When I sat down to write my nursing school essay, I remember feeling overwhelmed. It’s not like I didn’t know what to say—I had plenty of ideas swirling around my head. But shaping those ideas into something coherent, persuasive, and genuinely me? That was the challenge.
Nursing school essays are often your first opportunity to showcase not just your academic prowess but also your personality. You’re not just writing about why you want to be a nurse—you’re painting a picture of the kind of nurse you hope to become. So, how do you start? Let me walk you through what worked for me and what I’ve seen work for others.
Find Your Core Message
Before you even touch your keyboard, ask yourself: What story am I trying to tell? Nursing essays aren’t like high school book reports. It’s not enough to say, “I want to help people.” Everyone applying to nursing school wants to help people. Go deeper. What’s the moment that crystallized your desire to be a nurse?
For me, it was watching my aunt, a hospice nurse, care for my grandmother. I saw how her empathy made an unbearable situation slightly more bearable. That moment stuck with me. Maybe for you, it’s something completely different—a first aid class, a stint as a CNA, or even a personal health scare.
Structure Matters, But It’s Not Everything
Yeah, you’ll need an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. But here’s the thing: rigidity kills creativity. The introduction should grab attention, but it doesn’t have to be a dramatic hook every time. Maybe it’s a question or a quiet, reflective statement that draws the reader in.
Your body paragraphs are where you’ll shine. Each one should focus on a specific aspect—academic achievements, practical experiences, or your vision for the future. And the conclusion? Tie it all together without sounding like you’re repeating yourself.
Know Your Audience
It’s important to remember who will be reading your essay. Admissions committees aren’t just looking for someone with good grades—they want people who align with the values of their program. Researching your chosen school can give you a sense of what they’re looking for. For instance, a program like Johns Hopkins might prioritize innovation and research, while smaller community-focused schools might emphasize compassion and service.
Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
Clichés are the Enemy: The phrase “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse” is like nails on a chalkboard to admissions officers. Dig deeper. Why nursing, specifically? Why not social work or medicine?
Overloading on Technical Terms: Using jargon can be tempting. Sure, you’ll want to show you’re familiar with terms like “evidence-based practice,” but balance is key. Remember, the goal is authenticity, not a medical dictionary recital.
Forgetting the Essay is a Conversation: Writing in the first person helps. When I was working with nursing essay writers during my application process, the best advice I got was to “sound like yourself.” If you’re naturally funny, let that come through. If you’re more reflective, embrace it.
Tackle the Tough Questions
Sometimes, nursing schools ask for essays that veer into controversial territory. Maybe you’ll be asked about nursing argumentative essay topics, like the role of nurse practitioners in rural healthcare or the ethics of mandatory vaccinations. These can be intimidating, but they’re also a golden opportunity. They’re not looking for the “right” answer; they want to see how you think.
One approach? Acknowledge the complexity of the issue. For example, on the topic of nurse practitioners, you might write, “While nurse practitioners can significantly expand access to care, particularly in underserved areas, their role should complement—not replace—physician oversight. Striking this balance requires nuanced policy changes and collaboration.”
A Practical Checklist
Here’s a list I wish I had when I was applying:
- Outline First: Even if it’s messy, get your main ideas down.
- Tell a Story: Admissions officers remember anecdotes, not bullet points.
- Keep It Specific: Avoid generalities. Instead of saying, “I want to improve patient care,” say, “I want to implement bedside rounding to improve communication between nurses and patients.”
- Edit Ruthlessly: Your first draft will be too long. That’s okay. Trim the fluff.
- Ask for Feedback: Share your essay with someone you trust. They don’t need to be an expert in nursing—they just need to be honest.
Personal Growth as a Theme
One thing I haven’t seen people talk about much is the transformative aspect of writing these essays. By the time I finished mine, I felt like I understood myself better. It forced me to think about what kind of nurse I want to be and how I’ll get there. Even if you’re not admitted to your top choice, the act of writing can be a step toward becoming a better nurse—and person.
Final Thoughts
Nursing essays can feel intimidating, but they’re also an incredible chance to tell your story. As Florence Nightingale once said, “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.” Writing your essay is your chance to own your story—no excuses, just authenticity. Take your time, stay true to yourself, and trust the process.