why nursing is a good career essay

Essay Sample on Why I Want to Be A Nurse

Nursing is a rewarding and challenging career that has the power to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether your motivation is to help others, attain financial freedom, or both, writing a “Why I Want To Be A Nurse” essay is an excellent opportunity to express your passion and commitment to the field.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why you might want to become a nurse and provide you with helpful tips and inspiration for writing a powerful and persuasive essay .

Why I Want to Be A Nurse (Free Essay Sample)

Nursing is a career that offers a unique combination of hands-on care and emotional support to those in need. There are many reasons why someone might choose to become a nurse, including:

The Empathy and Altruism of Nursing

I have a strong desire to help people and hope to become a nurse. I think nursing is the best way for me to make a difference in other people’s lives because it combines my natural empathy and desire to help people. Nursing gives me a chance to positively touch people’s lives, which has always attracted me to the thought of doing so.

I saw the beneficial effects that nurses may have on people’s life as a child. I have always been moved by the kindness and concern they have for their patients. The small gestures of kindness, like holding a patient’s hand or speaking encouraging words, have always touched me. I think nurses have a special power to change people’s lives and leave a lasting impression, and I want to contribute to that.

Additionally, I think that becoming a nurse is a great and selfless job. To provide for their patients and ensure they are secure and comfortable, nurses put their own needs on hold. I absolutely respect this kind of dedication to helping others, and I aim to exhibit it in my own nursing career.

The Economic Benefits of Nursing

The financial stability that comes with being a nurse is one of the reasons I wish to pursue this career. Nursing is a field that is in high demand, which translates to a wealth of job opportunities and competitive salaries.  This profession offers the chance for a stable income, which makes it a good choice for people who want to secure their financial future.

Nursing not only gives economic freedom but also a flexible work schedule that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Many nurses can choose to work part-time or in a variety of places, such as clinics, hospitals, and schools..

A Love for the Science and Art of Nursing

To succeed in the unique field of nursing, one must have both artistic talent and scientific knowledge. This mix is what initially drew me to the thought of becoming a nurse. The human body and its mechanisms have always captivated me, and I enjoy learning about the science that underpins healthcare. But nursing requires more than just a scientific knowledge of the body. It also requires an artistic understanding of the patient and their needs.. Nursing is a demanding and fulfilling job since it combines science and art, which is why I’m drawn to it.

I saw as a child the effect nurses had on patients and their families. Their compassion and understanding have motivated me to seek a profession in nursing because they frequently offer comfort and help in the hardest of situations. My enthusiasm for the science and art of nursing will undoubtedly help me to have a good influence on other people’s lives. I want to work as a nurse and improve the lives of the people I take care of, whether it be by giving medication, educating patients, or just being a reassuring presence.

Continuous Professional Development in Nursing

I think the nursing industry is dynamic and always changing, which gives people a lot of chances to learn and grow. I would have the chance to continuously advance my knowledge and abilities in this sector if I choose to become a nurse. In turn, this would enable me to better care for my patients and stay abreast of professional developments.

There are several different nursing specialties available as well. There are many options, including critical care, pediatrics, gerontology, and surgical nursing. Because of the variety of disciplines available, nurses have the chance to develop their interests and find their niche. 

I am certain that a career in nursing will provide me the chance to pursue my passion for healthcare while also allowing me to grow professionally.

Nursing is a fulfilling and noble career that offers a mix of hands-on care, emotional support, and professional growth. I am inspired by the positive impact nurses have on patients and their families and aim to offer my own empathy and compassion. The nursing industry is constantly changing, providing ample opportunities for growth and job prospects with financial stability. The ultimate reward in a nursing career is the satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives.

Tips for Writing A Compelling Why I Want To Be A Nurse Essay

Now that you understand the reasons why someone might want to become a nurse, it’s time to learn how to write a compelling essay. Here are some tips and strategies to help you get started:

Create an Outline

Before you start writing, it’s important to identify the main points you’ll discuss in your essay. This will help you stay organized and make your essay easier to read.

Start with an Attention-grabbing Introduction

Your introduction is your chance to make a good first impression and engage the reader. Start with a hook that captures the reader’s attention, such as a surprising statistic or personal story .

Be Specific and Personal

Rather than making general statements about why you want to become a nurse, be specific and personal. Share your own experiences, motivations, and passions, and explain why nursing is the right career choice for you.

Highlight your Skills and Qualifications

Nursing is a demanding and complex profession that requires a wide range of skills and qualifications. Be sure to highlight your relevant skills, such as compassion, communication, and problem-solving, and explain how they make you a good fit for the nursing field.

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How To Answer “Why Do You Want To Be A Nurse?” (With Examples)

• Cover Letter
• Registered Nurse Interview Questions
• Registered Nurse Job Description
• Why Did You Choose Nursing?

When you’re in a nursing interview, you’ll hear the common question “Why do you want to be a nurse ?”, so it’s essential to know how to answer it. Your answer should reflect on what it was that drew you to nursing and tell a story about it, such as the moment it was clear that you wanted to be a nurse.

Whether you want to be a pediatric nurse , emergency department nurse, or travel nurse, we’ll go over how to answer “Why did you choose nursing as a career?”, why interviewers ask this question, as well as some common mistakes to avoid.

Key Takeaways:

Try to think of a story or a moment that made it clear that a nursing career was right for you.

Interviewers ask “Why do you want to become a nurse?” so you can highlight your passion for nursing and what got you interested in the field.

Avoid saying anything negative because it can often be a red flag for interviewers.

How to answer “Why do you want to be a nurse?”

Example answers to “why do you want to be a nurse”, why interviewers ask this interview question, common mistakes to avoid when answering, interview tips for answering this question, possible follow-up questions:, nurse career path faq, final thoughts.

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To answer “Why do you want to be a nurse?” you should first ask yourself questions as to why you want to be a nurse, start at the root, and tell your interviewer a story. Below is a more detailed list of how to answer this interview question .

As yourself questions. Before the interview, ask yourself, putting money and career goals aside, why do YOU want to be a nurse? Consider the following questions to better understand your reasoning:

Do you want to help people?

Does the medical field excite you?

Do you have certain skills, such as communication or concentration under duress, that naturally fit the position?

Do you thrive when you get to build relationships with people?

Do you love both science and working with people?

Focus on these aspects of yourself when you are asked why you are choosing nursing as a career.

Start at the root. If you’ve wanted to be a nurse since you were a kid, start there. If you got into medicine thanks to an impactful college professor , make that your starting point.

Tell a story. Most interviewers prefer narratives over bullet point facts — especially with a personal question like this. Don’t feel like you have to make up some great tale about how a nurse saved the day when you were a child, but bring in real moments when it became clear that nursing was the career for you.

Talk about people and experiences. Nursing is all about building relationships, so your answer should touch on your empathy and ability to form bonds with the people you work with and serve. In this way, your answer will show that you want to be a nurse because you truly enjoy the process of nursing.

Bring it to the future. Close your answer with a nod to the future and what you’d like to accomplish in your brilliant new nursing career. Bringing your answer from the past to the future shows that you’re forward-thinking and determined enough to make your dreams a reality.

Below are example answers to “Why do you want to be a nurse?” for different scenarios such as pediatric or emergency room nursing. Remember to tailor your answers to your specific needs when you answer in your interview.

Pediatric nurse example answer

“I have wanted to get into nursing since I was very young. One of my earliest memories is of a nurse taking care of me when I had to go to the hospital for stitches. She was so kind and gentle with me that I didn’t even cry or panic. I remember leaving thinking that was the kind of person I wanted to be when I grew up. Ever since then, everything I have done has been working towards becoming a nurse.”

Emergency room nurse example answer

“When I was in college I took a course on basic first aid and found it super interesting. I started signing up for volunteer first aid positions and some of my fellow volunteers were nurses. I was curious about their job and the more I learned about what they did the more I found myself excited by the prospect of helping people in medical situations. I made friends with these nurses and they helped guide me through the application process.”

Travel nurse example answer

“Medicine is such an exciting field, and one of the biggest joys of nursing is that I’m always learning new things. I know people who dread getting their necessary CEUs every year, but for me, it’s a perk of the career. “For instance, just last year I completed my certification from the Wilderness Medical Society and can now serve as medical staff on the Appalachian Trail. But from Diabetes for APRNs to Nursing for Infertility courses, I’m always able to maintain my passion for nursing through continuous discovery and wonder at the medical field.”

Critical care nurse example answer

“I believe in helping people, especially in times of extreme need. When I worked as an EMT I was always the one asked to facilitate information between any involved party. I want to expand this skill and I think nursing is a good fit for me. My interests and experience with medical professionals are good for this job.”

Nurse midwife example answer

“I want to be a nurse because I am deeply committed to providing compassionate healthcare to women during one of the most significant and transformative moments of their life. Being a nurse midwife will allow me to empower women by advocating their choices and preferences during childbirth. “Being a nurse midwife will also allow me to make a positive impact on the lives of women and their families. I will be able to provide personalized care, emotional support , and educational resources to help ensure a smooth and empowering birthing experience for my patients.”

Oncology nurse example answer

“I want to be an oncology nurse because this field is driven by a profound desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those fighting cancer. I am committed to providing compassionate care to patients during their cancer journey. “Working as an oncology nurse also has the opportunities to be part of cutting-edge research and advancements in cancer treatments. I want to be at the forefront of innovation and help contribute to the improvement of cancer care outcomes.”

The interviewer will ask why you want to be a nurse to know how serious you are about the position. This isn’t a career to take lightly because there are many challenges.

Nursing is a profession with a prerequisite for assisting others in potentially high-stress environments. So by answering this question, you are given the opportunity to highlight not only your skills but more importantly, your passion for nursing and ability to keep cool under pressure.

Additionally, interviewers hope to learn why you got interested in the field in the first place. Telling a story about an impactful experience with a medical professional or about the sense of satisfaction you feel when helping a patient can help illustrate that you’re not only skillful but also have deep compassion for the people you’ll be working with.

You should avoid saying anything negative because it can be a red flag for the interviewer. Here are some other common mistakes you should avoid when answering:

Saying anything negative. A negative response will be a red flag for the interviewer. If you are one to complain or see the worse in a situation, this will make you a difficult coworker in an already difficult field.

Focusing on money or self-serving reasons. Even if the wages are an attractive feature of the profession, mentioning this as a reason will hurt you. The interviewer is looking for an answer that goes beyond your own needs.

Unrelated anecdotes. Don’t get caught up in telling stories about nursing that have nothing to do with you or the job. Remember to keep things relevant and concise.

Your answer should be positive and you should use a personal experience to help you answer and tell a story. Here are some more tips to keep in mind when answering this question:

Be positive. Nothing will concern an interviewer more if you are cynical and negative in an interview where the job requires a strong sense of empathy and selflessness. This does not mean you can’t, nor should, ignore the challenges of the profession. If you can reframe these difficulties with a positive mindset and a “can do” attitude, you will strengthen your impact in the interview.

Be concise. A long-winded, rambling answer may give the impression that you have not considered the question ahead of time. That said, if you rush through your words, you may concern the interviewer as well. So, don’t be afraid to take breaths or have moments of silence, but choose your words carefully and effectively. Concise communication is a huge part of the nursing profession so here is an opportunity to highlight that skill.

Use personal experience. When answering the question “Why did you choose nursing as a career?” it can really help to bring in a personal touch to the response. This creates a unique answer that can help you stand out among other candidates. The personal experience may also reveal a moment of inspiration pointing towards why you chose nursing as a career.

Remember the job description. Use the skills required in the job description and apply them to yourself as you explain your interest in the field. Integrate them with care, you are not trying to restate your resume . Instead, consider how your skills have developed over time and how that relates to your interest in nursing. Remember, skills are developed through some kind of interest too.

Research the organization/department. Wherever you are applying to is going to have unique characteristics. Perhaps the organization focuses on low-income individuals or the elderly or intensive care patients. You may be able to bring this into your answer. Even if you do not, it is still good to give you context. By understanding where you’re applying to, you strengthen the explanation of why you are applying.

Practice your answer. Before the interview, practice this answer, preferably with someone else who can give you feedback such as a friend or family member. However, if you do not have that opportunity, practice in front of a mirror or, better yet, record yourself on your phone and listen back to what you said. In the end, you want to “train” for this question by giving yourself the opportunity to run through it a couple of times with the chance to tweak your response.

After the question “Why did you choose a nursing career?” there will most likely be follow-up questions. Here are some examples of other common interview questions and some tips on how to answer them. This will help you prepare yourself for the direction the interview may take.

What do you think is most difficult about being a nurse? Why?

Be aware of certain challenges of nursing ahead of time. Do some research . The worst thing you can do for yourself is be caught off guard by this question.

How are you at handling stress?

Consider what techniques you use for reducing stress. It is going to be important to show your competency. Consider answering in a way that reveals you to be a team player and aware of the stresses of your coworkers as well.

What are your long-term career goals?

The interviewer is going to be gauging your seriousness in becoming a nurse. It is not a profession that you can just “try-out”, so give an answer that shows sincere consideration for a long-term medical profession. Note: This does not necessarily tie you strictly to nursing. Many managers and hospital administrators come from nursing backgrounds.

Why do you want to work here?

Many interviewers will want to hear about not only your passion for nursing as a career but also how your passions align with their organization.

Look up the mission and vision of the facility before your interview and talk about how that resonates with you, or give an example of how you’ve seen them in action and want to be a part of that.

What drove your interest in this specialty?

Not every nurse fits well in every nursing role, so your interviewers will likely ask you why you want this particular job.

Whether this is the specialty you’ve always worked in or you’re trying something new, structure your answer similarly to your answer to the “Why do you want to be a nurse?” question.

Why would one want to be a nurse?

Many people want to be a nurse because it gives them an opportunity to help people in a meaningful way. Nurses not only perform specialized tasks that are vital to a person’s well-being, but they also get to emotionally support people who are going through an incredibly difficult time.

This can be as simple as being a calm, friendly presence or advocating for them with the rest of the medical staff, but it makes a huge impact on people’s lives.

In addition to this, many people choose to become nurses over another occupation that helps people because they love science and medicine or love the fast-paced, challenging work environment.

What is a good weakness to say in a nursing interview?

A good weakness to say in a nursing interview is a weakness that you’re actively working on. Whether your greatest weakness is that you’re too detailed with your paperwork or say yes to too many people and requests, always follow it up by explaining the steps you’re taking to overcome that weakness.

Hiring managers don’t expect you to be perfect, but they do expect you to be self-aware and take the initiative to minimize the impact of your weak spots.

What are the 6 C’s of nursing?

The 6 C’s of nursing are care, compassion, communication, courage, and commitment. These are principles taught to many nurses to help them learn how to give excellent care to patients.

They also help to set cultural expectations at medical facilities, since all of the nurses are upheld to this standard, no matter what their educational background or specialty.

What are some common nursing interview questions?

Some common nursing interview questions include:

What skills do you think are important for nurses to possess?

Describe your experience as a nurse and what you’ve learned from it.

How would you manage an uncooperative patient?

How well do you thrive in a fast-paced environment?

There are so many nursing jobs out there and nurses are in high demand. You will want to know what you’re getting yourself into before you are asked at the interview what brings you to the field.

Knowledge is power, so knowing your response to “Why did you choose a nursing career?” is crucial for success. This is your moment to shine and show why you are the best candidate for the job.

Those who are able to answer with sincerity and empathy are the types of nurses all organizations will want. So get yourself ready and figure out ahead of time why you want to be a nurse.

Nightingale College – How To Ace Your Nursing Job Interview: Questions, Answers & Tips

The College of St. Scholastica – Why do you want to be a nurse? Students share their sentiments

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Conor McMahon is a writer for Zippia, with previous experience in the nonprofit, customer service and technical support industries. He has a degree in Music Industry from Northeastern University and in his free time he plays guitar with his friends. Conor enjoys creative writing between his work doing professional content creation and technical documentation.

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Why Do You Want To Be a Nurse? 15 Reasons to Choose a Career in Nursing

If you’ve started submitting applications to nursing schools or told people that you want to be a nurse, you’re probably hearing the question, “Why do you want to be a nurse?” a lot.  

To be honest, it’s a fair question, and each person has their own reasons for wanting to become a nurse. If you’re reading this blog post and wondering if a nursing career is for you, here are the 15 top reasons to choose a career in nursing .

Why Do You Want to Be a Nurse? 15 Reasons

Becoming a nurse is a great career choice with many advantages, including plenty of opportunities for growth and development. Here are the top 15 reasons why you should consider a career in nursing:

1. High Demand for Nurses

Nursing is an increasingly relevant and sought-after career path in today's world. With the aging population, there’s an increasing demand for nursing professionals due to the increased need for both medical and assisted living services. 

On top of this, a shortage of physicians has also increased the demand for primary care providers putting nurse practitioners in much higher demand as well.

2. Ability to Start Working Fast

Nursing is an amazing career choice for many reasons, one of them being that you don't necessarily need an extensive education in order to get started. 

Becoming a CNA or LPN only requires a 1-2 year associate degree and the starting pay is decent too. 

Even if your goal is to become an RN, there are now accelerated BSN programs available at most universities that offer nurses the opportunity to obtain their Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) quickly so they can begin their careers. 

And most of these programs can be completed online (except for some lab and/or clinical components).

3. Great Pay and Benefits

Another awesome advantage of being a nurse is that most nurses earn a really good salary and have excellent benefits. Although nursing salaries vary widely from state to state, the median annual registered nurse salary in 2022 was $81,220, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Licensed practical nurses earn an average salary of $94,538 a year in 2023 , according to Glassdoor.com.

Nurses also receive a number of benefits that can’t be found in other occupations, such as access to excellent health insurance options, retirement savings plans, flexible hours or shifts, paid vacation time, and even educational assistance programs that can help make continuing your education more affordable. 

>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs

4. Incentives to Work in Many Different Areas

Besides a great salary and benefits, nurses are also offered special incentives such as higher pay, relocation assistance, hefty sign-on bonuses, and nursing tuition reimbursement to work in high-need areas. 

And there are many places offering these incentives for nurses, from busy urban medical centers to under-served rural and remote communities.

5. Job Security

When it comes to job security, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a job that is more secure and in higher demand. 

Currently, there is a nursing shortage , and this shortage is expected to increase over the next decade due to the aging population of Baby Boomers and a growing need for healthcare services related to chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

6. Professional Respect 

An important part of having a great career is knowing that you’re respected for your skills and the work you do. And when it comes to respect and trust, there is no one more trusted than nurses. 

For the last 20 years, Gallup has found that the public ranks nurses the highest in terms of their honesty and ethics of any occupation or profession, even higher than physicians. Nursing is an incredible career choice due to the tremendous respect you receive from patients, family, peers, and other medical professionals. 

7. Growing Opportunity for Flexible Scheduling

Another important factor when it comes to having a great job and career is a flexible schedule. In fact, a whopping 9 out of 10 employees surveyed said offering flexible scheduling is one of the most important things employers can do to retain employees. And 47.8% said a flexible schedule is even more important than salary.

With an ever-growing demand for healthcare professionals, employers are placing greater emphasis on accommodating remote workers or those who are interested in part-time work. 

In addition to regular hospital or clinic settings, nurses can now take advantage of more per-diem nursing opportunities that fit into their busy lives as well. 

This opens up the field to those who don’t have the necessary time to commit to a full-time nursing position while still allowing them to contribute meaningful work. 

8. Opportunity for Student Loan Forgiveness

Going to school costs a lot of money, even if you go the community college route. Tuition, books, transportation, nursing uniforms and equipment, accommodation, meals, healthcare expenses—the list goes on of the expenses a student has. However, the good news is, many nurses may be eligible for student loan forgiveness programs for nurses . 

9. Job Options Across Various Fields

Unlike many other professional fields, nursing offers a huge amount of variety in terms of the type of work you can do and the types of settings you can work in. 

If you’d like to work with kids, you can be a school nurse , a pediatric nurse , or work in a PICU with sick children. 

Prefer to work with people of all ages for even more variety? Then you can work in a community clinic, emergency department, or as a home care nurse .

And if you have the travel bug and want more adventure, you can be a travel nurse and work almost anywhere you can imagine from large cities to extremely remote locations once you gain some initial nursing experience.

10. Opportunities for Career Advancement

If you’re wondering about opportunities for career advancement, nursing is an excellent career choice for that as well. 

As a nurse, there are many ways to work your way up the career ladder through advanced education in Master’s in Nursing and DNP programs. 

These programs prepare you to specialize as a nurse—which means a nice boost in salary (usually into the 6-figure category)—and often more autonomy. 

And the good news is, there’s high demand for nurse practitioners in a number of different specialties. There are also career paths for nurses who want to pursue healthcare or nursing management, nursing informatics , research or teaching as well.

11. Ability to Make a Difference

If you want a career where you can help people and change their lives, nursing definitely fits the bill. In fact, nursing is an incredibly rewarding career choice because you have the privilege of supporting people when they need your help the most. 

As an example, a nurse may help bring a life into the world for new parents or assist someone in managing a chronic condition who would otherwise be lost without a nurse’s teaching and expertise. 

In the eyes of those they help, nurses truly are everyday heroes.

12. Transferable Skill Set 

The nursing profession is highly marketable and transferable. So those entering the field can expect their experience and training to be valuable from job to job. 

For example, the fundamental medical knowledge and expertise that goes hand-in-hand with being a nurse applies no matter where you go or work. 

Although certain local regulations, technology, and even cultural norms may have slight variations, having a background as a nurse will still apply no matter where you go.

13. Opportunity for Entrepreneurship

The dream of owning your own business is also a real possibility when you become a nurse. Whether it’s starting your own private practice as a nurse practitioner or consultant, publishing medical research, freelance writing, launching a medical-based app or blog, or developing a new medical product, nurses can capitalize on their expertise and hard work by starting their own company.

Ownership over your career and the ability to create lasting change makes nursing an extremely attractive option for those seeking more than a traditional employment position.

14. Opportunity for Autonomy and Independence

One of the best aspects of nursing as a career is that it encourages autonomy and independence, allowing you to make many decisions on your own. 

This is because nurses are given various levels of responsibility depending on their experience and skill level. As a result, this makes nursing an ideal job for those looking for autonomy and independence while still having access to support from their peers, supervisors, and managers. 

15. Highly Satisfying Career

Last but not least, nursing is an extremely satisfying career. Despite how difficult the recent pandemic was for nurses, a 2021 career satisfaction survey of 10,788 nurses (including LPNs, RNs, and NPs) found that more than 90% of the nurses surveyed said they were “glad they chose” to be a nurse.

As you can see, there are many great reasons to choose a career in nursing. So what are you waiting for? Jump online and start applying today!

Leona Werezak BSN, MN, RN is the Director of Business Development at NCLEX Education. She began her nursing career in a small rural hospital in northern Canada where she worked as a new staff nurse doing everything from helping deliver babies to medevacing critically ill patients. Learning much from her patients and colleagues at the bedside for 15 years, she also taught in baccalaureate nursing programs for almost 20 years as a nursing adjunct faculty member (yes! Some of those years she did both!). As a freelance writer online, she writes content for nursing schools and colleges, healthcare and medical businesses, as well as various nursing sites.

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Why I Chose Nursing as a Career, Essay Example

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You are free to use it as an inspiration or a source for your own work.

Personally nursing has always been the right choice as a career.  Nursing allows me to have the contact with a number of patients, enabling me to make a different in their treatment.  Additionally, I have always looked forward to being part of the health care system, as a responsible first-line in a patient’s stay.  For me nursing is the right choice to make that difference in the care and treatment of a patient.

The healthcare of an individual is one of the most important aspects in life.  After all, everyone has worried or has had issues with their health, at least to some extent.  Many individuals worry about illnesses and other conditions, such as cancer and other unfortunate topics that can alter their life in a negative manner.  As a result, the medical care of individuals is concentrated upon and is a leading area of research and supplementary fields.

Personally I have experienced this in my life.  In my stay at hospitals, and even health clinics, I have had experiences that have exposed me to the health care system and the dedicated staffs that fill these centers.  While I do what I can to stay healthy, I, as most other people, have a reasonable level of worry about having a serious condition in my life.

Family and friends have also had such experiences.  There have been times that I have accompanied loved ones to the hospital or even to a doctor.  In these experiences you come to realize the important role of doctors, nurses, and other parts of the staff that make up these centers.  You also realize how valuable they are as those who can take care of yourself, a loved one, and others in your community when you think about it.

In these experiences and general awareness, this has drawn me to consider choosing nursing.  Personally I desire to have that kind of an impact in one’s life.  As a valuable part of a person’s healthcare, I feel that this responsibility is important.

Role of the Nurse

As a distinct part of the healthcare system, from hospitals to other types of healthcare centers, the nurse plays a valuable role.  As previously mentioned, members of healthcare such as doctors, nurses, and other are an individual’s way to finding relief for whatever condition may elicit their presence in such a center.  Yet, even in this distinction, there is a further one in the role of a nurse.

In many cases the nurse is the first line in terms of members of a healthcare-related staff.  The nurse serves an important role in addressing the patient’s issues and performing tasks related to the reason for the patient’s visit.  In this capacity I find it engaging to have this type of a presence for a patient.  I am drawn to be able to be one of the first members of a valuable healthcare staff to provide services for the patient’s condition or reason for appearing.

Interaction with Patients

One of the most crucial points to why I chose nursing as a career is in regards to the interaction with patients.  As a part of the healthcare system, nurses have a valuable place in the staff to cater to the needs of patients.  Nurses are able to answer any questions and speak to the patients about anything that is needed during their stay at the health care center.

Being able to be a large part of a patient’s stay is important to me.  I desire to interact with the patients to make their stay better in any way possible.  Having this level of contact with patients is important in my desire to add to the experience of the patient.  Having this level of contact not only improves the level of their health-related care, but also the overall experience beyond merely receiving medical attention.

Additionally, the experience is much more enjoyable when dedicated nurses, and other members of the staff, create this kind of environment.  In my and other individuals’ experiences that I have spoken to, nurses can provide a calming or engaging environment just with their presence.  As a nurse I will be able to give any means of support to a patient as I am able, from calming their worries to having a casual conversation to make their stay more pleasant.  For me this is a difference that moves beyond medical attention.

Nursing is an important position across a great deal of health care centers.  A nurse plays a valuable role in a patient’s stay in a hospital or other medical center.  As a valuable team of health care providers, the nurse is often the first health care professional to have contact with the patient.  As a career this is desirable for me to be exposed to patients in this capacity.

The exposure to patients in many kinds of healthcare settings is another more direct response to why I chose nursing as a career.  The overall experience from the perspective of the patient is not constrained to medical attention, although this is certainly an important part of a nurse’s duty.  Having the ability to interact with so many patients on a normal basis allows the nurse to go above and beyond this to improve the patient’s experience.  The nurse is able to provide support and other means to improve his or her experience and stay in a medical center.  These valuable roles and experiences capture why I chose nursing as a career, which allows me to play a valuable role in a patient’s experience.

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• December 27, 2022

How to Write: Why I Want to Be a Nurse Essay

The Why I Want to Be a Nurse essay is one of the most common components on nursing school applications. There are tons of reasons to become a nurse, but yours are unique – a good nursing essay will stand out and be remembered by those who read it. In addition to general admission, this could even be your ticket to some scholarships for nursing school!

Let’s dive into how to write your Why I Want to Be a Nurse essay and get you into nursing school!

Planning Your Nursing Essay

Before you get into writing anything, you should always complete your pre-writing phase of brainstorming and planning for what you want to write about. Only then can you start considering your structure and details that you want to include.

Step 1: Brainstorm an event or a list of moments that began your interest in nursing.

If this is a lifelong dream, then maybe you can’t remember when you first became interested in nursing. But what moments have helped you continue down this path?

Some people may not have a specific healthcare related experience that inspired them to take this path. That’s okay! You can think broadly and consider times you were satisfied by helping someone with a task or volunteered.

Haven’t taken a writing class in a hot minute? Here are some effective strategies for brainstorming your ideas.

Step 2: Consider what you did to learn more about nursing.

Think about when you began researching nursing as a viable career option. What made nursing more appealing than a different career?

Step 3: Write down what made you decide to choose nursing as a career path.

If you can boil your reasoning down to a sentence or two, then that will be the thesis for your Why I Chose Nursing essay.

What to Include: Why I Want to Be a Nurse Essay

Introduction: your hook and story.

Your test scores and transcripts tell the story of your technical aptitude. But your essay is an opportunity to give your application an emotional route. What experiences have made you passionate about nursing? Have you cared for sick loved ones before? Are there nurses in your family?

Your introduction is where you’ll explain the stake that you have in this. You want the admissions team to understand that you belong in the program. Not just that you have the academic qualifications, but that you’ll be an asset to the entire nursing profession.

In kindergarten, there was an accident while my family was camping. A pot of boiling water tipped over onto my leg. The burns were so bad that I had to be airlifted to a regional hospital. I don’t remember much of the incident itself today, but I remember the nurses who helped me recover. They turned a frightening experience into something much kinder. I want to be able to give that to a child by working as a pediatric nurse.

Paragraph 1: Detail the event or moment you became interested in nursing.

This is a paragraph where you really want to reel the reader in. You’ve hooked them with the broad overview of your story: what sets you apart, why you’re so interested in the nursing profession. Now you can detail a specific moment.

Pick one moment and capture it in as much detail as you can. For example, maybe you remember waiting in a hospital for news about a loved one. Perhaps it was the kindness of a nurse who treated you. Or, in contrast, it was a time that a nurse wasn’t kind, and it made you want to do better for a patient in need.

Despite spending several weeks in the hospital, I didn’t immediately develop a desire to become a nurse. Growing up, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life. Then in my sophomore year of high school, my neighbor’s son got sick. He was about the same age as I had been when I was in the hospital. When I babysat him, we would swap hospital stories — the good and the bad! And suddenly it dawned on me that if I was a nurse, I could help make those bad stories a little less painful.

Paragraph 2-3: Show how you have used that experience to build your foundation towards nursing school.

Here is where you’ll take your personal experiences into account. Nursing school requires more than just empathy. You will need to have core science credits and an ability to understand the human body. The best nurses are adaptable in the workplace and always willing to learn. You can browse a list of skills nurses need to thrive in the workplace.

I spent a lot of time researching my neighbor’s son’s condition. Though his illness wasn’t terminal, it was degenerative. He began to lose his hearing a few months after his diagnosis. I joined his father in learning sign language to communicate better. During that time period, I spent a lot of time thinking about how so many people have to struggle so hard to communicate.

I want to be a nurse who can give relief to the most vulnerable patients. Every person’s needs are different. A child’s needs are different from a developmentally disabled adult’s, which are different from the needs of someone hard of hearing, and so forth. I’ve seen firsthand the frustration that occurs when communication isn’t easy. So I’ve focused on learning adaptable communication methods and educating myself about the groups that are most overlooked in hospital settings.

Paragraphs 4-5: Detail how you will use your strengths and skills in your nursing career.

This is the point at which you can start to talk about your specific skills, similar to a job interview. You want to highlight any particularly unique aspects, then make sure to solidly establish your core competency. A dream of becoming a nurse can’t just be a dream; you need detail to back it up.

If you know where you want to place your specific focus as a nurse, mention it! Talk about your career goals and how you want to work with your patients and what you hope to learn in doing so.

I think it’s so important for patients to have a nurse that listens to them, and that goes doubly for patients with communication struggles. During my career, I want to continue practicing and using ASL with my patients. I want to improve the quality of care for chronically ill people, especially because so many report anxiety around healthcare settings.

It’s also important to me to keep learning and adapting constantly. I never want to stop learning new skills and refreshing my knowledge. Understanding a patient’s vital signs and demeanor could mean the difference between life and death. In the high-pressure environment of nursing, I strive to have the answers to the questions my patients have – I’ll never stop seeking knowledge.

Conclusion: Reiterate your skills and qualifications, saying why they’d make you a great fit for the program.

The conclusion is fairly straightforward. You’ve provided your thesis: why you want to be a nurse. You’ve explained when the desire started, what experiences support it, and what you plan for the future. Now you just need to tie those things together in a neat summary. Remind the admissions team of why you’re a unique candidate to fit this role.

A long stay in the hospital as a child doesn’t qualify me to be a nurse by itself. But that experience has laid the foundation for my desire to work in healthcare settings. There are a thousand careers that help people, but nursing is personal and dear to me. I want to make sure that any vulnerable patient has access to the care they need, and I can use my adaptability and communication skills to do that.

Related: Stay Organized for the School Year with These Nursing School Planners

Do’s and Don’t’s for Nursing School Essays

Do: Show that you care about people.

Illustrate that you want to help people and have compassion for their suffering. It helps to talk about specific people or groups of people that you care for.

Do: Explain the qualifications that will make you a good fit as a nurse.

Talk about your adaptability, your desire to learn, your interest in the healthcare field, your prior experience – anything that will serve you during your career.

Do: Tell admissions why you want to be a part of their program.

Find a unique aspect of the program to highlight, showing why you want to study there specifically. For example, maybe there’s a school that connects students to underserved rural areas and this is a mission that you are on board with. Spend some time researching the nursing program to be confident in what they offer.

Do: Ask someone to proofread.

You’ll miss typos in your work if you read it a thousand times, so ask for a fresh pair of eyes. It also helps to change the essay to a different font for editing. Here are some more tips to consider offering to your proofreader.

Don’t: Pay for a writing service.

Write your own paper. If you’re worried about your skills, have a peer take a look at your draft, rather than using someone else’s work.

Don’t: Make false claims.

Tell the truth about your motivations, goals, strengths, and driving factors. Don’t make up a backstory or pretend to have skills you don’t.

Don’t: Disregard instructions or criteria.

Pay careful attention to the essay prompt and the criteria. Sometimes you’re expected to answer in less than 300 words, or there are more specific prompts to follow.

Related: Can Nurses Have Tattoos?

Why I Want To Be a Nurse Essay – FAQ

What should i include in a short essay on why i want to be a nurse.

A short essay should still include the main points made here – a short story or introduction, why you became interested in nursing and how that experience has propelled you into nursing, and the skills and experience you will bring to the program.

Should I give more than one reason on why I want to be a nurse?

You should aim to stick with one or two main reasons why you chose nursing – too many reasons will lead to a less effective essay due to a difficulty in following along with your main points.

What do I do if I don’t have a personal story that inspired me to want to become a nurse?

Even if your inspiration is not specific to nursing, you should be ready to tie that into why it’s related to a nursing career. Focus on experiences that required interpersonal skills, great communication skills, or show care for others.

The Why I Want to Be a Nurse essay is your chance to stand out from the crowd. You can show your dedication, compassion, and willingness to learn all through being honest. Just make sure you have your essay proofread before you send it!

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How to Write a Nursing Essay with a Quick Guide

Ever felt the blank-page panic when assigned a nursing essay? Wondering where to start or if your words will measure up to the weight of your experiences? Fear not, because today, we're here to guide you through this process.

Imagine you're at your favorite coffee spot, armed with a cup of motivation (and maybe a sneaky treat). Got it? Great! Now, let's spill the secrets on how to spin your nursing tales into words that not only get you that A+ but also tug at the heartstrings of anyone reading. We've got your back with nursing essay examples that'll be your inspiration, an outline to keep you on the right path, and more!

What Is a Nursing Essay

Let's start by dissecting the concept. A nursing essay serves as a focused exploration of a specific aspect of nursing, providing an opportunity for students to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and its practical application in patient care settings.

Picture it as a journey through the challenges and victories of a budding nurse. These essays go beyond the classroom, tackling everything from tricky ethical dilemmas to the impact of healthcare policies on the front lines. It's not just about grades; it's about proving, 'I'm ready for the real deal.'

So, when you read or write a nursing essay, it's not just words on paper. It's like looking into the world of someone who's about to start their nursing career – someone who's really thought about the ins and outs of being a nurse. And before you kick off your nursing career, don't shy away from asking - write my essay for me - we're ready to land a professional helping hand.

How to Start a Nursing Essay

When you start writing a nursing essay, it is like gearing up for a crucial mission. Here's your quick guide from our nursing essay writing service :

Choosing Your Topic: Select a topic that sparks your interest and relates to real-world nursing challenges. Consider areas like patient care, ethical dilemmas, or the impact of technology on healthcare.

Outline Your Route : Plan your essay's journey. Create a roadmap with key points you want to cover. This keeps you on track and your essay on point.

Craft a Strong Thesis: Assuming you already know how to write a hook , kick off your writing with a surprising fact, a thought-provoking quote, or a brief anecdote. Then, state your main argument or perspective in one sentence. This thesis will serve as the compass for your essay, guiding both you and your reader through the rest of your writing.

How to Structure a Nursing Essay

Every great essay is like a well-orchestrated performance – it needs a script, a narrative that flows seamlessly, capturing the audience's attention from start to finish. In our case, this script takes the form of a well-organized structure. Let's delve into the elements that teach you how to write a nursing essay, from a mere collection of words to a compelling journey of insights.

Nursing Essay Introduction

Begin your nursing essay with a spark. Knowing how to write essay introduction effectively means sharing a real-life scenario or a striking fact related to your topic. For instance, if exploring patient care, narrate a personal experience that made a lasting impression. Then, crisply state your thesis – a clear roadmap indicating the direction your essay will take. Think of it as a teaser that leaves the reader eager to explore the insights you're about to unfold.

In the main body, dive into the heart of your essay. Each paragraph should explore a specific aspect of your topic. Back your thoughts with examples – maybe a scenario from your clinical experience, a relevant case study, or findings from credible sources. Imagine it as a puzzle coming together; each paragraph adds a piece, forming a complete picture. Keep it focused and let each idea flow naturally into the next.

Nursing Essay Conclusion

As writing a nursing essay nears the end, resist the urge to introduce new elements. Summarize your main points concisely. Remind the reader of the real-world significance of your thesis – why it matters in the broader context of nursing. Conclude with a thought-provoking statement or a call to reflection, leaving your reader with a lasting impression. It's like the final scene of a movie that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll.

Nursing Essay Outline

Before diving into the essay, craft a roadmap – your outline. This isn't a rigid skeleton but a flexible guide that ensures your ideas flow logically. Consider the following template from our research paper writing service :

Introduction

• Opening Hook: Share a brief, impactful patient care scenario.
• Relevance Statement: Explain why the chosen topic is crucial in nursing.
• Thesis: Clearly state the main argument or perspective.

Patient-Centered Care:

• Definition: Clarify what patient-centered care means in nursing.
• Personal Experience: Share a relevant encounter from clinical practice.
• Evidence: Integrate findings from reputable nursing literature.

Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing Practice

• Scenario Presentation: Describe a specific ethical challenge faced by nurses.
• Decision-Making Process: Outline steps taken to address the dilemma.
• Ethical Frameworks: Discuss any ethical theories guiding the decision.

Impact of Technology on Nursing

• Current Trends: Highlight technological advancements in nursing.
• Case Study: Share an example of technology enhancing patient care.
• Challenges and Benefits: Discuss the pros and cons of technology in nursing.
• Summary of Key Points: Recap the main ideas from each section.
• Real-world Implications: Emphasize the practical significance in nursing practice.
• Closing Thought: End with a reflective statement or call to action.

A+ in Nursing Essays Await You!

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Nursing Essay Examples

Here are the nursing Essay Examples for you to read.

Writing a Nursing Essay: Essential Tips

When it comes to crafting a stellar nursing essay, a few key strategies can elevate your work from ordinary to exceptional. Here are some valuable tips from our medical school personal statement writer :

Connect with Personal Experiences:

• Approach: Weave personal encounters seamlessly into your narrative.
• Reasoning: This not only adds authenticity to your essay but also serves as a powerful testament to your firsthand understanding of the challenges and triumphs in the nursing field.

Emphasize Critical Thinking:

• Approach: Go beyond describing situations; delve into their analysis.
• Reasoning: Nursing essays are the perfect platform to showcase your critical thinking skills – an essential attribute in making informed decisions in real-world healthcare scenarios.

Incorporate Patient Perspectives:

• Approach: Integrate patient stories or feedback into your discussion.
• Reasoning: By bringing in the human element, you demonstrate empathy and an understanding of the patient's experience, a core aspect of nursing care.

Integrate Evidence-Based Practice:

• Approach: Support your arguments with the latest evidence-based literature.
• Reasoning: Highlighting your commitment to staying informed and applying current research underscores your dedication to evidence-based practice – a cornerstone in modern nursing.

Address Ethical Considerations:

• Approach: Explicitly discuss the ethical dimensions of your topic.
• Reasoning: Nursing essays provide a platform to delve into the ethical complexities inherent in healthcare, showcasing your ability to navigate and analyze these challenges.

Balance Theory and Practice:

• Approach: Connect theoretical concepts to real-world applications.
• Reasoning: By bridging the gap between theory and practice, you illustrate your capacity to apply academic knowledge effectively in the dynamic realm of nursing.

Highlight Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

• Approach: Discuss collaborative efforts with other healthcare professionals.
• Reasoning: Acknowledging the interdisciplinary nature of healthcare underscores your understanding of the importance of teamwork – a vital aspect of successful nursing practice.

Reflect on Lessons Learned:

• Approach: Conclude with a thoughtful reflection on personal growth or lessons from your exploration.
• Reasoning: This not only provides a satisfying conclusion but also demonstrates your self-awareness and commitment to continuous improvement as a nursing professional.

As we wrap up, think of your essay as a story about your journey into nursing. It's not just about getting a grade; it's a way to share what you've been through and why you want to be a nurse.

Imagine the person reading it – maybe a teacher, a future coworker, or someone starting their nursing journey. They're trying to understand your passion and why you care about nursing.

So, when you write, remember it's more than just an assignment. It's your chance to show why nursing matters to you. And if you ever need help – there's always support from our essay writer online .

Ready to Excel in Your Nursing School Essay?

Order now and experience the expertise of our professional writers!

How to Write a Nursing Essay?

How can a nursing essay effectively address ethical considerations, what are some examples of evidence-based practices in nursing essays.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Nurse — The Case for Nursing: Why I Want to Pursue a Career in Healthcare

The Case for Nursing: Why I Want to Pursue a Career in Healthcare

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Published: Jan 28, 2021

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Why I Love Being a Nurse

This blog has been updated on March 22, 2023.

Learn more about Carson-Newman's online FNP nursing programs .

Nursing is one of the most professionally, personally, and spiritually rewarding careers there is.

People are driven to a career in nursing for a variety of reasons. Carson-Newman wanted to better understand and document some of these reasons, which is why we reached out to 15 registered nurses, including three of our own FNP students, to get their perspectives on a simple question: What do you find most rewarding about a career in nursing ?

Read on to discover some of the responses we received and compare these answers to your own experience.

Earn Your MSN-FNP Part-Time For Less than $30k

Nancy brook, rn, msn, cfnp.

'One of the most rewarding aspects of a career in nursing is the ability to connect with our patients on such an intimate level. While we often meet under very difficult circumstances—being present as people face serious health challenges or injuries, witnessing the moment of birth or the end of life—we get to know our patients very quickly and have the opportunity to play an important role in their lives.

"I became a nurse so that I could have an impact on the lives of others and have a career that felt very meaningful . After 25 years of helping patients and their families navigate cancer and mentoring new nurses, I believe that at the end of the day, no matter how challenging, I have impacted someone's life for the better."

Catherine Burger, RN, MS, MSOL, NEA-BC

"What I find to be the most rewarding about being a nurse is the numerous career paths that are available within the profession. For example, in my nearly 30-year career I have been blessed to work in labor and delivery, the Intensive Care Unit, home health, informatics, leadership, clinical practice, and ambulatory care. As a contributing writer for registerednursing.org, I now get to educate my colleagues and future nurses on current events and issues.

"I initially chose a nursing career just out of high school as I wanted to work in the field of medicine, and I knew I could complete the degree within two years. After many years and many advanced degrees, I still love being of help to people at all stages of life. I am very proud of my nursing profession and I love that nurses are still the most trusted profession to the public: a responsibility we should never take for granted."

Elizabeth Mason, RN, MSN - Carson-Newman FNP Student

"After working for a while, I went back to school and became a nursing instructor in the classroom and clinical. It is the perfect balance of hands-on patient care and teaching the next generation of nurses. I love [when] my students have that "ah-ha" moment as they put together the big picture of the patient, their diagnosis, medications, and treatment plans. I love seeing the growth of new nursing students to their preceptorship. It is always a blessing to see them in the hospital later as nurses succeeding at their calling."

Sandy Griffin, LPN, CHPLN

"I really love going to bed knowing I made a difference. As an LPN at a hospice, that difference is usually making sure our patients are as comfortable as possible, but we often have the opportunity to help the patients' families too. It's satisfying to know they feel more at ease after they see the care we provide.

"I chose a nursing career partially because I loved biology and anatomy and partially to have a career with which I could support myself and be independent. The further I got into my nursing education, I realized how rewarding it was to be able to make people who are sick and uncomfortable feel better, even if it's just a little. Treating people with kindness and respect goes a long way. I found my nursing career home in hospice. It hasn't always been easy, but it has always been worth it.

"I have loved empowering and supporting patients and families to know that they are able to get through anything. Working for a hospice agency, I have been able to help patients have dignity at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Being with patients and their families at the end of life is a privilege. It has been an honor to have been with so many at that time.

"I also love the pride I feel in my work. Being a nurse is one of the most challenging jobs someone could do. It's physically and mentally demanding at times. However, at the end of the day, you feel amazing satisfaction and pride. Being able to help those in need for a living is unlike any other profession."

MaryAnn Ciambriello, RN, BSN

"The most rewarding thing about being a nurse is making a difference in the lives of others. It may be your patients, their families, or your students. Nursing offers us so many arenas to practice in. As an RN, I have worked in the delivery room, in home care, in a prison, as a high school nurse, and as the director of nurses in assisted living facilities. Now, I am the owner of a few businesses.

"What motivated me to be an RN? My dad chose my profession for me. I was studying business in college and he thought that I should become an RN. So, like any good daughter, I dropped my business studies and became an RN; however, I did go back to complete two business degrees.

"What do I love about nursing? I love that this profession allows us the opportunity to work in so many diverse areas. We are not pigeonholed into just the hospital—the sky's the limit in this profession.

"In nursing, you just have to follow your passion and purpose and stay true to yourself. Always remember to have empathy and to give the best care possible."

Shantay Carter, RN, BSN

"Knowing that my care, touch, voice, and time can help a patient make it through the night is one of the most rewarding feelings. Sometimes, it's the little things that you do for your patient that make a difference. The nursing profession has opened so many doors for me. It has allowed me to become an author and run a successful non-profit organization that addresses the needs in my community. My specialty is orthopedics and trauma, and I love working in this area."

Lauren Mochizuki, RN, BSN

"What I find most rewarding about my career as a nurse is that I have the opportunity to help people in their most vulnerable, and unexpected, moments. For some, coming to the emergency department can be one of the worst days of their lives. As their nurse, my job is to make them feel safe, comfortable, and cared for.

"There are many things that motivated me to choose nursing as a career. First, I love people. I love chatting with them, being around them, and taking care of them—it is very fulfilling to my soul. The second reason is that the schedule is wonderful for being a mother. I now have the opportunity to work per diem and work around my husband's schedule so I can spend lots of time with our children.

"Lastly, I love that it provides great compensation so that I can contribute to my family financially. Five years ago, my husband and I paid off $266,000 of debt, and I am so thankful for my various nursing jobs that allowed me to work to reach this goal. I also love the culture of nursing in my emergency department. It feels like we understand each other, like we can look at each other in a certain way and know what we are thinking. We can sense when something is wrong in each other or celebrate our personal victories. I have the privilege to work among great nurses and that makes the entire shift more enjoyable."

Cynthia Attaway, RN, MSN - Carson-Newman FNP Student

"I am a part time nursing instructor for a community college, and the first to be allowed in the acute hospital setting. The human connection cannot be experienced in simulation and observing the science of human caring was emotional during the pandemic.

"Nursing is the best—high technology, and high touch."

Chris Caulfield, RN, NP-C

"As a nurse, I have a flexible career that allows me to pursue my passions while also having a significant positive impact on patients at need. I was initially attracted to the nursing profession as I loved working with the elderly and had a strong interest in human physiology. There were flexible nursing programs in my local area that were affordably priced, so it was easy for me to start my RN program. I was also very excited by the opportunities to obtain advanced practice certifications and licenses through distanced-based programs that were flexible and could work around my personal commitments.

"Throughout my nursing career, I've had the great opportunity to work in many different fields including long-term care, psychiatric nursing, urgent care, labor relations, and nursing informatics. As you work in different specialties, your knowledge continues to grow and your ability to think outside the box increases. As an advanced practice nurse (FNP-C), I've gained a deeper understanding of the health care system, which had a significant contribution in leading me to success in my most recent venture-backed technology startup. I've been able to take this knowledge and create a system that focuses on allowing nurses to work a flexible schedule via their mobile app, while also helping to address the staffing shortage crises experienced in long-term care facilities.

"Over the past three years, I've had over 10,000 nursing professionals join my organization to pick up shifts on the side. With almost unlimited opportunities, I continue to recommend the nursing profession to countless numbers of family members, friends, and acquaintances. I've yet to find another career choice that allows the flexibility and options that nursing does."

Tina Baxter, APRN, GNP-BC

"As a nurse, I have the privilege of helping others when they are the most vulnerable. I witness some of their greatest triumphs and their greatest defeats. There is nothing better than attending a birth, holding the hand of someone who is dying, or helping someone achieve a better life through improving their health. It is a legacy that will live on long after you are gone. The patients and families will remember your warm smile, your gentle touch, the knowledge you shared, and the fact that you cared for them.

"As a student in health care, I realized I was more concerned about how a person got ill and how to prevent it, rather than just how to treat it. I wanted to understand how I could help a person not only get healthy but stay healthy. That's what nurses do. We teach our patients to take care of themselves and to optimize their health.

"One of the things I love about being a nurse is that this career is flexible . I have been a bedside nurse, a nursing professor, a mentor, a supervisor/manager/charge nurse, an entrepreneur, a nurse scientist, a nurse educator, a legal nurse consultant, a wellness practitioner, a nurse practitioner, and coming soon, a nurse author with my first book. I would say that being a nurse is pretty fabulous."

Andrea Tran, RN, IBCLC

"The most rewarding thing I have found about being a nurse is the personal connection that I am able to make with patients. No matter how long it has been, a patient remembers their nurse. They may or may not remember the nurse's name, but they remember if they were kind and compassionate. A good nurse always is.

"I became a nurse in response to nothing short of "a calling." I was visiting my grandmother with my mother. She had gone into another room to visit with someone else she knew, and I went to get her. I noticed that the other patient in the room was in a lot of pain, and I had such a strong and deep desire to help them. I decided then and there that I would become a nurse.

"I have spent my entire career with women during the childbearing period. It is mostly wonderful, but when it is not, it is terrible.

"Getting to share in the joy of a new family creates so much happiness. Helping new parents step into their new world with education and support puts me in my happy place."

Nancy Congleton, RN, Author

"What initially motivated me to become a nurse was that my husband and I were sinking financially. We both worked full time, our home was small and affordable, our vehicles were not brand new, and yet we were barely making it. At a young age I found myself intrigued by the medical profession and, after discovering that I could have my associate's degree in nursing and become an RN in approximately three years, I went for it. What started as a financial necessity has become so much more. I thoroughly enjoy caring for my patients and love mentoring new nurses.

"The things I love most about being a nurse include the variety of areas to practice in, the constant opportunities to focus on others, and those 12-hour shifts! If I had to go back to a Monday–Friday schedule, I don't know if I'd survive!"

Megan McHatten, RN, BSN, CNOR

"As an operating room nurse at a trauma center, there are times that can be pretty stressful and fast paced. Recently, a trauma was called and about six of us rushed to the OR to set up. All we typically know during these events are the very basics, and in this case, a motor vehicle accident had occurred, and we needed to do an exploratory laparotomy. Within about two minutes, we had the supplies and instruments opened, scrub techs were setting up, and anesthesia was getting ready. I looked around and was so proud to be a part of a team that could, within minutes, be ready to potentially save someone's life. Those are times when I am proud to be a perioperative nurse and I find them especially rewarding.

"What motivated me to choose this career? High demand, good pay, multiple specialties to work in, the ability to move forward with my career if I choose (i.e. nurse practitioner, administration) and the feeling of making a difference.

"I love the feeling when our team has a great surgical case, and everyone is working together like a well-oiled machine. I love knowing that many of my patients will begin their healing journey in my OR. I love the endless amount of learning and science that the health care field offers."

Maria Kindrai, RN, MSN - Carson-Newman FNP Student

"As a nurse, I have learned to appreciate every moment spent at the bedside of a patient.  Caring for others has always been a priority but during a pandemic it has been heightened.  This one on one time with someone is certainly time when both the patient and the nurse have the opportunity for growth and to learn from one another."

Donna Mathezing, RN

"30 years of being a nurse and I have never had a regret about my career choice. I knew when I was five years old that helping people and talking with them was what I was meant to do.

"I have worked in all critical care areas from emergency to the cardiovascular ICU to the general systems ICU; I now work in the post-operative care unit and have 10 years of experience flying with our air ambulance service in a helicopter. I get to make a profound difference every single day. That profound difference is different for every patient, depending on what they need from me at their time of need. That could be something simple like holding a hand, letting them cry on my shoulder, giving pain medications so their loved one is comfortable, or just reassuring them that we will take care of them!

"Being with people at what is sometimes the worst moments of their lives or the best moments (diagnosis is negative or the birth of a baby) is a privilege and one I take very seriously. Being with a family as their loved one is passing away is the ultimate compliment for a nurse. Death is a sacred and scary time for many, and to be allowed within that sacred circle to offer support and comfort is what is rewarding about nursing.

"If I can walk away after my shift knowing that I have eased a person's worry or fear and brought some sort of peace to them, then my day is fulfilled. And the best part of that is that I get many opportunities every day that I work."

Learn more about Carson-Newman's online nursing programs for registered nurses with their bachelor's or master's.

Request your free program brochure.

10 Benefits to Pursuing a Career in Nursing

Nursing is a fast-paced and in-demand field. The profession offers many benefits to people who enjoy helping others. Like other careers, there are advantages and disadvantages.

For example, working in healthcare is not for the fainthearted. In the past years, nurses have seen more tragedy than any of us should have to endure.

The healthcare crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted shortcomings in the healthcare system and many of the benefits of becoming a registered nurse. While it may be tempting to see only the challenges of working in healthcare, there are many benefits to pursuing a career in nursing.

There are many pros of nursing, but we’ll explore our top 10 picks on this page. Many nurses have discovered that the long list of benefits far outweighs the challenges. You may discover that pursuing a career in nursing offers far more than other jobs or career options.

Benefits to Pursuing a Career in Nursing

1. excellent security, salary, and benefits.

Nurses are always in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth rate in the field between 2022 and 2032. States are experiencing a nursing shortage , meaning lots of job opportunities are available. Hospitals and healthcare facilities need qualified nurses, and some even pay large sign-on bonuses for experienced nurses.

Nurses also receive a competitive salary. According to the most current BLS data, the median annual salary for RNs is $81,220, higher than the annual average salary across all occupations tracked by the BLS.

Additionally, nurses are offered significant benefit packages. Benefits packages for nurses can include:

2. Flexible Schedule

Nursing positions often have flexible hours and scheduling. This can be an added benefit for parents and guardians. A nurse may have the option of 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts depending on the employer. Working 10- or 12-hour shifts decrease the days you work each week.

Nurses can also work side gigs for other types of employers.

• School nurses often have two months off each summer, which coincides with the school schedule.
• Travel nurses can pick their assignments based on location and the shift offered.
• Homecare nurses normally work during business hours and only on some weekends.
• Community health nurses work weekdays during business hours.

Flexibility is key in the healthcare field. Although nurses may need to be flexible on occasion to work overtime or float to another floor, the job also offers flexible scheduling opportunities.

Some small hospital units also offer self-scheduling. This gives the nurse a greater sense of autonomy and control, improving a nurse’s sense of well-being .

3. Rewarding Career Path

Another reason to choose a nursing career is it can bring you a great deal of personal fulfillment. Nurses make a difference in the lives of their patients every day. Your knowledge and education also make a difference in the lives of your friends and family.

Regardless of the setting, nurses must understand the emotional side of illness and how it impacts a person’s behavior. The combination of these skills and a hefty dose of compassion have likely contributed to nurses being ranked as the most trusted profession for 19 consecutive years.

In a 2023 Gallup poll, nurses retained the top ethics rating among a long list of professions, with 79% of U.S. adults giving nurses a “very high” or “high” honesty and ethical standard rating.

During the COVID pandemic, many hospitals and media sites labeled nurses and doctors “healthcare heroes.” While the work that was done was truly heroic, the label may have done more damage than good for several reasons. One of those is perpetuating the Imposter syndrome in nurses who struggle to believe they deserve the achievements and high esteem in which they are held.

Factors that might contribute to the development of Imposter syndrome include your family upbringing. However, by grounding yourself in a community of caring individuals, you can share your feelings, learn to focus on a realistic assessment of your abilities, and stop comparing yourself to others.

4. Opportunity for Advancement

A career in nursing offers many opportunities for advancement and the option to work in different fields. Armed with your nursing degree and advanced education, you can move into a nurse managerial position or an advanced practice clinical position.

Some nurses progress in their careers by earning specialized nurse certifications , making them more attractive to employers and raising their potential salaries. Others choose to move out of the clinical field into administrative positions where they can impact the profession or the institution.

The opportunity to advance offers nurses new challenges , higher salaries, and greater job satisfaction. In pursuit of new job roles, nurses have the option of moving to new areas of the U.S. or even other countries. Opportunities in advanced clinical nursing education include mission nurse work in underserved areas or with organizations like Doctors Without Borders.

5. Several Ways to Become a Nurse

One of the pros of nursing is the many ways you can enter the workforce. There are three common routes you can take to become a registered nurse .

1. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Degree

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) degree is the quickest way to enter nursing. The degree takes one year to complete, including up to 750 clinical hours. An LPN earns a mean annual wage of $60,790 and can work in various healthcare facilities.

However, most employers seek nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). This is a four-year degree, after which you can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and be licensed in your state as a registered nurse.

2. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

A second option to become a registered nurse is to complete an associate degree in nursing (ADN), which takes two years to complete, including clinical hours and prerequisite course work. Whether you complete an LPN program or ADN program , there are bridge programs that can help you to become a BSN-prepared nurse .

3. ADN-to-MSN Bridge Program

An ADN nurse may also bypass completing their BSN and earn their master of science in nursing (MSN) through an ADN-to-MSN bridge program . These programs allow you to complete the education needed for an advanced practice nurse role or to attain your degree in administration.

Bridge programs take advantage of your past education and your current skills. Some programs are also online, which helps candidates continue to work while completing their education.

Popular Nursing Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

6. Learn Transferable Career Skills

Nurses develop several transferable skills they can use if nurses choose to change their careers . For example, nurses develop strong soft skills like communication. They must interact and get information from their patients and collaborate with other healthcare workers.

Nurses can comfort patients who are scared and alone or negotiate with an intoxicated person. This level of communication is rare in the workplace and valued by many employers.

Nurses must also be excellent time managers, which looks like prioritizing tasks and fitting them into an already busy schedule. Nurses are familiar with and have experience working in teams. This is a necessary skill for employees in large companies.

Additionally, nurses understand the necessity of being dedicated and persevering through challenging times. Dedication isn’t usually glamorous. Instead, it can be exhausting and frustrating.

Finally, they must have strong critical thinking skills for nurses . They must consider recommendations or evaluate orders written by physicians for their patients. Asking “what if” questions and analyzing the possible outcomes help nurses reach informed decisions.

All employers are looking for people who have these skills. Many employers can teach the information needed to perform the job but don’t have the structure to teach employees how to be dedicated and collaborative or develop strong communication and critical thinking skills.

7. Choose or Change Your Specialty

Nurses have the opportunity to work in areas that interest them. For example, there is a need for nurses in labor and delivery , cardiovascular surgery, mental health, and dialysis. In other words, whatever area of medicine interests you, nurses are needed to care for patients.

All nurses go through “basic training.” Nursing programs teach candidates the foundational skills they need to care for patients. After graduation, hospitals and healthcare organizations have training programs that help nurses gain the skills and knowledge to practice in that area.

Nurses can choose what interests them most and work in that field. However, there are times when you get burned out working in a specialty. If that happens, nurses have the opportunity to change specialties without going back to school.

Take some time to self-evaluate. Think about why you don’t like your current specialty since it can help you make the right decision. Do your research on the specialty and get some hands-on experience. Ask to shadow a nurse and network with nurses who work in the field.

If the switch you are making is a drastic change, such as pediatrics to labor and delivery, you may receive additional education. This can be as simple as a day-long workshop or nursing certification course.

Timing your switch for after you’ve mastered your original specialty shows your new manager your ability to learn and excel.

8. Travel Opportunities

Becoming a registered nurse gives you a unique opportunity to travel. Travel nurses are in great demand as they help fill in geographical shortages. The pandemic and overall nursing shortage have increased the rates at which they are paid. Travel nurses are offered a pay package that includes an hourly rate, housing stipends, non-taxed per diems, and travel reimbursement.

Travel nurses have the opportunity to see the world like a resident and not a tourist. People who are visiting a city may stay for one or two weeks and often see all the main tourist attractions.

But travel nurses often live in the area for 26 weeks. They may visit all the tourist areas and have the chance to see the local life in a way that a tourist often cannot experience.

9. Change Your Job but Not Your Career

Nurses can work in a variety of settings , which can increase your opportunity to stay in your career if you get burned out working in a hospital or doctor’s office.

School Nurses

Nurses are needed in school systems, colleges, and universities.

Correctional Nurses

If you are interested in criminal justice, prisons and jails also have nurses to care for the prisoners.

Home Health Nurses

Since there is a growing aging population who want to stay home, the need for homecare nurses who can ensure that people are safe in their homes is rising.

Missionary Nurses

Mission organizations need nurses who can work with them in the mission field, whether in the U.S. or another country.

Forensic Nurses

Forensic nurses work with the court system to collect evidence.

Other options include nursing educator , holistic nurse consultant, clinical nurse researcher , cruise ships, public health nurse , informatics nurse , and legal nurse consultant .

In each case, you are using your nursing degree, many times outside of direct patient care.

10. Simple Wardrobe

It’s a simple but daily benefit. You don’t have to think about what you’re wearing to work. You don’t spend hundreds of dollars on new clothes every season, and your profession demands that you wear comfortable shoes.

You can wear the same color scrubs every day, and no one will make fun of you. In fact, everyone wears the same nurse uniform , which is cost-effective and washes easily. The most expensive piece of clothing you’ll buy for work is your shoes.

Remember not to skimp on your work shoes, since most nurses walk between 4-5 miles in every 12-hour shift.

You might be interested in

Ask a Nurse: What Can I Do as a Nurse Aside From Bedside?

Looking for a less stressful nonbedside job? You are not alone. Here are 13 job options to consider that may reduce your stress and improve work/life balance.

Ask a Nurse: Given the Pandemic, Is Becoming a Nurse Worth It?

New nurses question if becoming a nurse during the pandemic is worth the time and effort. Here’s the advice our experienced nurse has to offer.

Survey: Majority of People Believe Nursing Is a Favorable Career Choice Since Pandemic

A recent NurseJournal survey reports that public perceptions of nursing have grown more favorable since the pandemic, although some express concerns about the profession’s effect on mental health, compensation, and work-life balance.

📕 Studying HQ

How to write a nursing career plan essay, rachel r.n..

• May 18, 2024
• How to Guides

Nursing is a highly rewarding and noble career path that allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their families. It is a profession that requires a deep sense of compassion, dedication, and a sincere desire to help others. Pursuing a career in nursing is a significant decision that demands a clear understanding of one’s goals and aspirations. Writing a nursing career goal essay is a crucial step in the admission process for nursing programs, as it provides an opportunity for prospective students to articulate their motivations, aspirations, and vision for their future in the nursing profession.

What You'll Learn

What is a nursing career goal essay?

A nursing career goal essay is a comprehensive written statement that outlines an individual’s reasons for choosing to pursue a career in nursing. It serves as a platform for applicants to express their passion, motivation, and commitment to the nursing field. This essay allows admissions committees to gain insight into the applicant’s thought process, values, and long-term goals within the nursing profession.

What’s included in a nursing career goal essay?

A well-crafted nursing career goal essay should encompass the following key elements:

• Personal background and inspiration: In this section, applicants should share their personal experiences, life events, or encounters that sparked their interest in the nursing profession. This could include instances where they witnessed the impact of nurses firsthand, or experiences that highlighted their innate desire to care for others.
• Career goals: Clearly outlining both short-term and long-term career goals is essential in a nursing career goal essay. Short-term goals may include obtaining a specific nursing degree or certification, gaining experience in a particular healthcare setting, or developing proficiency in a specialized area of nursing. Long-term goals could involve pursuing advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, or aspiring to leadership roles, such as nurse manager or nurse educator.
• Strengths and qualities: Applicants should highlight the personal strengths, qualities, and skills that make them well-suited for a career in nursing. This could include attributes such as empathy, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, resilience, and the ability to work well under pressure.
• Contributions to the field: In this section, applicants should explain how they plan to contribute to the nursing profession and make a positive impact on patient care or the healthcare system as a whole. This could involve discussing their commitment to ongoing professional development, their desire to advocate for patient rights, or their interest in participating in research or quality improvement initiatives.
• Educational and professional aspirations: Applicants should discuss their educational goals, such as obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing, as well as their professional aspirations, which could include pursuing specialized roles like nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse educator.

How to write a nursing career goal essay sample:

• Reflect and introspect: Take time to reflect on your personal experiences, values, and aspirations that have led you to the decision to pursue a career in nursing. Engage in introspection to identify the key motivations and goals that resonate most strongly with you.
• Create an outline : Develop a well-structured outline that organizes your thoughts and ensures that your essay flows logically. This outline should include an engaging introduction, body paragraphs that address each of the key elements mentioned above, and a compelling conclusion.
• Craft an engaging introduction: Begin your essay with a captivating introduction that immediately captures the reader’s attention and sets the tone for your essay. Consider using a relevant anecdote, a thought-provoking quote, or a compelling statistic to pique the reader’s interest.
• Incorporate examples and personal anecdotes: Throughout your essay, incorporate relevant examples and personal anecdotes that illustrate your points and make your essay more engaging and authentic. These personal stories can help the admissions committee better understand your motivations and connect with your narrative.
• Proofread and revise: Carefully proofread and revise your essay to ensure that it is well-written, free of errors, and effectively communicates your message. Consider seeking feedback from trusted individuals, such as mentors, professors, or writing center professionals, to help you refine and strengthen your essay.

Related Articles: ESSAY WRITING SAMPLE: NURSING CAREER PLAN

Tips for writing a good nursing career goal essay:

• Be authentic and honest: S hare your genuine motivations, experiences, and goals in your essay. Authenticity and honesty can make your essay stand out and resonate with the admissions committee.
• Highlight your unique qualities: Emphasize the unique qualities, experiences, or perspectives that make you a strong candidate for a nursing career. This could include your cultural background, life experiences, or personal values that align with the nursing profession.
• Demonstrate your knowledge and passion: Throughout your essay, showcase your understanding of the nursing profession and your passion for helping others and improving patient care. Discuss the specific aspects of nursing that resonate with you and how you plan to contribute to the field.
• Tailor your essay: Customize your essay to the specific nursing program or institution you are applying to, and address any prompts or requirements provided. Research the program’s values, mission, and focus areas to ensure your essay aligns with their goals and objectives.
• Focus on the future: While reflecting on your past experiences is important, ensure that your essay primarily focuses on your future goals and aspirations within the nursing profession. Discuss how your experiences have shaped your vision and how you plan to continue growing and contributing to the field.
• Use appropriate language and tone: Maintain a professional and academic tone throughout your essay, using appropriate language and avoiding colloquialisms or informal expressions. At the same time, strive to write in a clear and concise manner, making your essay engaging and easy to read.
• Seek feedback and revise: After completing your initial draft, seek feedback from trusted individuals, such as mentors, professors, or writing center professionals. Use their feedback to refine and strengthen your essay, ensuring that it effectively communicates your message and showcases your qualifications as a strong candidate for the nursing program.

50 Nursing Career Goals

• Become a registered nurse (RN) by completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) .
• Write a nursing career plan to outline my professional journey.
• Choose nursing as a career to make a difference in patient care.
• Develop nursing skills to provide excellent nursing care.
• Pursue a career in nursing with a focus on holistic care.
• Pass nursing school admissions to enroll in a top nursing program .
• Specialize in a specific area of nursing , such as pediatrics or oncology.
• Write a nursing career essay to articulate my passion for nursing.
• Set long-term goals in nursing , such as becoming a nurse educator.
• Write an effective nursing personal statement for job applications.
• Gain experience as a nurse practitioner to provide advanced care.
• Achieve certification as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) .
• Write a nursing school essay that highlights my commitment to nursing.
• Participate in continuing education to stay current in nursing practice.
• Write your nursing career goals in a journal to track progress.
• Aim for a leadership role in nursing, such as nurse manager.
• Pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to advance my career.
• Contribute to nursing research to improve patient outcomes.
• Focus on patient-centered care throughout my nursing career.
• Mentor nursing students to help them achieve their career goals.
• Write an essay on why I want to become a nurse to inspire others.
• Work in a care home nurse setting to support elderly patients.
• Develop a nursing career plan essay to define my professional aspirations.
• Aim to become a professional nurse who excels in patient care.
• Pursue a doctoral degree in nursing (DNP) for advanced practice roles.
• Write your nursing experience essay to reflect on clinical experiences.
• Set short-term nursing goals , such as improving specific nursing skills.
• Become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to expand my scope of practice.
• Provide care for patients with compassion and empathy.
• Explore career options in nursing to find the best fit for my skills.
• Write a good nursing career path essay to outline future steps.
• Aim to work in nursing education to teach future nurses.
• Develop a passion for nursing by continually learning and growing.
• Focus on nursing goals that improve patient and family outcomes.
• Pursue a career in the medical field with a focus on nursing.
• Write an essay on the reasons for choosing nursing as a profession.
• Work towards becoming a great nurse known for excellent care.
• Achieve competence in advanced nursing skills to enhance patient care.
• Aim for a rewarding career in nursing that makes a significant impact.
• Pursue specialized training in areas like critical care or emergency nursing.
• Write a personal statement for nursing school admissions to stand out.
• Focus on holistic care to address all aspects of a patient’s well-being.
• Engage in professional development opportunities in nursing.
• Aim to care for others with the highest standards of nursing practice.
• Work towards a leadership role in nursing staff management.
• Develop a nursing career goal essay to clarify my objectives.
• Pursue advanced nursing degrees to open more career opportunities.
• Work on improving nursing practice through evidence-based approaches.
• Aim to provide excellent nursing care to every patient.
• Write a good nursing career goals essay to inspire and guide others interested in nursing.

What is your ambition as a nurse? Your ambition in nursing should not only be about becoming a nurse but also about evolving into the best nurse you can be. This implies continuous learning and skill enhancement. Pursue professional development opportunities, learn from experienced colleagues, and stay updated with advancements in healthcare

How do you write a career plan essay?

Three elements of a successful career goals essay Highlight specific career achievements. … Explain why your experiences and influences make your career goal a logical and wise choice. Demonstrate why you are suited to a particular field as a result of your education, experience, abilities, and enthusiasm.

What are the 5 nursing plans? The nursing process functions as a systematic guide to client-centered care with 5 sequential steps. These are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

What are the 6 C’s of nursing? The 6 Cs – care, compassion, courage, communication, commitment, competence – are a central part of ‘Compassion in Practice’, which was first established by NHS England Chief Nursing Officer, Jane Cummings, in December 201

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How to write a Nursing Career Plan Essay (Plus Example)

The nursing profession is an essential part of the healthcare system. It is the glue that holds the healthcare journey together. For this reason, any person aspiring to join this magnificent but challenging profession must acquire extensive knowledge, education, and the necessary skills before practicing as a nurse. But before entering nursing school , you must show the college reviewers that you are up for the task by writing a career plan essay.

A nursing career plan is an essential document that serves as a roadmap for aspiring nurses. It outlines the goals, aspirations, and strategies for professional development for students aspiring to be nurses. You must, therefore, clearly state why you are passionate about the profession.

In this comprehensive guide, we will define what a nursing career plan is and show you how to write one that articulates your vision,

What is a Nursing Career Plan?

A nursing career plan is an important document that ranges between 300- 500 words outlining your goals, dreams, aspirations, and experiences .

It is a necessary document required before being enrolled in a nursing program. Depending on the nursing college or university of choice, you will be asked to write a nursing career plan essay explaining why you should be given a chance to pursue the program and the value you will bring to the institution. It is part of an institution’s competitive application process. For this reason, you must know how to write one.

A career plan essay is essential to helping you figure out what you want at the end of the program. While it is easy to state your dreams and aspirations, putting them down on paper is something else.

What Does a Career Plan Include?

A nursing career plan outlines how you intend to use the nursing degree after school. So, the essay's primary focus should be your goals and the necessary information that distinguishes you from other applicants. Some additional information that you should consider adding to your career plan essay is:

• Personal stories that show what drives you to pursue the career.
• Short-term goals that highlight your plans and identify the steps you will take.
• Long-term goals for your career- This could be academic and professional.
• Desired nursing environment. The nursing environment showcases what type of environment you wish to work. This will help the admissions board make an informed decision about which nursing program is right for you.
• Academic qualifications. Nursing schools require your educational qualifications.  
• Skills and experiences. Add information about your skills and experiences that are relevant to the program.

Steps for Writing a Great Nursing Career Plan

Follow these steps to write an effective nursing career plan essay.

Plan Your Essay

Before writing a career plan essay, you need to develop a plan for writing the content. Start thinking about what you wish to include in the document. This could be things like your qualifications, what sets you apart, and why you are passionate about it. As you do this, you might also consider the following:

• Who is your audience?
• Why are you applying for the nursing program?
• Key character traits that set you apart and make you ideal for nursing?
• Why should the admissions board consider your application?
• What kind of steps are you taking to achieve the goals?

Answering these questions will help you write an impactful nursing career plan essay.

What Your Motivation

Think about your motivations for choosing nursing as a career of choice. Consider what inspired your interest in a healthcare career. Is it a desire to help those around you? A personal experience that sparked your interest? Or your fascination with the healthcare industry. Keep in mind that nursing is a career that demands a lot from an individual. You may have to sacrifice a lot, including some relationships and personal time, to earn that degree. Your motivation will guide you through all the hurdles. Therefore, clearly state your reasons and how they align with your values and aspirations. By doing this in your essay, you will demonstrate to the recruiters that you are passionate and committed to the profession.

Define Your Goals

You must identify both short- and long-term goals for your nursing career, no matter how small you think they are. For instance, your short-term goals could be finishing assignments and submitting them on time, attending class early, gaining practical experience through clinical rotations, and procuring specific nursing certifications. On the other hand, long-term goals could be choosing a specialization, for instance, working in pediatrics, geriatrics, or critical care. Or maybe you wish to take up leadership roles or research opportunities? Define these goals clearly, ensuring they align with your passions and aspirations.

If you have no clue about your long-term goals. Consider conducting relevant research on nursing programs to comprehensively understand the different career paths, specialties, and available opportunities. Carefully explore the different roles and determine which areas align most with your interests and goals. Doing this will help you tailor your career plan essay and make an informed decision about the desired nursing path.

Please remember, as you set your goals, make sure they are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Goal setting is an effective way to monitor your progress in school and your profession.

Assess Your Skills and Knowledge

Conduct an honest self-assessment of your skills and knowledge to determine what you have to offer. Break down your skills into the following categories: knowledge-based skills, transferable skills, and soft skills.

• Knowledge-based skills are those that you have acquired from your previous education or job experience.
• Transferable skills can be incorporated into various roles, including leadership, communication, problem-solving, and analysis.
• Soft skills involve personality. These traits include a positive work ethic, adaptability, and being a team player.

Ensure you identify areas where you excel and those that require further development. Once you have broken down your skills into the above categories, you will be able to identify the necessary steps to enhance them and fill any knowledge gaps. This will then ensure that you are well-prepared for a career in nursing.

Create a Timeline

You must show the admissions board that you have goals and aspirations and the commitment to achieving them. State all the strategies that you will use to accomplish these plans. This could involve furthering your education, attending healthcare conferences, participating in professional organizations related to nursing, and seeking mentorship from experienced nurses. Highlight any steps you plan to enhance your skills, knowledge, and expertise in your chosen nursing specialty.

Come up with a timeline that outlines your milestones and deadlines for achieving plans. This timeline will keep you focused and motivated throughout your education and nursing career. Please ensure that the timeline is realistic. Allow some flexibility for unexpected situations that could arise during this time.

Highlight Your Commitment to Patent Care

Since this is a nursing program, you must show the admissions board that you are committed to patient care; that's what the whole career is based on. Explain what values and ethical principles you will embrace during your practice. Additionally emphasize the importance of cultural sensitivity, advocating for patients’ rights and interest, and evidence-based care. Share relevant personal experiences or stories that prove your dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.

Organize Your Work

Trying to figure out how to write a nursing career plan essay is challenging when your thoughts are disorganized. For this reason, you must create an outline highlighting all the points you will cover in the paper. An outline will also help you develop an excellent nursing career plan essay that impresses your target audience. It will also help you identify areas for improvement that add essential information to the essay.

A good outline must have the following:

• An introduction - This is the first paragraph of your essay, which outlines why you are writing the career goal essay.
• Body paragraphs -explain the main idea behind your essay. It must state your goals and how you intend to achieve them.
• Conclusion - As the last paragraph of your essay, a conclusion should summarize what you have discussed throughout the essay.

Come up with a Great Title

Like all other academic essays, a nursing career plan must have a great title that accurately tells readers what you will discuss. Ensure the title suits the essay's purpose and highly resonates with your target audience. So, highlight qualities the admission board will likely appreciate, like professionalism and originality.

Consider writing the title after you are done writing the rest of the essay when you know what information to add that will capture the context of the paper.  

Write a Captivating Introduction

Now that you have everything you need to write a good nursing career plan essay, write a great introduction. A great introduction that grabs the readers' attention will go a long way in encouraging the admissions board to rest the paper. It tells them that it is not just an essay they are used to reading. Remember that these people go through thousands of career plan essays, so you must ensure you stand out.

After writing a good introduction, end with a thesis statement highlighting your motivation for choosing the nursing program. Remember that the essay aims to show your goals for the nursing program. So, apart from outlining the theme of the essay, it should also show your “why.”

Many students find the introduction the most challenging part of writing a career plan essay. So, you may have to consider writing it last if you want it to reflect everything you have talked about in the body part.

Write the Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs should mention all the essential details about your goals and ambitions. Explain why these goals are essential and why the nursing program means so much to you. Then, clarify all the actions you would take to achieve these goals.

Finish with a Great Conclusion

As with any academic essay, your conclusion must summarize everything you have discussed in the essay. Don’t add anything new; it will tell readers you have not cohesively written your essay. Mention the goals again and state why you wish to study the program in the particular school.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Career Goal Essay

Use these tips to help improve your nursing career goal essay.

Cite Your Sources

Ensure you cite everything that is not your own in the essay. This tells your readers you value and respect other authors by giving them credit for their work. It also demonstrates that you are well-versed with essay writing standards. Additionally, if you state that you have worked in a healthcare setting and acquired relevant nursing skills, provide evidence about your experience there.

Ensure you provide a list of references at the end of the paper. This will show that you have researched the work.

Use the Proper Structure

Since this is a formal document, it must follow the appropriate structure, especially if you are trying to get admission into a nursing school. So, ensure that you have structured it well, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It should also meet all the requirements needed in a career plan and those that apply to a formal essay. If there is a specific structure that the institution wants you to use, make sure you follow it to the letter.

Use Your Unique Voice

Make sure you use your own unique and creative voice throughout the essay. Write about your aspirations and goals in a way that reflects your personality. Use a language that is easy to understand and fits your personality experience. Just because you are writing to an admission board does mean you should use complex vocabulary. Your writing should be communicated consistently throughout the essay. This will tell your target audience that you are taking the nursing career very seriously.

Sharing a little backstory about yourself is a great tip to show your personality. This could be a unique experience that shaped your desire for the nursing profession. Clearly explain why you chose this profession amongst others. Share any pivotal moment in your life that made you make this step.

Proofread Your Essay

Before you submit the nursing career plan essay, ensure that it has no errors. Follow the editing and proofreading tips to evaluate your essay for mechanical correctness. Proofread after you have finished writing.

Follow the Word Length Given 

You must follow all the instructions given, especially in word length. Going above the word count will distract from the intended message and tell your readers that you are not really keen on following instructions. So, check the word count periodically to ensure you stay on the limit.

Sample of a Nursing Career Plan Essay

Nursing is a great and noble career that provides more room for professional advancement ((Waddell et al., 2008). Nurses perform various functions in healthcare settings. They work with doctors, pharmacists, therapists, social workers, and other professionals to save lives and alleviate patients' suffering. I want to join the program and help those in need.  My long-term goal is to be a leader serving an entire health institute ward. However, I do understand that to get there, I must first have a solid academic foundation. For this reason, I wish to join a nursing program and become a registered nurse within four years. I understand nursing can be challenging, so I intend to work hard and work the required hours to finish my degree program.  I was drawn into the program because the career requires being close to another person to understand their needs. One has to be involved with a patient's key moments, including birth and death. I have had an opportunity to work closely with elderly people in a nursing home, which enabled me to acquire patient care skills, including helping patients maintain oral hygiene and take their medications. Action Steps  I must complete a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Nursing to attain the leadership role . During my studies, I intend to join an internship program to demonstrate the knowledge acquired in class and gain technical skills and experience. This experience will be sufficient when working in the Nation Health Service. For my short-term goals, I intend to improve my skills throughout my time in school continuously. I'll join various group discussions to improve my oral and presentation skills. Professional Development I intend to gain more skills and focus on my studies for the remaining two years of education. I will focus more on my weaknesses to ensure I become the best I can be, especially in mastering drugs and professional patient observation. Conclusion Nurses have a fundamental role to play in the hospital setting. This is why there is a need for constant professional improvement and new skills to ensure they are in a better position to care for their patients. Therefore, one must have a plan on how they intend to achieve these goals by doing a self-assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses and develop their career plans. References Waddell, J., Donner, G. J., & Wheeler, M. M. (2008). Building Your Nursing Career: A Guide for Students. Mosby.

The above sample is intended to give you a general idea of how to write a nursing career sample.

What to Avoid When Writing a Nursing Career Goal Essay

Your career goals essay should be as straightforward as possible. The following are some things you must avoid when writing the essay.

Weak Statements

Every word, phrase, and statement should be specific to your experience. For instance, a sentence like the following, I want to study nursing because it will allow me to get a well-paying job after graduation , doesn’t communicate why you are passionate about the profession. You must be specific about your goals and ambitions and clearly state your reasons for applying to the nursing school.

Talking About Finances

A career plan essay aims to show your short- and long-term goals about the nursing program. So, the admissions board wants to see your passion for the career in your essay. Sure, a career in nursing could be lucrative, but you don't have to show it in your essay. Focusing on fiancées shows that you are not focused on longevity in your career.

Starting Blandly

Don’t begin your essay with lackluster statements such as, ‘my career goal in nursing is…’ behind with a captivating story that is impactful to your career goal essay. Inject something exciting about your life by sharing an anecdote to set the stage for your career aspirations.

Failing to Connect Your Goals with the Nursing

Clearly state what drove you to choose the nursing program and why you want to pursue it as a career. Thus, share specific examples to demonstrate your motivation and clarify the goals for the program.

Final Word on Writing a Nursing Career Plan Essay

A nursing career plan essay is a vital document that you can use to showcase your goals and aspirations for a nursing career. Writing the essay is a proactive approach to professional success. While setting these goals is important, remember to be flexible and adaptable to navigate the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

At Nursemygrade.com , we understand that writing a nursing career plan essay is challenging, so we are ready to walk with you every step of the way. As experts in nursing assignments, our writers will write exemplary career plan essays that capture every required detail. Just place an order and let us help you.

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“Why Do You Want to Be a Nurse?” Nursing School Interview Question

Preparing your “Why do you want to be a nurse” answer for an interview is key. The question will always be asked in a nursing school interview, which is why you must strategically plan out your answer, and take some time to reflect on this difficult question.

Not everybody puts thought into the “why” behind this question. Some people seem to act entirely on instinct, but you can’t afford to do so with your career – your future. Not to mention the fact that you need to have a professional, snappy, and thoughtful response to any (and every) question brought forward in an admissions interview.

Some nursing school interview questions are a chore to get through, but with some careful consideration, the question of why will be so foundational that you’ll never regret having explored it. This isn’t just something you have to answer, this is a question you want – even need – to answer.

In this article, you will find different answer samples to the “Why do you want to be a nurse” question, how to find a personal answer unique to you, and how to structure your answer to create an amazing impression on the interview day. 

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 10 min read

Why are you asked this question.

Having an answer to this question is more than important, it’s necessary. It’s necessary for your interview, but it’s also necessary for yourself.

Imagine being the interviewer for a moment and seeing a candidate who looks great on paper, with strong academic record, a great nursing school personal statement , good letters of reference, and a demonstrable track record of excellence all-around demonstrated in their nursing school application resume . But in the interview, that candidate responds with, “I don’t know,” to the question of why they are selecting the career that they are. The interviewer’s likeliest response? Complete dismissal. If this question isn’t answered properly, it will corrupt the entire interview, and possibly even destroy the application altogether.

That’s why they ask the question. Would you select a candidate who didn’t know why they were even applying to nursing?

Of course not. If you were generous, you’d take the candidate aside and advise them to take more time to think about their future.

Which presents another reason why you need to answer the question: you owe it to yourself. This is who you want to be, after all. Make sure you put some thought into it. What the interviewer is asking of you is to not just explain why you’re a good candidate, but why nursing is important to you. So the main thing is to put your connection to the profession on display.

This question really is for the admissions committee to understand whether you fit with this career path. Your “why” will demonstrate whether you will be a positive addition to this profession.

Before you start composing your answer to this question, it’s important to reflect on your own reasons for pursuing this career. There are thousands of potential reasons and each one is legitimate in its own way. We have compiled a list of suggestions that may help you pinpoint your own “why” behind your decision.

Patient Care

One of the most common reasons that nurses give for “why nursing?” is to care for patients. Nurses spend more time with patients than any other medical professionals . They spend close to twice as long with patients as personal visitors (more than friends and family) and almost three times as many minutes with patients as other medical staff (physicians, physician assistants, and medical students).

Directly caring for patients is the biggest part of nursing, and an excellent potential aspect of your answer to the question of “why” you want to be a nurse. If you love working with patients, it could be an ideal entry into your answer to this question.

\u201cHuman connection has always been important to me. Nursing is an opportunity for me to help people at their most vulnerable.\u201d  ","label":"Example statement","title":"Example statement"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Heat of a Team

Nurses work together as a team to care for their patients. Although each nurse is assigned certain patients, they will help each other out. Being part of a team is exciting for a lot of people, and perhaps this is one aspect of the profession that excites you. Knowing that somebody has your back, and you have theirs, is a big plus in any career.

Not just part of a nursing team, healthcare requires many specialists across disciplines, and nurses are a part of that team.

\u201cI love working with other people and knowing that I\u2019m part of a work-family. Nurses come together to share their workload in a way that I find encouraging. I would love to be the kind of person who can be counted on by my colleagues, and who has a good support network as part of the job.\u201d ","label":"Example Statement","title":"Example Statement"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

Physically, mentally, and emotionally, nursing is a challenge. The profession demands excellence and endurance from all aspects of life. Many people find challenges exciting and rewarding, and it might be beneficial to let an interviewer see that hardworking, never-back-down side to your character.

\u201cI am someone who rises to a challenge, who doesn\u2019t quit, and who won\u2019t back down from hardship. If I fail, I try again. I know that nursing is tough, but that toughness is something I admire in others and in the profession, and I think I would be ideally suited for a place where I can be challenged. ","label":"Example Statement","title":"Example Statement"}]" code="tab3" template="BlogArticle">

Constant Learning

You’re a curious mind who loves to experience new things? Nursing is perfect.

Nursing is a multi-facetted profession, and there is always more to learn and explore. Whether travel nursing, working with children, or with the elderly, you can find something (or everything) within the field.

One of the most interesting areas to learn is in pure medical knowledge. Nurses have to deal with many different areas of medical science, so the opportunities for educational growth are exponential.

Although less altruistic than some other answers, it can be beneficial to let an interviewer know that you will love a career in nursing for these rewarding aspects as well. 

\u201cLife is a journey, and an adventure, and nursing provides a place to be a kind of adventurer. There is so much this profession offers, so many different ways to learn and grow, and I look forward to a life of, not just helping people, but exploration.\u201d ","label":"Example Statement","title":"Example Statement"}]" code="tab4" template="BlogArticle">

Nursing exposes a person to a wide variety of medical experiences, and that can lead to excellent insights into the field at large and lead to other, perhaps unexpected, career paths.

There are a lot of growth opportunities within the nursing field. A nurse might strive to become a nurse practitioner – very similar to an R.N. or R.P.N., but with some powers granted and further responsibilities. They can diagnose illnesses, order tests, or give prescriptions, for example. It’s like a halfway point between nurse and doctor. If this is your ambition, do not hesitate to express that you want a career where you will be able to grow, learn, and advance as a professional!

Nurses may also explore other medical professions. While you may be hesitant to express your desire to go from nurse to doctor , you should know that these kinds of transitions are not rare. Nurses who transition to being physicians or other medical professional have a huge advantage in terms of experience and clinical knowledge! You should feel free to express your dedication and commitment to nursing, as well as your aspirations for other professional avenues. Whether you want to grow within nursing or beyond, admissions committees like applicants who show ambition.

\u201cI want to experience the medical field in its fullest, and I believe there is no better first step on that journey than nursing.\u201d ","label":"Example Statement","title":"Example Statement"}]" code="tab5" template="BlogArticle">

Want help preparing for your nursing school application and interview?

How to Plan Your Answer

All of the reasons we list above are good. But you need more than just a parroted reason. Reason without passion is just an excuse.

There is a deeper reason for entering this field. Use this question to display that depth and your passion for nursing.

The personal why is about how the profession connects with you. There was a point in your life when you knew you wanted this for yourself. Maybe a family member was a nurse? Maybe somebody you knew was hospitalized, but the nursing staff at their hospital made their recovery infinitely better. Maybe that person was you: sick or injured, your life and health, improved by the nurses who cared for you.

Start with a good, captivating opening statement. Make it short, to the point, and formulate it in such a way that you will set up the rest of your answer. A good attention-grabbing statement might be a cataclysmic life event, a profound quote, or a statement that generates intrigue. Think of the beginnings of your favorite books or films. They start with something that grabs attention (“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” for instance). You want to ensnare an audience, not just say, “I always wanted to be a nurse.”

For example: “We were miles from help, cell phones dead or no bars, and blood was everywhere. I was holding onto my belt, pulling it tight enough to stop the flow, talking my friend back to a state of calmness, and hoping like heck that my lack of belt wouldn’t mean my pants would fall down imminently. I didn’t know it at the time, but being the calm one in a crisis, remembering my first aid knowledge, and making it through all that trauma was what would lead me to become a nurse.”

Keep to one or two main examples as to why you are pursuing nursing, show your connection to nursing beyond just, “it’s a job”, and throw in personal flair to accent your statement. Outlining one or two examples or reasons will allow you to include interesting details and expand on these reasons in more depth.

The personal connection is a good place to start. When did you realize you wanted to be a nurse? Why do you love it? Those catalyst points in your life that made you choose nursing are a great start.

A concluding statement – as short and punchy as your opening line – is the best way to wrap things up. You might let the interviewer know your career goals and how their program will help you get to where you want to go.

Make sure to keep your answer to 1 or 2 minutes long. You do not want to ramble on and on, thus losing the attention of your interviewers.

How to Practice Your “Why Do You Want to Be a Nurse?” Answer

Once you have an experience or two to focus on, spend some time thinking about how you want to present these talking points. Once you have an idea, start practicing. Remember, you do not want to memorize your answer, but you also want to have a clearly laid out format for your response. One of the worst things you can do is come to the interview unprepared, saying something like this, for example:

“I like helping people. I was once hurt and the nurses at the hospital helped me.”

That’s no good. Put effort, details, stories, and energy into the answer. This is the reason why you’re entering your next stage of life, so allow your excitement to shine through. Make a mini-story out of it.

It will help you a lot to practice your answer in mock interviews, making sure that your answer sounds natural, thorough, and professional.

“Why Do You Wat to Be a Nurse?” Sample Answer #1

“I have always needed to help people. As a kid, if my younger siblings got a scrape on the knee, I was right there with my mom, helping to bandage them up. I think I was just mostly in the way.

But that need to care and heal never went away. When I was older, I took first-aid classes and loved it. I loved learning how to help, knowing that if there was a problem I could be right there making things better.

The day that I knew specifically I wanted to be a nurse was after applying my first-aid knowledge directly. A friend of mine got hurt at school, slipped and had a bad fall down some stairs. I used my first-aid to keep them calm and check for any breaks or other issues before helping get them to the school nurse. While I was in the nurse's office, I felt like I was part of something already. Later, I spoke with the school nurse about my career path, and she was helpful, thoughtful, and encouraging.

Nursing is perfect for me. More than any other profession, nursing will give me an opportunity to care for people. It lets me do more than just give medicine, it connects me to people, and make a real difference in their lives.

That human element, making small differences day-to-day, and really helping people – all of that is deeply connected to who I am, who I want to be, and to nursing. Nursing and me are a perfect fit.”

“Nursing is a one-hundred percent career, and I am a one-hundred percent person.

Challenge is exciting to me. Rock climbing is a hobby of mine, and I love it because it’s active and requires commitment. I’ve always been passionate like that.

Another thing I’m deeply passionate about is going where I’m needed. I remember my aunt talking one time about being a nurse, and about the struggles that she and the other nurses went through. I remember her being really upset about it, but I also remember thinking, ‘Oh, they need people.’ And, as I said, I go where I’m needed.

From there I started learning as much as I could about nursing, taking elective classes in school, reading about the profession, and talking to my aunt about the job. The more I learned, the more I knew this was my path.

Nursing is a place where I can make a difference, be needed, and be challenged, and I am looking forward to all of that – one-hundred percent.”

The answer to this question is as personal as it is imperative. Really think about why you want to be a nurse above all else, and you’ll have your answer. Once you know the “why”, you might get thrashed a lot on your journey, but you will always have sight of your destination.

You also have the perfect answer for your interview. But with all that incredible insight into your life and who you want to be, that’s almost a by-product, isn’t it?

An in-depth answer, one that properly communicates your connection to nursing, is going to take up more than a couple sentences. Keep your answer to 1 or 2 minutes long.

No, and in fact, we strongly discourage memorization. Memorizing your answer comes off as disingenuous. Additionally, you run the risk of messing up your script and freezing in the middle of your answer. Instead, just focus on remembering your talking points.

Do plan out your answer carefully before your interview, practice it, but from that point on, just worry about holding the main points in your head. You don’t need to memorize the whole thing.

Everybody has a different approach to their writing processes, but one fast, fairly simple way to deal with writer’s block is to give yourself permission to take five minutes and free associate. You could use pen and paper, word processors, or record yourself talking aloud, but through whichever method you choose, just start getting out ideas about nursing and why you’re interested in it.

Another approach would be to think about the first time you considered nursing as a career and why. Those memories will give you excellent insight and a good starting place to plan your answer.

We recommend sticking to one or two events or reasons that led to your decision.

Since you don’t have time to get into every facet of every aspect of why you want to be a nurse, you’re going to want to stick to one or two primary reasons. You will weaken your statement if you have too many points.

To have a strong answer, you need to incorporate personal or professional events or experiences that led you to pursue nursing. Why did you decide to pursue this career? What interests you about it? What events took place to lead you to apply to nursing school? These events do not necessarily need to be related to nursing directly, but you can connect them to nursing. For example, maybe your volunteer or work experiences demonstrate exceptional communication and interpersonal skills? Whatever it is, make sure you can connect your passion for nursing, and your experiences in your answer.

Chronologically is probably clearest. It will let you, and the interviewer, track the story better.

Keep in mind classical story structure, with a beginning, middle, and end, and use that as a rough guide.

Just pause, take a breath, and remember the first thing your wanted to say. Since you’ll have practiced beforehand, the rest will come back to you. Since you’ve arranged your answer as a small story, the structure helps with remembering as well, and because you haven’t scripted anything, it doesn’t need to be exactly as you’ve rehearsed it.

You need to go back to your story and really look at it with a critical eye. Ask yourself if there are any details you’re including that aren’t really necessary. Try to weed it out.

What is extraneous to your story will pop out if you reconsider that story structure of beginning-middle-end. If you’ve started talking about a certain event in childhood that led to another event that led to your deciding to be a nurse, are you taking any digressions along the way? Including any anecdotes that, while nice, don’t support your main story?

If you’re having trouble sticking to two minutes, be ruthless in your editing.

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ROTC Scholarships

Pay for college with the army’s help..

Cover your college education while gaining valuable leadership skills in Army ROTC with financial support from the Army.

Get a scholarship with Army ROTC.

Scholarships and other monetary support are available to help with costs when you join Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Focus on your education and graduate into a secure path as an Army Officer—and with less debt for the school years your scholarship covers. You’re eligible if you are a high school student enrolling in college, enrolled in college, or an active-duty enlisted Soldier.

Reach your financial goals.

Get tuition and fees covered.

Get the full college experience, only with less debt, in exchange for a career serving in the Army as an Officer after graduation. ROTC scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements and can be applied to any of the 1,000+ participating schools, covering either tuition and fees or room and board.

Get money for expenses and books.

Receive monthly help to offset living and book costs. All ROTC scholarships include an extra $420 each month throughout the school year for expenses like housing, along with $1,200 each year to spend on books.

Apply in high school or college.

You’re eligible to apply for an Army ROTC scholarship at a participating school upon completion of your junior year of high school or as a college student.

High School

Here’s what to know when applying for an ROTC scholarship in high school.

Start the application process.

To get started on your ROTC scholarship application, create an account and log in to the Scholarship Application. From there, you’ll locate and contact the Recruiting Operations Officer at the school you plan to attend. Most of them have served before and understand the process you’re going through.

Important dates to remember

ROTC scholarship applications opened on June 12, 2023. Applications must be started no later than March 4, 2024 to be eligible for review by the Army ROTC National Scholarship Board for the 2024 – 2025 school year.

Due October 9, 2023

Applications will be reviewed from October 16 – 20, 2023.

Due January 15, 2024

Applications will be reviewed from January 22 – 26, 2024.

Due March 11, 2024

Applications will be reviewed from March 18 – 22, 2024.

Your obligation with an ROTC scholarship

Your acceptance of the ROTC scholarship means a future service obligation of eight years in the Army, with requirements for active duty and/or the Army Reserve or Army National Guard depending on the scholarship. You may be eligible to serve part time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career immediately after graduation.

Scholarship recipients who wish to exit the ROTC program may do so after their freshman year of college without any obligation. 

Here’s what to know when applying for an ROTC scholarship in college.

Types of scholarships available.

You’ll have access to four-year, three-year, or two-year scholarships if you decide to join Army ROTC as a college student. Four-year scholarships are most common for students who are on a five-year college plan, while two-year scholarships are more common for those who attend certain participating two-year community colleges before transferring to a four-year university.

To get started on your ROTC scholarship application, locate and contact the Recruiting Operations Officer at your school to discuss how to apply. Most of them have served before and understand the process you’re going through. Their years of experience will help the process.

Scholarship recipients who wish to exit the ROTC program may do so after their freshman year of college without any obligation.

Requirements to be eligible for an ROTC scholarship.

To be accepted for any ROTC scholarship, you must meet these standards.

Be a U.S. citizen.

Be at least 17 and under 31 in year of commissioning.

Have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Have an unweighted high school GPA of at least 2.50 if you’re in high school while applying.

Have taken the SAT or ACT.

Take the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) .

Meet the physical weight and height requirements .

Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army , Army Reserve , or Army National Guard .

Career-building scholarship programs

Nursing scholarships.

Nursing students can apply for any Army ROTC scholarship by following the directions above. Being a nurse in the Army provides you with opportunities not found in the civilian world, including a three-week paid Nurse Summer Training Program, which introduces students to the Army Medical Department and the roles and responsibilities of an Army Nurse Corps Officer .

Enlisted Soldier Scholarships

As an enlisted Soldier, you have access to the Green to Gold program and scholarship opportunities to cover costs for tuition or room and board, while you earn your undergraduate or graduate degree.

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