care tasks such as feeding, bathing and dressing patients in addition to other duties related to the healthcare facility they work in such as cleaning rooms or providing transportation services for patients/family members visiting the facility/homecare settings etc.
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Adult nursing personal statement example 17.

There has been many occasions during my life that I have spent hours sitting at a hospital bedside.

My mother battled a long term illness and as I sat with her trying to keep her spirits up, the Nurses who cared for her always drew my admiration. I feel there are a handful of truly inspirational professions and Nursing is without doubt one of them.

Along with doctors and other medical staff, nurses provide an invaluable service to society and to be part of that group has long been an ambition of mine.

In my current role as Enhanced Support Worker, I am able to care for our service users' ongoing practical and medical needs.

Even though I have only been with the company a short time, I have progressed very well and have been entrusted with various other responsibilities such as administering medication, assisting in training new staff, key worker responsibilities, attending service user reviews and was also nominated to represent our service during meetings at the company head office.

As the company I work for specializes in care for people with Autism and moderate to severe learning difficulties, routine and consistency in the care given is paramount.

I have been trained extensively in various areas such as The Mental Health Act, legislation for the Safeguarding of Adults and Epilepsy Awareness.

I also completed a course in physical intervention which has BILD (British Institute for Learning Disabilities) accreditation and as such I am able to to effectively handle challenging and sometimes extremely violent situations.

I feel there is always a reason a person behaves in a certain way and finding out why something has happened, enables me to manage the risk of the same thing happening again in the future.

I get huge rewards and gratification from seeing the people I care for progress and blossom. Continuing my ongoing education in such a field would give me a massive amount of satisfaction.

I have been fortunate enough to complete several NVQ's, ranging from Customer Service to the NVQ I am currently working on, Level 3 in Health and Social Care.

Each time I complete such a qualification, I feel my skills in each field are refined. I have gained extensive knowledge in a variety of areas including effective customer satisfaction, people management and data protection legislation. The skills and knowledge I have gained are transferable to any future studies I undertake.

There have been times that I have deeply regretted not going onto higher education when I finished secondary school. However as I have matured, I have realised that I made the right choice for me.

Having had a working life has given me the focus and determination that I did not have aged 16.

Adult Nursing is a profession that I am deeply passionate about. I feel that hands on working experience has given me the skills, knowledge and work ethic needed to get me started on a fantastic new career.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by jobezurich for application in 2011.

jobezurich's Comments

Hey peeps, let me know what you think. First time doing one, hope its ok ....

Related Personal Statements

I used this as a sample to.

Mon, 20/08/2012 - 20:32

I used this as a sample to write my personal statement and I just wanted to say thank you. This was very well written and it really helped me!!:)

Thanks for all your comments.

Sun, 04/11/2012 - 11:56

Thanks for all your comments. I was not successful the first time applied and decided to use aspects of this statement the next time ... Only to be told by UCAS that some other people had used parts of my personal statement for their own - from this site! Word of warning ... Be careful what you put on this site as other people WILL copy it!

Thankyou for sharing your

Fri, 28/12/2012 - 14:37

Thankyou for sharing your statement it was very well written... and thanks for the word of warning unfortunatley the fact that people are 'stealing' your work means that many will think twice before sharing theirs which is a real shame as reading other personal statements has given me the inspiration i needed to apply for nursing when i was questioning if it was the right thing for me (after spending 4 yrs training as a primary school teacher then a career break to have a family)... good luck and hope you realise your dreams :-))

I think this application

Wed, 09/01/2013 - 13:12

I think this application should be an example for everyone who wants to do nursing. Thank you, I have made an idea for what to write in my application

Fri, 05/07/2013 - 14:48

Hi, this is one of the best personal statements I have read and how do people write so well and how long did it take to write this?

Thu, 25/07/2013 - 19:25

I think this is a real great article post.Really thank you! Great.

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Personal statement example adult nursing personal statement.

Submitted by Mary

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Adult Nursing Personal Statement

Moving from Finland to the UK to start sixth form was a great decision as it allowed me to study the subjects that I am most passionate about. Economics fascinates me with how dynamic it is as a social science. Studying business studies and mathematics alongside this subject has been a great benefit. My mathematical modules have enhanced my ability to solve problems in a logical manner and approach problems with a wide perspective. The range of concepts, theory and history has been a joy to study.

My desire to expand my knowledge and analytical skills which one day could be implemented in an organisation underlies my desire to continue to study at a degree of level and pursue my goals. One of the many aspects of economics and business studies which I find curious and rewarding is behaviour economics and how individual and organisation decision making provides the foundation on which economic theories and models are constructed. It is fascinating how these models broken down can be used to analyze and evaluate situations in an applied manner which are relevant in our world and to organisation decision making. Past and present circumstances highlight how important studying economics is especially regarding the interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data. The colorful economic history, such as the recent financial crisis, the ever-changing political landscape, drive my enthusiasm to study at degree level, thus gaining further knowledge to understand how these events influence and impact organisations and individuals across the economy.

Studying economics and business studies has enabled me to become more engaged and have a deeper understanding when reading about topics which, unfortunately, are not within the A-level syllabus. One such topic which has intrigued me is game theory, which was also covered in the book 'Prisoner's Dilemma' by William Poundstone. The book describes how Game Theory can be applied in a range of subjects including economics and with the use of mathematical method and consideration of internal and external factors it can be used as a model for understanding organisation and individual decision making in for example competition pricing, and how this is arguably truer within an oligopolistic market structure. Spending holiday periods working for my family's electrical engineering company has given me insight in to how precise and organised businesses have to be to perform overall and on a management level in order to save costs to be competitive; how factors such as the economy and uncertainty of for example future raw material prices along with finance affect costings when producing quotations and how government legislation influences activities. The experience has merely shown how economics and management incorporate within each other and fosters my desire to further my knowledge in this area.

Having lived and studied in Wales, New Zealand and Finland and now England and having had the opportunity to visit places such as China, Malaysia and many European countries, I have experienced many different cultures. These experiences have made me realize how economics shapes and influences society, and have helped grow my appreciation for the subject.

I was born in Finland and speak the language fluently but my mother tongue is English. I spent the early years of my childhood living in Wales but from the age of five I lived in Rotorua New Zealand before returning to Finland. The challenge of learning Finnish when moving to Joensuu at the age of 9 was aided by also engaging in the culture and wider sporting community. I ended up captaining Lahti, a large city academy football team, and travelled extensively throughout Europe with the club to places such as Norway, Spain, Sweden and Estonia. These experiences developed my confidence and communication skills, flexibility and adaptability as I had to learn Finnish and adapt to a new culture. My other hobbies consist of sailing and assembling computers.

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