why do you want to study nursing essay

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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

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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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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• 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 an Admission Essay for Nursing School

The nursing school admission process is rigorous. One of the critical requirements for new applicants is an application essay, and writing a compelling nursing essay will give you a major head start over other nursing school candidates.

Once you have figured out why you want to be a nurse, all your memories, accomplishments, ambitions, and goals will align. Therefore, writing an essay on why you are interested in becoming a nurse and selecting a specific nursing college or university allows the admissions team to understand why they should choose you over other candidates.

A well-written, organized, and polished nursing school essay automatically increases your chances of acceptance. With thousands of applications destined for assessment and judgment by the admissions committee, you would want to make your application essay for the nursing school admission stand out.

We have admission essay-writing experts and consultants who, luckily, have compiled this intensive guide to help you write an intentional, focused, and perfect essay for nursing school.

Note: If you are in a hurry or you need direct assistance in writing your nursing college essay, please place an order and let our expert essay writers craft for you an original, engaging, and compelling nursing essay!

What Is a Nursing School Essay?

A nursing school essay is a written piece that demonstrates your interest in a nursing career and elaborates why you are the perfect fit for a specific nursing program.

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

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

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

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

Helpful Information to Include in a Nursing Admission Essay

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

Below are some examples of what might be expected:

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

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

Structure of a Nursing School Essay

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

Introduction

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

Outline for a Nursing School Essay

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

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

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

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

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

    Introduction paragraph

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

    Body paragraph 1

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

    Body paragraph 2

• Transition to the third body paragraph

    Body paragraph 3

• Transition to the conclusion

    Conclusion

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

Steps for Writing a Nursing School Essay

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

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

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

Read the Prompt

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

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

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

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

Brainstorm for Ideas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plan your Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

Write the First Draft

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

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

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

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

Edit and Polish the Essay

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

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

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

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

Example of Nursing School Essay Prompts

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

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

Related Reading: Ideas for a nursing capstone project.

Tips for Writing an Effective Nursing School Admission Essay

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

1. Plan Well

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

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

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

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

2. Show, Don't Tell!

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

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

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

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

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

3. Choose Information Wisely

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

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

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

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

4. Avoid Excuses

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

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

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

5. Let it Flow!

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

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

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

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

6. Show you care about People and Yourself

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

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

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

7. Bring in Current Issues

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

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

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

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

8. Briefly Explain your Qualifications

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

9. Share your plans

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

All set, but before You Go �

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

Related Article:

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

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

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

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Tips for Writing Your Nursing Program College Essays

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Giebien Na in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

The importance of your college essays, general advice for writing your nursing essays.

If you know you want to be a nurse, you probably have quite a few reasons for that. Instead of merely relying on your academic and test performances to tell your story, you get the opportunity in your essays to share exactly why you’re so passionate about nursing. Writing about this can be a clarifying and even exciting process. This article explains why college application essays matter and how you should write about why you want to become a nurse.

Grades and test scores matter when you’re applying to college, but your essays can help improve your chances of admission. They’re how you can express your experiences and make your desire to become a nurse clear and personal.

If your prospective school doesn’t have supplemental essays, it’s a good idea to include your interest in nursing in your Common App essay . This could mean that you end up with two different drafts of the essay: one for if there are supplemental essays where you can discuss your interests in nursing and one for if there are not. You’ll change them out depending on whether you also have to respond to specific prompts about why you want to pursue nursing. This may not sound like much fun, but it will help you be admitted to your school of choice.

It might seem exciting to apply to a place where you don’t have to write extra essays—it’s less work! If you don’t do that additional work, though, you’ll have fewer chances to explain yourself. You might not be able to share exactly why you think that you’re the right fit for a certain college or program. 

If you are writing supplemental essays for the colleges that you’re interested in, you can include more details about your passion for nursing. You’ll often be asked, “why this major?” or “why this school?” When you have those opportunities to share your specific reasons, you can let yourself get personal and go deep into your passion. Use that space to share important details about who you are.

Start Broad

When writing essays entirely about why you want to pursue nursing , try to start from a broad interest, then slowly work your way to telling specific personal stories and goals. 

When first thinking about your general interest in nursing, ask yourself what attracts you to the work of being a nurse. This can lead to powerful potential responses. Maybe you like taking care of people in the community. Perhaps you’ve always known that you wanted to make a difference in the healthcare profession, but you don’t want to be a doctor. You’d rather make patients’ healthcare experiences as comfortable and pleasant as possible. 

After you’ve described these broad, overarching motivations for wanting to go into nursing, consider any personal experiences that have made you want to be a nurse. Think about moments you’ve had during hospital visits or checkups or an anecdote from a time that you decided to volunteer in a healthcare role. Once you’ve written these stories, you can end the essay by discussing your planned major and career goals.

Discuss Your Future Goals

If you know what your end goal is, be sure to include it. You can write about becoming a registered nurse or maybe a nurse practitioner. It doesn’t have to be set in stone , but sharing a final ambition can help anchor your personal narrative. Writing about the future that you want can help the admissions officer reading your essay see how you view yourself. If they can do this, they’ll better understand your values and motivations and see you as a real candidate for their school. 

You don’t have to follow this pattern exactly. For example, it can be powerful to begin your essay in the middle of the action—you can dive right into an anecdote and get the reader interested in your story from the jump. 

While you should avoid dramatization, starting with a few clear, memorable scenes or a line or two of dialogue can make for an instantly interesting essay. All of this helps you show your passion, rather than simply explaining what intrigues you about a nursing career. 

Once you’ve led with your narrative, though, remember to ground it in clear reasons for your intended career and what you want your future to look like. A good essay will be balanced between the past, present, and future. It’s how a college will see who you are and everything that you have to offer.

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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. 

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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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What to include: why i want to be a nurse essay.

Why do you want to be a nurse? What is your reason for entering the nursing profession? What drives you?

You will face these questions multiple times throughout your career, but there are two occasions in which answering them could actually define your career.

The first is when you apply to nursing school. You may be asked to complete an essay outlining why you want to become a nurse.

The second time is when you apply for a nursing position and answer that question as part of the interview process.

Whether you're applying for a nursing program or job, it's important to know how to address this question and what sort of answers work best.

What To Include In Your Nursing Essay

To create the perfect nursing essay, one that can help you get into nursing school or find your first job, follow the steps below:

Plan Your Nurse Essay

Before you start writing your nursing essay, think about what you want to include.

Jot down ideas that express your passion for the nursing profession, as well as any personal or familiar experience that led you to take this step.

Be honest. Be open. Summarize your story, highlight your goals, and think about what the nursing profession means to you.

All of these things will be important when structuring your essay.

Show an Emotional Connection to the Profession

Do you have any family members that worked as nurses or doctors? Did you care for a loved one during an illness? Did you require a lot of care at some point in your life?

If so, this should be your lead, and it's probably the most important part of your essay.

Nursing is a lucrative career. You can make a decent salary, enter numerous specialties, and even progress to opening your own practice. There is also a national nursing shortage, so you'll also have plenty of opportunities if you're willing to learn and work. But interviewers don't want to hear that you became a nurse to earn good money and pick up lots of overtime.

Think of it in the context of a talent show. We know that the contestants are there to get famous and make lots of money. But when they stand in front of the camera and appeal for votes, they talk about deceased parents/grandparents, changing their family's life for the better, and making a difference in the world.

It's easy to sympathize with someone who wants to follow in the footsteps of a beloved mother or make a grandparent proud. It's not as easy to sympathize with someone who just wants to drive a Bugatti and wear a Rolex.

Examples  :

"My mother is a nurse practitioner. I can see how happy the role makes her and how much it has changed her. I have looked up to her throughout my life and have always wanted to follow in her footsteps."

"I cared for my father when he was ill. I was able to comfort him and assist him in his time of need, and while it was very challenging, it always felt right to me and it's something I would love to do as a career."

Show That You Care

Like all health care workers, nurses are devoted to healing the sick. If you're not a people person, it's probably not the profession for you.

Make it clear that you're a caring person and are willing to devote your life to healing sick people. A good nurse also knows how to comfort distraught family members, so you may want to include this in your essay as well.

If you have any examples of times when you have helped others, include them. This is a good time to talk about volunteer work, as well as other occasions in which you have devoted your time to helping strangers.

"I feel a great sense of pride working with families and patients through difficult times. I like to know that I am making a difference in the lives of others."

"I want to become a nurse so that I can help others in their time of need. I chose nursing as a profession because I feel a great sense of accomplishment when helping others".

Share Your Aspirations

What are your goals for your nursing career? Do you want to become a nurse practitioner? Do you want to specialize as a nurse anesthetist, a critical care nurse, or focus more on pediatrics?

Nurses work across a range of specialties, and it's important to show that you are interested in continuing your education and developing to your full potential.

The goal is to show that you are determined. You are driven to succeed and to better yourself.

If you're just taking your first steps as a nursing student, now is a good time to research into specialties and get an idea of how you want your career to progress.

"I have always been drawn to the nursing profession because it's challenging, demanding, and interesting. I want to push myself every day, engaging my academic interests and satisfying my need to learn and improve as a person."

Describe Your Nursing Skills and Qualifications

If you're applying for an accelerated nursing program or a new nursing job, the interviewer will have access to your qualifications. But they won't know what those qualifications mean to you, what you learned from them, and how you can use them in your career.

It's about problem-solving skills, as well as academic work. It's about experience and personal growth, as well as knowledge acquisition.

This is a good time to talk about internships.

How Do You Write an Introduction to a Nurse Essay?

Starting is always the hardest part, but it's best not to overthink it.

Just start writing about why you want to become a nurse. Don't overthink it. Don't worry too much about the first word or sentence. Everything can be edited, and if you spend too long thinking about those first words, you'll never finish the essay.

Keep it simple, check your work, and edit it until it's perfect and says exactly what you want it to say.

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How to write a personal statement for nursing school.

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 6/19/23

Writing a personal statement for nursing school can be a daunting task, but we’re here to help! Here’s everything you need to know about writing a personal statement for nursing school.

Writing your personal statement is a nerve-wracking experience, no matter what program you’re applying for . You may be wondering: “what are nursing schools looking for in a personal statement?” or, “how can I make my personal statement for nursing school stand out?” Lucky for you, we’ve got some answers. 

Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about writing a personal statement for nursing school. We’ve included a breakdown of the components to include, examples of nursing school personal statements, and tips to improve your own. 

Let’s get started!

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

What Is a Nursing School Personal Statement?

When applying to nursing schools , you’ll most likely notice that most applications require a personal statement. A personal statement is a short essay, typically no longer than two pages, that tells your target schools a little bit about who you are. 

Each school has different expectations for the length and contents of your personal statement, so make sure to check the specific requirements of your target schools. Some common topics include your personal goals for nursing school and why you want to become a nurse.

Nursing School Personal Statement Format

Before writing your personal statement for nursing school, you should plan out what you want to include. If your school does not ask you to answer a specific question with your essay, here is a list of what you should include in your nursing school personal statement.

An Introduction

The introductory paragraph should focus on what brought you to this point. Your school primarily wants to get to know you as a candidate through your personal statement. Your intro should include things like:

• How you first became interested in nursing
• What inspires you about becoming a nurse
• What you intend to achieve through a nursing degree

In this paragraph, your main goal is to introduce yourself and give the admissions committee a bit of background on your passion for nursing. Perhaps you have a family member who inspired you to pursue nursing, you grew up near a hospital, or you’ve struggled with health issues yourself - these are all great examples of an origin story. 

Think to yourself: “If my journey into nursing school was a movie, how would it begin?”

Body Paragraph(s)

In the body paragraph(s) of your nursing school personal statement, you can include a bit about your achievements. However, this isn’t the place to simply list your achievements. 

Think about how your experiences helped you to develop skills for nursing school . Include things like:

• How you’ve furthered your interest in nursing through experience (both in and out of school)
• How your achievements make you a good fit for the program
• Specific things about the program that interests you

The body portion of your essay should contain the majority of the information you want to include. Make sure to only include accomplishments if they help to explain how you’ll contribute to the program. Your CV will list any other achievements that don’t come into play here.

A Strong Conclusion

Your personal statement should end on a positive note. Think about summarizing your statement by looking toward the future. Include things like:

• Your future ambitions following nursing school
• What you’ll be able to contribute to the program 

The end of your body paragraph(s) should mention what you hope to achieve in the future with your nursing degree and lead into your conclusion. The final sentences of your personal statement should further state your passion for your program and how you’ll be a great fit at your target school. 

What Not to Write in a Personal Statement for Nursing School

Before getting into our tips and examples, let’s go over what not to include in your personal statement for nursing school. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when crafting your personal statement. 

Keep it Simple

Your personal statement should be authentic and genuine, but make sure to keep the brief in mind while you’re writing. As mentioned above, a personal statement is typically no longer than two pages in length. 

You should absolutely include some personal anecdotes; in fact, we encourage it! Just make sure to stick to the relevant parts of your story and not to elaborate too much on areas that are not relevant to your application. 

Do Not Reiterate Your CV

Your personal statement is an essay, not a resume. Keep in mind that your application already contains all of your achievements on your CV, transcripts, and other application materials. 

Your personal statement is about understanding your passion and motivations. You can use examples from your CV to further assert your interest in the program, but only if you can elaborate on how they’ve specifically helped you on your journey to nursing school. 

Tips for Writing a Stellar Nursing Personal Statement

Let’s go over a few tips on how you can improve your personal statement. Using these tips can help to make your personal statement and essays for your nursing school application stand out while remaining authentic and genuine. 

Create A Timeline

When writing your personal statement, your focus should be on telling your story. Creating a clear timeline of events can help to effectively tell the story of how you decided to apply for nursing. 

Start with how you became interested in nursing, develop your story with experiences that have cultivated your knowledge, and conclude by talking about your program and your future goals. A timeline will make your essay easy to read and give the admissions committee a good idea of your journey so far.

Stick To the Brief

If your target school(s) give you a specific prompt for your personal statement, make sure to refer back to the prompt while writing your essay to ensure you’re staying on track. 

For example, if your prompt asks you a question, be sure to answer the question at the beginning, the end, and throughout your essay. Your personal statement shouldn’t be vague or veer too far off course. 

Speak From the Heart

It is crucial in your nursing personal statement to share what makes you unique . This is your chance to show the admissions committee why you’d be a perfect fit in their program and demonstrate what you bring to the table. 

Include genuine experiences that have pushed you toward nursing throughout your life. Conveying your passions and motivations is critical in your personal statement for nursing school.

Do Your Research 

One great way to make your nursing personal statement stand out is to do thorough research on your program and include it in your piece. Showing your passion for the specific program. you’re applying to can give you an edge over others and impress the admissions committee. 

When you include your research, be sure to add it organically into your writing. Use your research as a way to connect your personal experiences to the program rather than simply listing information.

Nursing School Personal Statement Examples

Here are two nursing personal statement examples that were written successfully. We’ve also included explanations of how they are good examples to help you improve your own personal statement. 

*Important note: Do not use our samples in your nursing school application. These examples are meant to serve as a guide when crafting your own original personal statement for nursing school. 

Example #1: Indeed ’s Nursing School Personal Statement Sample

“I walked backward down the hill, my arms supporting the weight of the wheelchair as its wheels rolled slowly in reverse. Sunlight danced through the trees around us and shone in my grandmother's hair as she sat inside the wheelchair. I couldn't see my grandmother's face from that angle, but I could hear her laughing with joy as she enjoyed the outdoors for the first time in weeks. My grandmother came to live with my family two years ago after breaking her hip. Although she completed much of her recovery at our home, Nurse George came by every day to perform my grandmother's personal care tasks, monitor her vital signs and assist with her physical therapy exercises. George also taught me some basic patient care practices, such as how to support a wheelchair correctly while going downhill. I had never considered a career in nursing before, but George helped me see the rewards of helping people with their medical conditions and injuries. I am excited by this opportunity to apply to Fern Hill's College of Nursing because I appreciate your program's specialization in rehabilitation nursing. Being a part of my grandmother's recovery team has inspired me to pursue a nursing career that helps patients recover from injuries or medical conditions. I believe that your school's emphasis on assisting patients in regaining their independent skills can help me achieve these professional aspirations. Since realizing that I want to become a nurse, I have become a regular volunteer at Jefferson Rehabilitation Center. I mentor young people struggling with drug addictions and provide childcare for the children of rehabilitation patients. There is no feeling comparable to when a mentee or outgoing patient offers you a sincere "thank you." I can no longer imagine pursuing a career where I do not get to help people overcome their challenges and navigate their way to recovery. My experiences helping my grandmother and patients at Jefferson have taught me the value of empathy and communication. Frequently, my mentees simply want someone to listen to them. I do my best to give them a judgment-free space in which to share their stories. Whether the medical issue is emotional or physical, patients appreciate working with flexible and considerate people. I believe I embody these qualities by actively listening and letting patients talk at their own pace. I am ready to pursue a nursing career and learn about helping patients in a more professional and technical capacity. Fern Hill's College of Nursing is the ideal place to prepare for my future nursing career.”

Why this is a good example: In this example, the writer has done an excellent job of telling the story of how they became interested in nursing. They also develop a clear timeline of events from when they first thought about nursing to how they began developing their skills through volunteering. 

Most importantly, the candidate mentions specific reasons why they’re interested in the program and how they feel they can contribute to the school and field. 

Example #2: Johns Hopkins University Nursing Personal Statement Sample

“I grew up close to a hospital, where I watched patients go through the double doors for a variety of ailments. From a young age, this drove me to develop a strong interest in the field of medicine. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the future that would allow me to take care of those in need. Through my courses in the natural sciences as well as social studies, I have continued to develop my knowledge in the field in order to be ready to continue my education. Now, I am ready to take the next step in my education by applying for the Nursing program at Johns Hopkins University.  Three years ago I completed a nursing shadowing internship that opened my eyes to many of the daily struggles of being a nurse. During my time in the clinic and on the wards, I had the opportunity to work In the critical care and trauma ward as well as In obstetrics and geriatrics. These various experiences showed me the diverse role that nurses play in a healthcare setting, and emphasized the importance of empathy and dedication to patient care.  Johns Hopkins University Is known worldwide for its focus on patient wellness and medical research. As a nursing student at Hopkins, I hope to not only further the institution's goal of providing exceptional patient care, but also to assist with the many clinical trials ongoing at the hospital that pave the way for new treatments. Through hands-on training with knowledgeable staff, I know that I will be able to make the most of my nursing training at Johns Hopkins and become a nursing professional that is capable of enhancing patient wellness in a healthcare setting.”

Why this is a good example: In this example, the writer develops a clear timeline and clearly defines their relevant information. The writer covers when they first became interested in nursing, courses they’ve taken, and what experiences have made them get serious about the profession. 

Finally, they include why they are specifically interested in the program at Johns Hopkins and conclude by adding what they will add to the program as a student.

FAQs: How to Write a Personal Statement for Nursing School

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about nursing school personal statements. 

1. Do All Nursing Schools Require A Personal Statement?

Almost all nursing schools require a personal statement, which can typically be described as a short essay (2 pages or less) that explains who you are and why you want to attend the school’s nursing program.

2. Is a Personal Statement for Nursing School an Essay?

Yes, a personal statement is a short essay that briefly describes your past, present, and future experiences in relation to nursing.

3. How Long Should A Nursing Personal Statement Be?

Each nursing school has different length requirements, which can typically be found in the prompt. If no length is specified, two pages or less is recommended. 

4. What Should I Include In My Nursing School Personal Statement?

Your nursing personal statement should include:

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

If your school’s personal statement asks a specific question, that question should be answered throughout your essay. 

5. Does Nursing Require Essays?

Yes, most nursing program applications require personal statement essays, and some require secondary (or supplemental) essays as well.

6. When Should I Write My Personal Statement for Nursing School?

You should begin writing your personal statement(s) for nursing school as soon as you receive the prompt. Make sure to give yourself an adequate amount of time to complete all sections of your application before the deadline.

7. How do you Start a Personal Statement for Nursing School?

To start a compelling nursing personal statement, there are a few different writing techniques you can use. You can start by introducing yourself, start by talking about how you became interested in nursing, or you can start “in the action” by cutting right into your story. 

Final Thoughts

Your personal statement for nursing school should be genuine, heartfelt, and express how you will make an excellent addition to your target school’s nursing program through a series of examples. 

Each personal statement you write should be adjusted to suit the individual program you are applying for. Sending a general personal statement with every application you submit is impersonal and not recommended. Make sure to follow your brief closely and map out your essay before writing it to ensure you include all of the relevant information. 

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Nursing Scholarship Essay Example

Home » Nursing Scholarship Essay Example

Wow! I never thought I would have my own scholarship , but this opportunity has come to fruition and I plan to use every dollar for the good of nursing. It is wonderful to be able to give back to the nursing profession, and it humbles me to be a part of this year’s recipient’s journey. I have been there, and nursing school is incredibly tough. To be able to ease the stress of that journey for a nurse pursuing his or her BSN is an honor !

I want to tell you why I believe scholarships are so important.

You always hear people talking about “nurse burnout”. Well, it is a real thing. Retirement is also a real thing. And the nursing shortage is a real thing . Therefore, we want and we need more nurses in this profession. I, personally, had to take out over $40,000 in student loans when I went to school, so I completely understand the need for scholarship and outside opportunities to fund your dreams. I want to live in a scholastic world where money does not stop one selfless human being from pursuing the most trusted profession in the world. Scholarships are super important to ensure that we can build up our profession with nurses for the future.

I would like to share an example of the Nurse Kelley Scholarship essay that I have written. It is completely true, and hopefully, this nursing scholarship essay example will give you a good idea of what we are looking for in a submission.

  There are many reasons someone might choose to go into the nursing profession. Maybe they “want to help people”. Maybe they love math and science. Maybe they want to give back to their community. Maybe their mom was a nurse. Whatever the reason may be, for most of us, it’s different. I chose to go into nursing because of a personal experience that I had when I was young. I lost my biological father to colon cancer, and I wanted to be a caring support system for other families going through what we did.  The strange thing about the many reasons people choose nursing, is that somehow, we are all still very connected in this choice.

You see, nursing is a profession where you have to take care of complete strangers, and we have signed on to do this for life.

Nursing is so incredibly unique and selfless in that what we do every single day is care for people who are at their most vulnerable moments, and we often times do it while missing something in our life that means something to us. We constantly sacrifice for our patients. We constantly give while barely taking.  The most important thing to remember is that we don’t mind. That’s what makes us different. We know what we have gotten ourselves into, and we love doing it. There is a special place in a nurse’s heart that draws them to the type of work that we do. And it brings us all together, our binding character trait.

I think I can say now that I guess my reason for going into nursing is a combination of everyone’s reason. They may spark from different experience, but we are intertwined in our methodology for career choice through our heart for others. I am PROUD to be a nurse!

I want to remind any nurse reading this that nursing will continue to choose you throughout your career. It is so funny how nursing just pulls you out of your everyday life as if to say, “nope, you don’t get to be a civilian today, you’re still a nurse”! I’ll give you an example. Four days after I was crowned Miss Colorado I was driving in my crown and sash away from an appearance as a car flipped over on our interstate and started on fire. Of course, I pulled over. A fireman also pulled over (that special place in our hearts, other service industry members have that too!), and we collectively (after removing the crown and sash) helped pull this man from his car and start working on him. It was wild. I remember shaking my head thinking, “thanks a lot, nursing”, and then giggling. How lucky I am to have been chosen by this profession!

Nursing is the best. It will be a part of you forever.

Congratulations on making this choice for your career. You won’t regret it.

All my love,

Nurse Kelley

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How to Write The Perfect Nursing Scholarship Essay

Writing a strong essay is one of the best ways to put yourself in the running to land a nursing scholarship .  

But what does a strong essay look like?  What does it include? 

Continue reading to learn how to write a scholarship essay your reader won't be able to put down!

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

Essential tips for writing your essay 

The dos and don'ts of essay writing

A foolproof essay template you can have for free

Essential tips for writing your nursing essay

1. fully understand the requirements and criteria.

Before you write a single word, you must examine the application requirements and criteria. 

First, you need to make sure that you meet all of the minimum requirements to avoid wasting any time. 

If you do meet all of the requirements, you should go through the application with a fine tooth comb, making a note of the experience, skills, and qualifications required. Doing so will ensure you know what to focus on in your essay.

2. Create a solid essay outline

Armed with your notes, the next step is creating a working essay outline. Studies show that stories resonate well with humans and tend to be more impactful than facts or statistics alone in writing.

So, when you’re creating your outline, you should mark out a definitive beginning, middle, and end to keep your essay readers engaged and invested throughout. Here’s a basic outline structure for your reference:

• Beginning: Summarize why you’re applying for the scholarship and what you’re going to cover in your essay.
• Middle: Explain exactly why you want to be a nurse, and why you’re the ideal candidate. Cover the skills and experience requirements from the application brief and back them up with real-life examples.
• End: Finish strong by communicating why the institution offering the scholarship is the right fit for you, reiterate your passion for nursing, and finish with an impactful line that sticks in the memory.

3. Study the essays of past scholarship winners

Want to know the most overlooked, yet impactful, piece of advice for writing a great scholarship essay?

Read the essays of past scholarship winners if you can!  

Doing so will give you an idea of what your reader is looking for in the essay. 

Do they talk about their future nursing plans a lot? Do they share a very specific and personal story that led them to choose this career path?

Identifying the trends in previous winners’ essays will provide you with invaluable insight that you can use to write your own. In addition, pay attention to the following: 

• How the essay is formatted
• How the essay is structured
• How the winning applicant communicated their skills and experience
• How the winning applicant approached their writing style in terms of language and sentence structure.

While you want to make sure you write your essay in your own words and your own voice, taking note of the elements other writers have included can help you craft your essay. 

4. Be clear and concise

While you probably have a lot to write about, there is (generally) a word limit, typically 500 to 1000 words. This means that you must be extremely clear and concise with the words you choose. 

To create the biggest  possible impact with the fewest words, you should aim to use the active tense as much as possible. Not only will this make you sound confident but it will also prevent you from going off course and rambling. 

Use action words where appropriate and be as ruthless as possible with your edits, chopping out any words, information or phrases that seem like fluff and filler words.

"One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple."— Jack Kerouac

5.  Describe why you want to become a nurse

In the middle—or heart—of your essay, you will need to explain precisely why you want to become a nurse. 

To get this essential element of your nursing scholarship essay just right, you will need to:

• Dig deep and consider your personal motivations for becoming a nurse
• Communicate which aspects of the job or vocation appeal to you most
• State the professional & personal challenges you want to overcome
• Offer a brief insight into your ultimate aims, goals or dreams as a nurse

Condensing this level of personal detail and passion into a paragraph or two is no easy feat, but by working through the above four exercises and leaving yourself enough time to create, arrange, and edit, you can do it.

Looking for scholarship examples online for inspiration is a good idea, but remember, this is about you and your motivations. If you simply copy & paste a template from the web, you will fail to make an impact. Don’t do it.

6. Share your plans for the future

Following on from your ‘why I want to become a nurse statement’, you should offer a deeper insight into your plans for the future.

Sharing your future plans and aspirations will showcase your passion as well as your long term commitment—so including this information in your nursing scholarship essay is essential.

Do you want to become head of a hospital department? Do you want to ultimately specialize in a particular area of nursing? Do you want to serve your local area and create community-driven nursing initiatives? Perhaps you want to make your mark in the education sector? 

Only you know what your ultimate aspirations are, but the point is—make sure you include them in your essay.

7. Have a friend proofread your essay

Last but certainly not least in our nursing essay writing tips is proofreading.

A fresh set of eyes is always helpful when it comes to proofreading your essay, because you want it to be near perfect from start to finish. Having a trusted friend or mentor proofread your essay provides an opportunity to get  feedback on your content and  any potential errors or typos you may have missed.

Nursing scholarships essays: the dos and don’ts

To summarize our essential nursing scholarship essay writing tips, here some definitive dos and don’ts for your reference:

• Check the requirements and brief before you start writing.
• Make logical notes and create a working outline.
• Be clear, concise, and confident.
• Explain why you want to become a nurse and share your future aspirations.
• Carefully proof and edit your work. Have a trusted friend proofread your essay for you.
• Start writing until you’ve taken the time to absorb every piece of relevant information.
• Rush the process and submit your application without editing, redrafting and proofing.
• Forget that the essay is about your specific skills and experience. Don’t be too generic.
• Copy or plagiarize word for word. Using examples for inspiration is fine, copying is not. 

A Basic template for nursing scholarship essays

For your guidance and inspiration, here’s a basic nursing scholarship essay template/outline to follow:

Dear, ___________,

Summarize your intent for your application and what attracts you to the nursing profession.

Following paragraph:

Talk about your existing skills and experience based on the application brief, backing up your statements with an example or two.

Talk about activities or events you’ve participated in as well as practical skills that make you an excellent candidate. Again, use examples here.

Move onto your ‘why I want to become a nurse’ statement, followed by an insight into your career-based goals, aims, and aspirations.

State why you have the personal attributes to be a successful candidate, explain why you make an excellent fit for this particular scholarship and end with an impactful, emotive line that showcases your passion for nursing.

Best of luck…

Follow these guidelines and you’ll no doubt write an amazing essay that lands you the perfect nursing scholarship. If you need some more tips, feel free to reach out to our admission team at Labouré College.

We wish you the very best of luck and if you’re looking for more inspiration, read all about the 30 types of nurses employers are hiring right now .

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Nurse — My Passion For Helping People: Why I Want to be a Nurse

My Passion for Helping People: Why I Want to Be a Nurse

• Categories: Career Goals Nurse

About this sample

Words: 819 |

Published: Apr 2, 2020

Words: 819 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Hook Examples for Nursing Essay

• A Personal Revelation: One day, amidst the chaos of a busy hospital, I had a moment of clarity. It was in that instant that I realized my calling—to be a nurse. Join me on my journey to understand the profound reasons behind my unwavering passion for helping others.
• An Inspiring Anecdote: As I held the hand of a patient in pain, I felt a deep connection that transcended the medical procedures. Let me share this transformative experience and how it fueled my desire to pursue a career in nursing.
• A Guiding Philosophy: Florence Nightingale once said, “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.” Explore with me how Nightingale’s dedication to care and compassion resonates with my own passion for nursing.
• A Lifelong Dream: Since childhood, I’ve envisioned myself in the white coat of a nurse, tending to those in need. Discover the roots of this dream and how it has evolved into a burning passion that drives me toward this noble profession.
• An Empathetic Reflection: Mark Twain once wrote, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Join me as I explore how my passion for nursing is deeply rooted in the language of kindness, empathy, and a relentless desire to alleviate suffering.

Works Cited

• American Nurses Association. (2021). What is nursing? Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing/
• Royal College of Nursing. (2021). Why become a nurse? Retrieved from https://www.rcn.org.uk/students/become-a-nurse/why-become-a-nurse
• Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2018). Contemporary nursing: Issues, trends, & management (8th ed.). Elsevier.
• Drennan, J. (2018). What makes a good nurse? Why the virtues are important for nursing. Nursing Philosophy, 19(1), e12203. doi:10.1111/nup.12203
• International Council of Nurses. (2019). Nurses: A voice to lead – Health for all. Retrieved from https://www.icn.ch/
• Halcomb, E. J., Davidson, P. M., & Daly, J. (2006). Lifelong learning in nursing: A Delphi study. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 37(2), 74-80. doi:10.3928/0022-0124-20060301-09
• Yoder-Wise, P. S. (2019). Leading and managing in nursing (7th ed.). Elsevier.
• UK Council of Deans of Health. (2021). Studying nursing in the UK. Retrieved from https://councilofdeans.org.uk/student-info/studying-nursing-in-the-uk/
• British Council. (n.d.). Study in the UK: The complete guide for international students. Retrieved from https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/
• London South Bank University. (n.d.). School of Health and Social Care. Retrieved from https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/study/schools/health-and-social-care

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16 Reasons to Choose a Career in Nursing

NurseJournal.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

• Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
• Provide specific, corrective feedback.
• Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for NurseJournal.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Do you have a passion for caring for people and want to see them get better? Consider a career in nursing.

Registered nurses (RNs) are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects RN jobs to grow faster than average between 2022-2032. New RN roles will open as an estimated third of nurses over 55 retire, according to the Journal of Nursing Regulation.

Nursing offers many entry-level nursing options , specialties, working environments and pathways for advancement. Learn 16 reasons why choosing a nursing career might be right for you.

1 | Nurses Make a Real Difference

Nurses do much more than perform medical tasks. As a nurse, you can make a real difference in someone’s life. You can offer hope to people, sometimes during the worst time of their life. Nurses often counsel patients and families after a devastating diagnosis, celebrate good news, and become trusted confidantes.

Nurses can also improve their communities through volunteering. In a 2017 survey , 74% of nurses pointed to non-work related activities when asked what they had done to improve their community’s health. Activities included health fairs, health-related volunteering, raising or donating money, and traveling for volunteer work.

“Oftentimes, people are alone in the hospital, and while they (of course) need medical care, they also sometimes just need a friend and to know that someone cares. As a nursing student, this is something you can do even on your first day.”

— Sarah Brooks, ABSN student

2 | Nursing Degree Programs Exist Everywhere

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) ranks health professions second for the number of associate and bachelor’s graduates. Most large cities have many colleges and universities that offer an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program .

3 | Nurses Can Pursue Their Education Online

You can get your nursing degree through an accredited online nursing program anywhere in the U.S. Since nursing is a hands-on profession, you will be required to take classes online and complete in-person nursing clinicals in a healthcare setting.

It’s important to ensure any nursing program you attend is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . This is necessary to take the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) and master NCLEX-style test questions to get your license.

4 | Many Nursing Students Find Financial Aid Opportunities

Student debt can be overwhelming. Even with payback programs, it can take up to a decade to pay off school loans. Fortunately, nursing students have many ways to pay for nursing school .

Some options to reduce total debt include nursing scholarships and grants from various organizations. Financial aid is available for students seeking an associate, bachelor’s, master’s , and even DNP degree. Many hospitals also offer tuition reimbursement programs for staff looking to go back to school to get their ADN or BSN.

Financing your nursing school education doesn’t have to leave you with a lot of debt.

5 | Nurses Can Enter the Workforce Relatively Quickly

Several nursing degrees allow you to enter the workforce quickly. You can earn an ADN, pass the NCLEX-RN, and get your nursing license in as little as two years. Then, if you return to school to complete your bachelor’s degree, you can do it while earning a stable income.

Associate degrees in nursing are one of the highest paying associate degrees. According to Payscale data from October 2023 , graduates of an ADN program make $76,000 per year, which is $23,740 more than graduates of other associate degree programs.

Earning your BSN degree opens more opportunities for career advancement and a higher average annual salary of $92,000, according to Payscale .

6 | Nurses Have a High Level of Job Satisfaction

The 2019 American Mobile Nurses (AMN) Healthcare survey found that 81% of nurses were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their career choice.

When asked if they would encourage others to become a nurse, 70% said “yes.” The survey also found that supporting professional development was tied to job satisfaction.

When employers supported nursing professional development , 52% were extremely satisfied with their jobs. When employers did not support professional development, only 7% were extremely satisfied.

In 2023, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) reported that 100,000 nurses left nursing during the pandemic because of increased workloads and rising levels of workplace violence , burnout , and nurse bullying .

About 800,000 expressed intent to leave by 2027. Yet, with all the challenges nurses face, nursing schools are still turning away tens of thousands of qualified applicants every year since 2019 because they do not have the nursing faculty to educate aspiring nurses.

Nursing schools nationwide need more nursing faculty. Yet, schools in midwestern states such as Wisconsin, Iowa, and Kansas, have about a 7% nurse faculty vacancy rate compared to about 10% vacancy rate in Southern and Western states, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing .

“When I speak with people and tell them my job, almost always the response is, ‘Once when I was sick, I had the best nurse take care of me, and I’ll always remember them helping me.’ It is a wonderful feeling to know we have helped.”

— Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

7 | Nurses Get to Do Exciting Work

Each day with patients can be different. Whether in a clinic, office, a hospital, or an organization, nursing is not dull. In the McKinsey Frontline Workforce Survey from November 2021 by AMN Healthcare, data showed that 32% of nurses had plans to leave their current positions. Only 29% of these nurses planned to stay in a direct patient care role.

The rest of the nurses had plans to move into a non-beside role , further their education, or leave the workforce to focus on their family or other life goals. Nurses who planned to leave direct patient care wanted work-life balance, flexible work hours, safe working environments, better compensation, and more manageable workloads.

“Nursing is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to learn new skills and apply the ones you already have. It is one of the most exciting and unique things about nursing; you can be a chameleon and constantly change.”

8 | Nursing Is a Respected Field

In 1999, Gallup started a decades-long survey to determine the most ethical and honest profession. In January 2023, Americans ranked nurses in the number one position for an impressive 23 years. The only year nurses were not in the top spot was following September 11, 2001, when firefighters earned the highest score.

In addition to ranking first, nurses earned the highest score to date in 2020 for honesty and ethics. In 2020, the ranking was four percentage points higher than the last recorded high in 2019.

9 | Nurses Can Choose Their Specialty

Nurses are vital to delivering healthcare in many different settings. You can choose from over 100 nursing specialties , so you’ll likely never be bored.

You can focus on a specific population, such as gerontological nursing , or go into a more specialized field, such as a flight nurse or transplant nurse . You can also pursue roles that do not directly work with patients, such as health policy careers .

Nurses can easily move from one specialty to another. For example, after practicing as a dialysis nurse , you may wish to become a traveling nurse. If you are an experienced specialty nurse, you may be able to pick your assignments.

If you want to become a labor and delivery nurse , you may need some hands-on experience and continuing education for nurses before finding a new position.

10 | Nurses Work in a Stable Industry

By 2030, the entire baby boomer generation will have reached age 65. Up to 85% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and 60% have at least two. According to the BLS, nurses are in demand to care for a growing population of people with chronic diseases.

The BLS projects that job growth for nurses at all levels is expected to grow faster than average because of this demand. The projected job growth includes 118,600 nurse practitioner (NP) jobs and 177,400 RN jobs.

11 | Nurses Receive Excellent Benefits

Hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices may offer excellent benefits to attract and keep qualified professionals. For example, a nurse’s median annual salary of $81,220 is well above $46,310, which is the average annual salary of all occupations.

Travel nurses usually receive added benefits for filling an in-demand position on short notice and for the inconvenience of living and working in another city. They usually receive hazard pay or critical staffing pay in addition to the higher average hourly wage that travel nurses earn compared to staff nurses. These can include benefits to cover travel expenses and a stipend for housing, meals, and other bills.

Benefits for nurses include:

• Paid sick time
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Paid family leave
• Bonuses for working extra shifts or when understaffed
• Health and life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Retirement benefits
• Wellness programs
• Subsidized travel
• Student loan repayment
• Shift differentials where nurses earn more for working holiday, weekend, or night shifts

12 | Nurses Develop Transferable Career Skills

Nursing offers the opportunity to adapt your professional life to fit your lifestyle. For example, you can find work in a variety of geographical locations and work environments. You may choose to work full or part-time and day or night-shift. You can also work shifts as short as four hours or as long as 12 and make more money in shift differentials.

In your first year of nursing school , you’ll develop and hone nursing skills like critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills. You will develop the ability to remain calm and focused in an emergency.

These skills can help you transition from clinical nursing to other non-bedside options , including nursing administration , nonprofit management in nursing , public health nursing , correctional facilities, or being a missionary nurse in clinics across the world.

“Nursing is also a flexible career with so many options. If you don’t like a certain floor or hospital, you can try another one. If you don’t like your current schedule, you can switch it. If you want to further your education and advance your career, there are many ways to do so.”

13 | Nursing Grads Have Smoother New Hire Transitions

All nurses experience orientation or onboarding as they move from an academic to a clinical setting after they graduate as a nurse . For many nurses working in large teaching hospitals, this transition may be eased by the hospital’s one-year nurse residency programs designed to help new nurses successfully transition from school to various work settings for nurses .

Although there is a nursing shortage across the U.S. , it is still challenging to get a premium job. You can improve your success by working while you’re in school to gain nursing experience and complete internships. Nursing students who gain volunteer experience and network while in nursing school also have an advantage when it’s time to apply for their first nursing job.

14 | Nurses Collaborate With Different Healthcare Professionals

Nurses play a unique role in healthcare. They spend a lot of time with patients at the bedside, so they must collaborate with healthcare teams to coordinate patient care and improve outcomes.

The bedside nurse is the hub of patient activity. They know the recommendations of each healthcare professional attending to the patient. Nurses need strong organizational and critical thinking skills to understand how each recommendation affects the overall care plan.

They must also explain the care plan and instructions to patients and their families in an understandable way.

“Nurses are often the first person to assess and examine a patient and to come up with differential diagnoses or an assessment of what the problem may be. From there, the nurse lets the attending physician or provider know the outcomes of the assessment.”

15 | Nurses Have Many Leadership Opportunities

The skills you learn caring for patients can help as you apply to a charge nurse role on the unit. Charge nurses must assign patient care and monitor the staff, making adjustments as needed during the shift.

Nurses with strong nursing leadership skills may go on to positions in administration, such as unit managers, clinical nurse leaders , patient care directors, or chief nursing officers .

You can also take advantage of leadership roles in clinical practice, including advanced practice nurses , clinical nurse specialists , and case managers . Nursing offers several avenues to take additional responsibility and progress up the career ladder.

16 | Nurses Are at the Forefront of the Telemedicine Movement

Telehealth nursing increased significantly during 2020 when healthcare providers began treating patients at home to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The need for remote telemonitoring for patients in the intensive care unit or at home continues to grow. Remote monitoring can reduce costs for a hospital or physician’s office without sacrificing patient care.

Nurses are integral to patient consultations, taking patient histories and coordinating care at home. They are often the primary source of health education and monitoring. Incorporating telehealth services has given nurses a new tool to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

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A Nurse and a Nursing Student Share Why They Choose a Nursing Career

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Elizabeth Clarke is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. Her experience spans emergency departments, cardiac units, pediatric urgent care, and occupational health settings. She earned her bachelor of science in nursing and master’s in nursing from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.

Clarke is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Sarah Brooks

I’m a mom to three daughters, currently enrolled in an accelerated nursing program. Prior to nursing school, I spent over a decade as a writer and editor in the personal finance niche. While I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve always felt a desire to go back to school to become a nurse. With my youngest starting kindergarten last August, I figured there was no better time for me to take the leap and return to school. My career goals include both working as a nurse and continuing to write and edit in the finance and healthcare spaces.

Sarah is a paid member of the Red Ventures freelance Education Student Network.

What experience of making a difference as a nurse would you share with a prospective student to help them understand how nurses make a difference?

I can remember feeling overwhelmed, working my first holiday shift as a new graduate RN.

It was New Year’s Day, my unit was busy and short-staffed. Patients and family members were short-tempered. I ran from patient room to patient room, getting their medications done relatively on time, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring my post-cardiac catheterization patients remained on bed rest.

I had a patient who needed monitoring, she was very sick, but was waiting on testing. She was frustrated, hungry, and thirsty. She was being kept NPO (nothing by mouth), since her doctors still did not know what was wrong with her.

Every time I passed by her room, she would call out and ask for help, needing reassurance. One of the times I stopped in, she began complaining of severe abdominal pain.

I looked at her abdomen and noticed it was beginning to appear distended. Her face was pale with pain, a fine sheen of sweat forming. I auscultated (listened to with my stethoscope) her abdomen, and heard nothing, no bowel sounds. I palpated her abdomen; it was rock hard.

I called the on-call internal medicine physician covering her that day. I quickly gave him a rundown of my concerns, how she looked, and her growing abdomen.

He came right up, we examined her together, and he went running to call a stat surgical consult. He asked me to drop an NG (nasogastric tube) down to see if we could decompress her, standard procedure if you suspect someone has an obstruction or ileus. I grabbed my supplies and my health care technician for help.

We went in and quietly explained to our patient what we needed to do, how we needed to help her, that I would try and get her pain under control and we would figure out what was wrong.

She was clenching her teeth in pain, fear, nausea, all of the above. We started prepping her to put in her NG tube when the surgery resident ran into the room, he began examining her in a brusque manner, pressing hard on her abdomen.

She cried out in pain, I remember quietly asking him if he would let me give her some IV pain medication quickly to minimize her pain while he finished the exam.

He gave me a quick nod and then called his attending on his cell phone in front of the patient, saying he needed an OR, stat. He then turned to my tech and me and told us to get her moving to the third floor OR suites now.

It was a tense moment, my patient did not understand what was happening, she was in severe pain, nauseous, and confused.

As we pushed her down the hall, grabbing additional staff for help, following the resident, I quickly told her they suspected a small bowel obstruction that was becoming worse, twisting her intestines, and they were rushing her so they could get her into the OR as soon as possible.

I remember promising her the on-call surgeon was very good, we would help her, and anesthesia would keep her comfortable so she would not feel any pain.

She asked to hold my hand. She wanted to know if I would be there when she woke up. I told her it depended on the time they finished the surgery, but I promised to tell the recovery room nurses to please hold her hand as they woke her up so she would know she was not alone.

I gave a quick bedside report to the receiving nurse and went back to my unit.

I was working the next day as well, and when I came into my unit, I looked in the system to see where my patient from the day before was. She was in the surgical ICU. I had a busy morning, so later in the afternoon, I asked my charge nurse if I could run down to the SICU to visit my patient, she agreed to watch my beds for me.

When I went into the SICU, I greeted some of my friends who were working and told them about my patient from the day before.

I connected with her nurse, she told me she was doing well, surgery was complicated by a previous liver transplant and lots of scar tissue. She said the surgery report noted the patient was quickly deteriorating and the obstruction was twisting the small bowel.

I went over to my patient’s bed and was surprised to see her awake and very alert. She smiled, reached for my hand, and thanked me. She started to cry, she told me no one had been listening to her when she tried to say something inside her was hurting.

She said she had felt ignored until she got transferred to my unit and I was her nurse. She told me she had felt very scared and discouraged, but when I told her I would take care of her and explained what was going on, she felt safe.

A decade and a half later, this patient is one I always remember even though I have cared for countless others since. I know I made a difference to her and provided excellent nursing care. We often speak of our nurses’ gut — our intuition.

On that New Year’s Day, I trusted my intuition; I knew something was very wrong. I listened to my patient and trusted my nursing assessment. I am glad I was able to make a difference in her life. She had a successful surgery — she survived — and was discharged to rehab for recovery a week later.

Sarah Brooks, ABSN Student

In my experience as a nursing student, it’s nurses that make or break a hospital stay. A kind, compassionate nurse who listens to their patients and does their best to meet their needs will be remembered.

My first shift in clinicals was on a Med-Surg floor specializing in disorders of the respiratory system. I was extremely nervous and had no idea what I was doing medical-wise, but I knew I could at least talk to my patients and provide a sense of comfort.

I had four patients in total and spent about an hour talking with them about why they were admitted to the hospital, how they were feeling, and other details of their lives. When I told them I was leaving for the day, they all individually thanked me for taking the time to sit with them.

Oftentimes, people are alone in the hospital and while they (of course) need medical care, they also sometimes just need a friend and to know that someone cares. As a nursing student, this is something you can do even on your first day.

What reasons do you have for being satisfied with choosing nursing as a career, even amid the challenges in the field right now? Why would you recommend nursing to prospective nursing students?

Nurse Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

I love being a nurse practitioner. I am proud to say I am a BSN RN and a family nurse practitioner.

I often have been with people in their hardest moments — when they are at their sickest, most injured, or most scared. I have been able to provide care, answer questions, hold a hand, and save lives.

Being an RN and now an NP has allowed me to fulfill my desire to help others and serve my patients and their families.

I recently saw a reel on a social media platform where the person filming it was speaking about hard times, and how we can choose to be someone’s light during their darkest hour. To me, this is what being an RN is all about.

We can be someone’s light; we are the helpers. At the end of some of my hardest shifts back when I was an RN, the days where I had too many patients, too high of an acuity, and no time to eat, I always knew I was helping.

Without my care, those patients may not have had their medications on time or had their pre-op workup completed, or been recovered from their procedure, or may have fallen when they tried to move from their bed to the bathroom.

When I speak with people and tell them about my job, almost always the response is, ‘Once when I was sick, I had the best nurse take care of me, and I’ll always remember them helping me.’ It is a wonderful feeling to know we have helped.

Nursing is a second career for me and is something that had been in the back of my mind for many years. I knew I had to at least give it a shot. From what I’ve experienced so far, the rewards of nursing outweigh the hard times by far.

I, personally, am satisfied with choosing nursing as a career because it’s truly a job that makes a difference.

It’s not always going to feel that way, but when push comes to shove, it is us nurses that the patients will remember. It’s up to us whether their hospital stay is an excellent one or a poor one. I love knowing that I’m directly impacting the lives of patients day in and day out.

Nursing is also a flexible career with so many options. If you don’t like a certain floor or hospital, you can try another one. If you don’t like your current schedule, you can switch it.

If you want to further your education and advance your career, there are many ways to do so. There are school nursing, work-from-home nursing jobs, per diem jobs, and more.

While the main thing that drew me to the career was my interest in the medical field and the ability to make a difference in the lives of others, the schedule flexibility and opportunities for advancement helped to solidify my decision.

What do you find exciting about your nursing career?

I work in occupational medicine currently, so while it is not quite as exciting as my days back in the ED or cardiac unit, it does have its moments of excitement and busyness.

One of the most exciting things about being an RN is that you can work almost anywhere in the medical field.

If working with children interests you, choose pediatrics. If surgery is where your interests lie, think about working in the operating room as a scrub nurse, or in the pre or post-operative units prepping and recovering patients.

Are you someone who craves an adrenaline rush to keep you on your toes at work? The emergency department is your place then, there is never a boring moment. From overdoses, to accidents, and illnesses, the ED is hopping.

If you tire or are burnt out in your chosen area, you can switch to a different area of nursing. Nursing is incredibly versatile. There are many ways to learn new skills and apply the ones you already have. It is one of the most exciting and unique things about nursing, you can be a chameleon and constantly change.

The entire job of a nurse is exciting because anytime you walk through the hospital doors, you truly don’t know what you’ll walk into.

You never know if you’ll have a smooth, calm day or a crazy, hectic one. Things can take a turn for the worse at any time and on any floor, so you always need to be prepared and keep an eye on your patients at all times.

I also get excited thinking about my future as a nurse and what that will look like.

Again, this is a career with so many options and opportunities. I’ve toyed with everything from going back to school to pursue my nurse anesthetist degree (CRNA) to working from home as a nurse writer.

Only time and experience will determine what I’ll land on, but I definitely get excited thinking about all the possibilities.

How would you say about how the nurse’s pivotal role in coordinating patient care with the rest of the healthcare helps make nursing a good career choice?

As nurses, we are constantly in contact with other healthcare professionals. From doctors, NPs, or PAs to therapists (physical, occupational, speech or mental health), to registered dieticians, and more, we must collaborate with other professionals regarding what is best for our patients.

Nurses are often the first people to assess and examine a patient and to come up with differential diagnoses or an assessment of what the problem may be.

From there, the nurse lets the attending physician or provider know the outcomes of the assessment. In this way, nurses have a unique position to see, assess and call attention to a problem.

Nurses are excellent at knowing what other care a patient may need, and how to ask for that help. If a nurse sees a patient struggling to swallow, asking for a referral to speech therapy can help ensure the safety of that patient so they do not aspirate.

Nurses are often asked by the provider how the patient is doing and what their needs are – this is an example of the provider realizing the pivotal roles nurses play.

Collaboration in nursing is often mentioned during nursing school, because of this, nurses develop excellent collaboration skills.

Nursing is a great career choice for those who want to help, care, and collaborate for the best outcomes of their patients.

Nurses are the eyes and ears of the hospital. If something goes wrong, it’s almost always a nurse who catches it first. We are the ones in the hospital 24/7.

Doctors, of course, have a pivotal role in determining treatment plans and helping patients recover, but it’s the nurses who play out the treatment plan, see how the patient is responding, and keep the doctor in the loop on any changes.

In my (limited) experience, one thing I’ve really come to learn is that it truly takes a patient care team to treat the patient. All roles are equally necessary and important.

Not only do nurses collaborate with other members of the healthcare team, but also with the family members of the patient. This could be in person or by calling a family member to update them on the status of their loved one.

The nurse not only provides comfort to the patient, but to the family members, as well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Careers

What are the reasons for choosing nursing as a career.

Most nurses choose to work in the profession to help others live better lives. Whether you work in a hospital, clinic, missionary clinic overseas, administration, or correctional facility, the underlying reason most nurses choose the profession is to help those in need. Another reason is that nursing is a high-paying career with advancement opportunities and flexibility.

How hard is it to become a nurse?

You can become a nurse in as little as two years by completing an ADN. You can further advance your career options and salary by earning a BSN degree. You can do this in two years if you already have an RN license, online or in the classroom and while you continue to work. You can also earn an accelerated BSN degree if you hold a bachelor’s in another field.

What qualities do you need to be a nurse?

Nurses are compassionate, patient, and understanding. They have strong critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills. You may not have these skills at the start of your nursing education but will develop them in your nursing program and hone them in your practice.

How do I know if nursing is right for me?

If you are curious to learn more about health and wellness and have a desire to help others, consider speaking with an admission counselor at your local college or university. You may also want to consider volunteering in a hospital or shadowing a nurse for a shift.

Page last reviewed on November 2, 2023

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Interview Question: "Why Did You Choose Nursing as a Career?"

• What the Interviewer Wants to Know
• How to Answer Question

Examples of the Best Answers

Tips for giving the best answer, what not to say, possible follow-up questions.

When preparing to interview for a nursing position, it’s helpful to review questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask nursing candidates is, "What made you choose  nursing as a career ?"

If you have an interview for a  nursing position , you want to arrive confident and prepared for your interview. Reviewing questions that interviewers might ask will help you do that.

What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know

When an interviewer for a nursing position asks you questions about why you became a nurse, he or she is trying to learn the personal reasons you may have for becoming a nurse. This question is also posed in order to gauge your enthusiasm for the profession.

The interviewer will seek to identify, from your response, what characteristics and skills you have that make you good at what you do.

Your answers should provide the basis for a discussion about your  passion for nursing , your qualifications, and your skill set.

How to Answer the Interview Question “Why Did You Choose Nursing as a Career?”

Because there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as what strengths you possess that make you an excellent nurse and the best candidate for the job.

You will likely be asked  questions relating specifically to nursing , as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare some ideas about how you would like to answer them.

Don’t try to memorize an answer, but do jot down a few ideas and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths.

4 Ways to Answer: Why Did You Choose Nursing as a Career?

Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

I wanted to do something in my career that is challenging, interesting, and makes a difference in people's lives daily. In the nursing profession, you deal with many aspects of patient care, and I enjoy the variety in the routine.

Why It Works: The interviewer will be pleased to know that the candidate wants to make a difference in people’s lives. The candidate also makes a point to mention that patient care is a priority.

Dealing with patients and their families and helping them through what is often a difficult time for them is extremely satisfying for me.

Why It Works:  This works because the candidate is letting the interviewer know that working with patients is of primary importance.

My mother is a nurse and seeing the satisfaction she feels every day by helping people in her job inspired my own interest in the field. I knew from the time that I was very young that nursing was something I wanted to do with my life.

Why It Works:  This is a good answer because it shows the candidate’s passion for the nursing profession along with a family history of working in the nursing field.

Throughout college and nursing school, my interest in nursing and my commitment to the field became even stronger as I found that I also had an aptitude for the work. I believe my ability to communicate with people and to explain things clearly in both a technical and non-technical way is one of the things that makes me a good nurse.

Why It Works:  This is a very good answer that demonstrates to the interviewer the candidate’s confidence and awareness of the strengths she possesses that enhance her candidacy.

I chose nursing as a career because I love learning new things. As a nurse, I am always challenging myself to keep current on medical trends and training so that I can provide the best care to my patients. Every day as a nurse, I learn something new from my colleagues and patients, which inspires me to explore a deeper knowledge of the techniques and procedures I use.

Why It Works:  This works because the candidate shows a willingness to keep current on skills and education necessary in the medical field.

Analyze the Job Posting:  It’s a good idea to look carefully at the job posting, as well as the hospital website, to get a feel for what they are specifically looking for in the person who fills the open position, as well as the general culture of the hospital.

Share Your Skill Set:  Be prepared to discuss your clinical skill set, as well as your personal qualities, that make you qualified for the job. The interviewer may ask you to provide examples of situations where you applied those skills. You should have a  list of your nursing skills  with you, preferably on a copy of your resume.

Discuss Patient Scenarios:  You will be asked about challenges you have met and problems which you have solved in  patient care contexts . Be ready to share specific patient scenarios where you intervened with difficult cases and individuals to help generate positive outcomes.

Show You're a Team Player:  Nurses must be effective team members and get along with challenging personalities. Be prepared to share examples of how you have dealt with difficult colleagues.

Practice Your Answer:  Prepare a response to this question and then practice your answer, either in front of a friend or the mirror.

Avoid Negativity:  Don’t complain about difficult patients, other nurses you’ve known, doctors, or other hospitals.

Avoid Physical Complaints:  Don’t complain about the grueling physical aspects of the nursing profession. You chose this career and are applying for this job.

• How do you handle the stress that comes with a nurse’s job?  Best Answers
• Why do you want to work here?  Best Answers
• Are you organized? Best Answers

Key Takeaways

Prepare for the Interview. Be prepared to discuss both your clinical skill set and personal characteristics that make you a good nurse.

Be Ready to Share Examples. Have some sample patient scenarios and why they were challenging in mind.

Keep it Positive. Don’t complain about past jobs, patients, people, the nature of the work, or anything else.

Why I Want to Be a Nurse Essay Samples

Published by gudwriter on June 9, 2018 June 9, 2018

Why I Want to Be a Nurse Essay

Nursing schools try to scrutinize the students they are admitting to their institutions. In most cases, they want to have students who have a passion for the course. So, they ask for candidates to prove that they are worth the mettle. Sometimes, they require those interested in taking the course to state why exactly they love that career. Topics like ‘Why Do you Want to Become a Nurse’ are common gateways for admission into such institutions. They help get the best candidates as there are usually too many applications to consider. Students joining nursing/ healthcare programs should consider taking our free ATI TEAS 7 practice tests  to help them prepare for the TEAS exam.

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When you are writing this essay you need to, understand the college application essays dos and don’ts and to express your passion for helping people. Again, you should keep in mind that there are probably thousands other applicants who seek to get a spot in the same school as you. Thus, you should try as much as you can to impress the evaluators and convince them that you’ve got the potential to be the nurse that the world needs. We hope our tutorial will help you write the best application essay.

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What to include in a Nursing School Essay

• Reasons why you’ve chosen the program
• Previous engagements that either inspired or prepared you to become a good nurse
• Your academic interests
• What fascinates you about nursing?
• Why the evaluators should consider your application
• Your character that would make you a successful nurse
• Your motivation to become a nurse

Get more information on what to include in a college admission essay .

Tips on How to write a good Nursing School Application Essay

• Choose the content prudently. Paint a clear picture of your accomplishment in order to impress the evaluators
• Have a strong topic, and stick to it by providing supportive material in your paragraphs
• Be precise and informative. Avoid fluff or anything that can bore the readers
• Use a capturing introduction to make your readers love reading the article
• Focus on the positive issues- it’s not a platform to bash on anyone
• If you’ve had low GPA, or you dropped out from your first nursing school, give a story that proves you did so to help someone e.g. aging or sick parents
• Adhere to the guidelines. Ensure that the essay is within the given number of words, font and spacing. Most essays are 400-500 words long.

Get more information about how to write a good scholarship essay that will be accepted .

Why I Want to Be a Nurse: Example A

I’ve researched several dictionaries for the word ‘nurse’, and I must admit that they disappoint me. They believe it’s a professional who takes care of sick people. However, that sounds impersonal and simple and does not fully describe the work a nurse does. I believe there is more to being a nurse than just “taking care of sick people.” As the adage goes “nurses are people whose need to understand supersedes the need to be understood.”  I believe it’s the nursing profession that holds the world, literally. People who have saved lives on given circumstances are regarded as heroes. However, only nurses save lives every day. I believe it takes determination, self-will, and passion to achieve this status, and in summary, that’s why I want to be a nurse.

So, am I possibly motivated by the money? Well, sometimes, it is easy to be attracted to the salaries that those who work in the medical field get. But again, as we may all know, nurses don’t get much. It’s a decision that I’ve made; that I’d rather have a fulfilling career than have money without one. A good nurse is a person who meets penniless people who need medical attention and helps them without much regard to what they have in their accounts. Saving lives comes first especially because money can be quantified and made, but life cannot.

I’m the kind of a person that gets a heartache when I see people suffering. I want to help. And, I want to be part of the people who help people live a pain-free life. In school, I always loved to be the first to attend to kids who experienced nose-bleeding. It’s probably why I belonged to both the Scouts and St John’s Ambulance associations. I felt within me an urge to give a hand to everyone who needed it. I did not have enough skills, though. In spite of that, I mastered the little we’d been taught about first aid and I always put it to action. It’s one of the ways I came to know that nursing was what I wanted for a career.

The feeling of helping needy people doesn’t end with the sick. Whenever I walk down the street, I often see people begging for pennies so that they can provide for their families. Well, I don’t really think they are acting on their own will. In fact, most of those beggars and homeless people do what they do for the sake of their families and children. This leaves me helpless. I want to help them attain a stable life, and help them directly. That’s why I will do anything in my power to help a person in need, even if he or she is a complete stranger.

Life for me hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to grow up with my grandparents. They didn’t have much money and I always wanted to be able to provide for them one day. With time, I’ve learnt to love and take care of the elderly. The good thing about such experiences is that they equipped me with striking character traits that point towards the nursing profession. I am an understanding, empathetic, and confident diplomatic quick learner with great communicative skills . I know I will need these skills as a nurse. However, to be able to take this path, all I need is excellent education to become who I was meant to be.

Why I Want to Be a Nurse: Example B

After I got my examination results, and I told my parents that I wanted to be a nurse, they had mixed feelings. Yes, they always knew I wanted to help people, study hard, and work in the medical field. However, the fact I had chosen nursing and not anything else despite my high GPA was not wholly welcome for them. Fortunately, my aunt, who is a retired nurse, was able to convince them to let me pursue my passion. So, why have I always wanted to be a nurse?

Well, my life, character, mindset, and motivation have always been in this profession. I’m a person who loves to help people in pain to recover. It’s been so much in me that when I was a kid, I could ‘nurse’ my dog Tommy for the whole day. I didn’t know that I was subconsciously practicing for a path that I’d pursue for the rest of my life.

I believe that nursing is a calling, and that I’m one of the chosen. As a kid, I liked how concerned my aunt was about us. I was fond of her and she could always pick me to visit my grandparents in the weekends. It was not only fun, but also a chance to attend to them. It gave me great joy to see them happy and I knew I was already in love with helping the elderly, children, the sick, and the needy. In the process, I learnt that people in need aren’t always far from us. They are also not always in the hospital. They are right where we are and I should help them.

So, when I went to school, I took biological courses with great passion. I wanted to learn how the human body works and how illness occur. Off studies, I loved to be the person offering first aid to pupils who were injured. In fact, I had become so popular in this that kids first called me before we reported to the school nurse. It gave me great admiration to see how the nurse attended to the kids. Every day, I knew I wanted to become a nurse and be like him.

Every time I hear about a voluntary medical mission , I want to be part of it. I believe that a fulfilling career should have little to do with the money or remunerations offered and much with providing services. In life, I’ve learnt that happiness is everything, and that life is too short to count all the pennies in the world! To me, life is priceless because no amount of money can purchase the life of a human being. This has taught me to disregard the wealth of individuals in the face of saving life. I want to be the nurse that attends to people without even giving a thought to what I am going to get in return.

My personal attributes, inspirations, and character all point towards nursing. I’m a dedicated, loving, listening, understanding, concerned, and empathetic quick learner. It’s my strong belief that these traits set me a notch higher towards achieving my life goal of becoming a nurse. It’s my hope that I’ll get the chance to receive the esteemed education needed to do this.

Why I Want to Be a Nurse: Example C

My passion to become a nurse started in my childhood when I watched my mother work as a nurse. She built good relationships with her patients and she did all that she could in order to ensure they felt comfortable. This informed my decision to choose nursing as a career because it will provide me with a challenging but rewarding work as well as stable work opportunities. I want to experience growth in my career and I am sure nursing will enable me to advance and specialize. This way, I will be able to continue challenging myself while providing the best possible care to my patients.

When I was in middle school, I got involved in a car accident which saw me spend a week as an inpatient in hospital. I watched with awe how the nurses were committed to offering attention and care to the patients, me included. Unlike the doctors who only appeared briefly during their daily rounds, the nurses were always there, ensuring that I was comfortable and on the right path to recovery. They made less scary and a little easier a situation that would have otherwise been a difficult one. I realized just how much nurses mean to their patients. From thence, I decided that I would also become a nurse and make a difference for my patients by helping them through the difficult period of illness.

My decision to become a nurse was also informed by my desire to learn new things. As a nurse, I will have to keep challenging myself to keep abreast with medical training and trends. This will ensure that I continue to care for my patients in the best possible manner. In my everyday practice in my workplace, I will learn at least something new from both my patients and colleagues. This will inspire me to continue exploring deeper knowledge of the procedures and techniques I apply on a daily basis. I thus consider nursing a rich field for personal learning and development.

As I moved through my high school education, I realized that I possess some of the qualities that are needed for nursing. For example, I established that I am a good communicator who is both good at listening and providing feedback. I realized this during group and class discussions during which I would lead discussions and respond to various questions from my fellow students satisfactorily. I believe a good nurse should be able to communicate effectively with their patients and explain things to them clearly both in a nontechnical and technical way.  

Further, I am a team worker. I would be no different from a square peg in a round hole if I found myself working in a profession where there is little or no teamwork. I particularly embrace working in a team because just like any other person, I can never be perfect in terms of skills and abilities. I will definitely need someone to complement my shortcomings and inadequacies in performing my job tasks. I thus further want to become a nurse so I may thrive in the teamwork aspect of a nursing environment. I will highly be satisfied working with fellow healthcare professionals, including doctors and fellow nurses, in providing my patients with the best care possible.

Finally, I have always wanted to pursue a fulfilling career and I believe nursing is one of them. By caring for people during their time of need on sickbeds, I will be able to get a gratifying feeling. I will be fulfilled knowing that I will be doing something great for humanity while also developing myself in the process. Service to humanity is service to God and sickness is one of the times that people need help the most. Therefore, becoming a nurse would be to live the dream of my life.

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Why i deserve a nursing scholarship essay example | outline, bob cardens.

• August 24, 2022

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Why I deserve a nursing scholarship essay Example | Outline

Outline of the nursing scholarship essay, introduction, my background and why i am a good candidate for a nursing scholarship, why i want to be a nurse and how it would benefit my patients, my goals for becoming a nurse and how the nursing profession can help me meet them, how the nursing profession can help me develop as an individual and meet my future goals, why i deserve a nursing scholarship essay example.

I am writing this essay in order to prove that I deserve a nursing scholarship . Nursing has always been my passion, and I have dedicated my entire life to becoming a nurse . I believe that I have what it takes to be a great nurse and contribute to society in a positive way .

I have worked extremely hard to achieve the successes that I have, and I am confident that I can continue to do so as a nurse . My achievements include receiving scholarships for academic excellence and community service, being named a “rising star” by my hospital, and being part of the National Honor Society.

Nursing is an extremely challenging field , but I am determined to become the best nurse possible. My ultimate goal is to provide quality care for my patients and make a positive impact on their lives.

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Not a nursing student here’s How To Write An Appealing Scholarship Essay [+ Examples & Outline]

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My name is ____________ and I am a senior at ___________. I have been involved in extracurricular activities such as nursing and volunteering my time to different organizations since I was a child. My involvement in these activities has shaped me into the person I am today, and I believe that my skills and experiences make me the perfect candidate for a nursing scholarship .

First and foremost, I am a dedicated nurse. Throughout my years of involvement in this field, I have developed an innate understanding of how important it is to provide quality care to my patients . My experience has also taught me how to be organized and how to work efficiently under pressure. These skills are essential for a nurse , as they constantly face deadlines and stressful situations.

In addition to my dedication to the nursing field, I also possess strong leadership skills . Throughout my years of volunteering and working within various organizations, I have been responsible for directing others on multiple occasions. My ability to lead teams successfully is something that will be invaluable when working in a clinical setting as a nurse. Finally, I am deeply passionate about helping others and feel that nursing is the perfect profession for me to dedicate my career to. All of these qualities make me the perfect candidate for a nursing scholarship. I believe that my skills and experiences will be a valuable addition to any hospital or clinic , and I am eager to begin my career in this field.

I am a hard-working and motivated student who has always strived to accomplish the best I can. I have excelled in all areas of my academic career, including during my nursing studies . I have completed many challenging courses and have obtained numerous awards, scholarships, and accolades throughout my schooling. In addition to this, I have also contributed volunteer time and services to various organizations and communities . My goal has always been to make a positive impact on the people around me, and I believe that being a nurse is the perfect way to do that.

I am confident that with hard work and dedication, I can become a successful nurse and contribute greatly to the health of those in need . I believe that the Nursing Scholarship offered by my chosen nursing school is an excellent investment – one that will pay off both financially and emotionally for years to come.

As you continue,  thestudycorp.com  has the top and most qualified writers to help write your nursing scholarship essay. All you need to do is  place an order  with us. The above Why I deserve a nursing scholarship essay Example provides guidance on how to write a nursing scholarship essay.

I want to be a nurse because it would benefit my patients immensely. I have always been drawn to helping others, and being a nurse would allow me to do just that on a daily basis. Nurses are some of the most important people in the healthcare system , because they are responsible for keeping patients safe and healthy. They provide relief and comfort to those who are facing difficult times, and their work has a huge impact on the quality of life of those who rely on them. I know firsthand how important nurses are, and I am committed to giving the best care possible to my patients .

As a student, I know that I want to pursue a career in nursing. I have come to understand that the nursing profession can help me meet my goals and achieve success . Nursing offers a wide range of opportunities for growth and advancement, as well as an array of benefits that are important to me.

Nursing allows me to work with people who are in need and provide them with care and support. In addition, the nursing profession provides stability and security, which are important factors in my life. The environment at a nursing home or hospital is challenging, but I am confident that I can meet the challenges posed by this profession.

The nursing profession is growing rapidly and there are numerous opportunities available for those who are willing to pursue them. The field of nursing is changing rapidly, so today’s nurse has the opportunity to create her own path and be her own boss. I am excited about the prospects that the nursing profession offers me and I believe that it can help me achieve my goals.

Nursing is a profession that can help me develop as an individual and meet my future goals . It provides me with the opportunity to work with people, learn new things, and help others. It is also a fast-paced field that offers variety and challenges. I believe that nursing can help me grow as a person and make a positive impact in the world.

Nursing is an incredibly demanding and challenging profession, which is why so many students want to pursue a career in nursing . In order to be successful in this field, you need to demonstrate that you have the qualities that make a good nurse . One of the most important qualities is empathy — being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand their situation. This essay was designed to show how well I meet the requirements for a nursing scholarship , and I hope that it has convinced you that I am deserving of this opportunity.

The above Why I deserve a nursing scholarship essay Example provides guidance on how to write a nursing scholarship essay.

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Nursing Interview – Why do you want to be a nurse? 7 sample answers

Whether you interview for a place at a nursing school , or for a job of a nurse (in a hospital, in a school, in a community center, or in any other setting), one thing is certain: they will ask you about your career choice . The question has several variations, such as “Why nursing? “, “ Why do you want to work as a nurse? “, or “ Why do want to become a nurse? “, or “Why did you become a nurse? ” but the meaning is always the same.

You have several options for a good answer. Maybe you feel a calling to help , or you have a role model in some nurse who helped you when you were young and battling some disease. Or perhaps your father runs a small clinic or medical practice, and you simply want to work in the place. Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers to the question. Do not forget to read also the section below the answers, where I explain some common mistakes people make while answering the question.

7 sample answers to “Why do you want to be a nurse?” interview question

• It is the most fitting job for my personality . I’ve always enjoyed helping others, and I’ve always wanted to work in a hospital. It is extremely fulfilling to see how you helped someone get through a difficult time, be it with a treatment , attention , or even just with some words of encouragement you gave them in the right moment. Of course, I know that the job isn’t easy . You work night shifts, overtime, and you may see things that are difficult to bear with emotionally –for example when a child dies on your shift. But these things do not discourage me from applying. I still feel that nursing is my calling.
• I’ve made this decision many years ago . When I was a child, I experienced severe problems with my lungs, and had to spent prolonged time in hospitals each year . As you can imagine, it is extremely difficult for a nine or ten year old to stay alone in the hospital, not even seeing parents every day. But I was extremely fortunate with nurses who cared for me . They were very sensitive to my feelings , spent time in my room whenever situation allowed it, and basically they tried their best to improve my experience in the hospital. My condition eventually improved in my teenage years, and I did not have to return to hospital every year. But I never forgot how the nurses treated me, and decided to pay back the favor , with my service to other children. That’s the reason why I pursued a career in nursing, become a nurse, and why I am applying for a job with this clinic today…
• To be honest, I am disturbed with the current state of affairs in our society . It is hard to find healthy adults—everyone has some issues. High blood pressure, heart condition, severe allergy, cancer. And the fact that three out of four adults are either obese or overweight does not help the issue. In my opinion, it poses a huge problem for the entire society and our economy, and unless we do something about it, the consequences can be fatal . And the way I see it, everything starts with children. Working with children and treating them, we still have a chance to educate them, to show them the right path, the importance of physical activity and healthy diet. We can make a difference and contribute to a healthier society of the future. At least that’s what I believe in, and it motivates me strongly to pursue career in pediatric nursing.
• I’ve been always surrounded by doctors and nurses , since half of my family works in the field. My father runs a small medical practice , and it would be a dream come true to work there with him, and, perhaps, one day run the entire place. Of course, I could pursue different careers, going to med school, or pursuing a career in medical management. But from all career paths in the field I am most attracted to nursing. I find it the best match for both my skills and personality.
• It is simple– I want to make a positive difference in someone’s life. But I do not dream about changing the world , though I am aware of the problems we face as humanity. My goal is to simply have a job in which I can help someone overcome adversity , to get back on track, or to bare with a difficult medical condition or with a painful treatment. It is something that will make me happy in my daily life, and help me find a meaningful purpose in my everyday existence.
• I follow a specific goal—to work as a nurse for an NGO which operates in the Middle East . I have roots in Syria, and I am very distressed by the situation in the region. I would love to go there and help directly on site. Many children are dying each day and in my view it’s unacceptable. But I am no politician to change the big scope of things. What I can do, however, is going there and working as a nurse, helping to save lives and give hope to people. Nursing school is an important step on my journey.
• I volunteered in a nursing home for six months, and I really enjoyed the experience, with everything that belonged to it–including the less popular tasks, such as helping the clients with personal hygiene. It met my expectations and what is more, I felt that I was doing a really good job , and clients enjoyed my company. On the top of that, I look up to my father, who’s been working as a nurse for twenty years. All things combined, I can’t really imagine a better career to pursue…

Try to be specific in your answer

Perhaps you already have your dream place of work –be it a psychiatric ward, children hospital, or the clinic your father runs.

Or you have chosen your specialization –maybe you want to work as a pediatric nurse, mental health nurse, ER nurse, or even as a correctional nurse. As long as they see that you have some vision for your future , something that will drive you forward in the difficult times (be it at school or already in the job), they will incline to give you the spot in their study program, or the job.

On the contrary, if you talk vaguely about your future, or there is no enthusiasm in your voice , they may easily get an impression that you follow a dream of someone else , or apply for a job of a nurse just because you’ve already invested a lot of time and money into your studies…

Ensure them that you see the complexity of the job

Perfect jobs do not exist , either in nursing, or in any other field. You will certainly experience moments and days that will make you feel grateful for life , and for the opportunity to work as a nurse. But you will also experience days when you will feel terrible , struggle to cope emotionally with the reality of the job, or simply be exhausted after a series of long shifts. On such days one wishes that they had become something else than a nurse…

It is important to ensure the hiring managers that you are aware of this reality, and expect to experience some difficulties as a nurse (regardless of your place of work).

Your dream, not a dream of your parents

When we talk about nursing school admission interviews , it is pivotal to ensure the admission committee members that pursuing a career of a nurse is your decision , and you do not just follow the dreams or expectations of your parents, peers , or of anyone else.

Remember that your non-verbal communication plays a crucial role here. Unless they hear some enthusiasm in your voice, unless you look pumped for this opportunity , they will find it hard to believe your words about a meaningful purpose, and a dream career you follow…

Final thoughts, next steps

“Why do you want to become a nurse?” is one of the questions you will face in almost every nursing school and nursing job interview . Think about your strengths, goals, expectations, and priorities.

Try to come up with a specific answer- -clearly explaining what motivated you to pursue the career, and where you see yourself working in the future. Last but not least, do not forget that non-verbal communication (your body language) makes for 85% of the message you send over…

Ready to answer this one? I hope so! Do not forget to check also 7 sample answers to other tricky nursing interview questions:

• Nursing interview – Why do you want to work here?
• Nursing interview – Tell me about yourself .
• What are your strengths and weaknesses as a nurse?
• Nursing interview – Why should we hire you?
• What does nursing mean to you?
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• Published: 26 April 2024

Factors influencing the development of nursing professionalism: a descriptive qualitative study

• Xingyue He 1 ,
• Huili Cao 2 ,
• Linbo Li 1 ,
• Yanming Wu 1 &
• Hui Yang 1 , 3  

BMC Nursing volume  23 , Article number:  283 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Metrics details

The shortage of nurses threatens the entire healthcare system, and nursing professionalism can improve nurse retention and enhance the quality of care. However, nursing professionalism is dynamic, and the factors influencing its development are not fully understood.

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Using maximum variation and purposive sampling, 14 southern and northern China participants were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from May 2022 to August 2023 in face-to-face conversations in offices in the workplace or via voice calls. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed via thematic analysis.

Three main themes emerged: (1) nourishment factors: promoting early sprouting; (2) growth factors: the power of self-activation and overcoming challenges; and (3) rootedness factors: stability and upward momentum. Participants described the early acquisition of nursing professionalism as derived from personality traits, family upbringing, and school professional education, promoting the growth of nursing professionalism through self-activation and overcoming challenges, and maintaining the stable and upward development of nursing professionalism through an upward atmosphere and external motivation.

We revealed the dynamic factors that influence the development of nursing professionalism, including “nourishment factors”, “growth factors”, and “rootedness factors”. Our findings provide a foundation for future development of nursing professionalism cultivation strategies. Nursing administrators can guide the development of nurses’ professionalism from many angles according to the stage they are in, and the development of professionalism deserves more attention. In the future, we can no longer consider the development of nursing professionalism solely as the responsibility of individual nurses; the power of families, organizations, and society is indispensable to jointly promoting nursing professionalism among nurses.

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Introduction

The number of nurses leaving hospitals has been increasing, and the shortage of nurses is a significant problem faced globally [ 1 , 2 ]. According to earlier studies, professionalism improves nurses’ clinical performance [ 3 ] and positively affects their adaptability (Park et al. 2021), reducing nurses’ burnout and turnover rates. Therefore, fostering professionalism in nurses and the factors that influence the development of professionalism are essential to producing effective nurses.

Nurses comprise the largest group of healthcare providers [ 4 ]. Nurses are a vital part of the healthcare system, with 27.9 million caregivers worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation’s Global Status of Nursing Report 2020 [ 5 ]. However, an unbalanced number of nurses and patients, high work pressure, and the fact that nurses face patients’ suffering, grief, and death each day have exacerbated burnout and led to the resignation of many nurses [ 6 ]. The COVID-19 outbreak has further exposed the shortage of nursing staff, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the scarcity of nurses remains acute. The lack of nurses not only has direct negative impacts on patients but also poses a threat to the entire healthcare system.

Nursing professionalism is closely associated with nurse retention and nursing practice [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Nursing professionalism is defined as providing individuals care based on the principles of professionalism, caring, and altruism [ 6 ]. As a belief in the profession, nursing professionalism is a systematic view of nursing that represents the practice standards and value orientation nurses utilize [ 10 , 11 ]. According to previous research, nursing professionalism can enhance nurses’ clinical performance and positively impact their adaptability, reducing job burnout and turnover rates [ 6 ]. Furthermore, as nurses are the ones who provide “presence” care, cultivating nursing professionalism among nurses can promote interactions between nurses and patients, further improving the quality of nursing care and patient outcomes and injecting new vitality and hope into the entire healthcare system [ 12 ].

However, nursing professionalism is dynamic, and the cultural context also shapes nursing professionalism to some extent, leading to ambiguity in the factors influencing nursing professionalism. Initially perceived as mere “caregivers,” nurses have transformed into “professional practitioners,” emphasizing the nursing field’s seriousness and distinct professional characteristics [ 13 , 14 ]. Nursing professionalism is also the foundation for developing the nursing profession [ 15 ]. Focusing on the factors influencing the development of nursing professionalism is one of the essential elements in providing an optimal environment for nurses’ professional growth and development in clinical practice [ 16 ]. Although some scales, such as the Hall Professionalism Inventory (HPI) [ 17 ], Miller’s Wheel of Professionalism in Nursing (BIPN) [ 18 ], Hwang’s Nurse Professional Values Scale (NPVS) [ 19 ], and Fantahun’s Nursing Professionalism Questionnaire [ 20 ] have been used to measure factors influencing the awareness, attitudes, and behaviors, they have their limitations. They struggle to encompass professionalism’s multidimensionality and complexity fully, overlook multilayered background factors, are constrained by standardization issues, may not account for individual differences, and often fail to capture dynamic changes over time [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].Compared with quantitative research methods, qualitative research can provide insights into the “unique phenomenology and context of the individual being tested,” which can help the researcher stay close to nurses’ professional lives during the research process and understand the personal, familial, and societal factors that influence nursing professionalism [ 24 ].Additionally, the understanding of nursing professionalism varies across different cultural and social contexts. In Western countries, research on nursing professionalism tends to incorporate professionalism across the entire nursing industry. In contrast, within China, research on professionalism tends to focus more on the individual level, with less attention to the perspectives of groups or the industry [ 25 ]. Therefore, through qualitative research, we can present nursing professionalism in a deeper, more affluent, and more transparent manner. Secondly, it is more authentic to understand the factors influencing nursing professionalism by directly obtaining relevant information from the perspective of nurses through dialogue with research participants as mutual subjects.

Given these considerations, we aim to answer the question of what factors influence the development of nursing professionalism. To provide more targeted strategies and recommendations for optimizing the nursing professional environment, enhancing nurses’ job satisfaction, improving t nursing quality, and contributing sustainably to patients’ and nurses’ health and well-being.

To explore the factors influencing the development of nursing professionalism. By incorporating nurses’ perspectives, we aim to improve our understanding of professionalism as individual, family, and socio-cultural influences. With this knowledge, we can inform strategies for developing nursing professionalism.

Study design

A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted based on naturalistic inquiry [ 26 , 27 ] and analyzed using the thematic analysis method described by Braun and Clarke [ 28 ]. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between May 2022 and August 2023 with nurses in southern and northern China hospitals. Furthermore, the research findings were reported in accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) (Supplementary Material S1 ) [ 29 ].

Participants and settings

We chose hospital nurses as study participants based on considerations of their nursing experience. Firstly, the Chinese government has implemented a policy of accountable holistic care, whereby registered nurses take on the entire cycle of a patient’s physical, mental, and spiritual care [ 30 ]. Secondly, new nurses must undergo two weeks to one month of basic training and a 12–24 month specialty rotation (for most new nurses who graduated before 2016, their training was completed by their departments). During this time, they are under the supervision of a superior nurse for holistic and responsible care [ 31 ].

We used maximum variance purposive sampling to recruit a heterogeneous sample of information-rich key participants [ 32 ]. Participant selection considered variations in role classification, years of experience, and educational levels of Chinese nurses [ 33 ]. The purposive variation allowed the discovery of Chinese nurses’ unique perceptions of nursing professionalism. Inclusion criteria: (1) registered nurses (providing direct services to patients within the unit), nurse managers (directly supervising and guiding the clinical work of registered nurses), nursing department managers (managing nurse managers throughout the hospital), with at least one year of nursing experience; (2) voluntary participation. Exclusion criteria: (1) nurses not working during the hospital’s study period (holidays, maternity leave, or sick leave); (2) refresher nurses.

Data collection

The same researcher conducted each interview to ensure consistency. Before the interviews, the interviewers systematically conducted in-depth theoretical research on relevant studies. The interviewer received guidance from professors with rich experience in qualitative research and undertook practice interviews to improve her interviewing skills. Interviewers encouraged interviewees to talk freely about their perceptions and used an interview guide (Supplementary Material S2 ), which was based on the findings of previous research on the conceptual analysis of nursing professionalism [ 6 ]. The questions were open-ended and general; ample space was left between questions to respond to interviewees’ comments. Semi-structured interviews began with a brief introduction to the topic (e.g., definition and explanation of nursing professionalism). Although the interviewer had an agenda for discussion, this format allowed the interviewee to deviate from this agenda and direct follow-up questions [ 34 ].

All interviews were conducted from May 2022 to August 2023 in face-to-face conversations in offices in the workplace or via voice calls and lasted between 35 and 94 min. Participants were asked to complete the main demographic questionnaire at the end of the interviews. The researcher recorded participants’ expressions, body language, and pauses during the interviews. Memos written by the researcher during the study were also used as analytical material.

Data analysis

For rigorous qualitative sampling and data saturation, Braun et al. [ 35 ] propose that qualitative researchers require a sample appropriate to the research questions and the theoretical aims of the study and that can provide an adequate amount of data to answer the question and analyze the issue entirely. We reached thematic saturation after 14 interviews when no new codes or themes emerged.

A thematic analysis approach was used, following the phases described by Braun and Clarke [ 28 ]. The analysis comprised six stages: (1) immersing in the data; (2) creating initial codes; (3) identifying themes; (4) reviewing; (5) defining and labeling these themes; and (6) finally, composing the analysis report. Two researchers transcribed and analyzed the textual data. In the first stage, the researchers carefully read the interview transcripts to familiarize themselves with the depth and breadth of the content. In the second stage, preliminary codes were generated based on the research questions, initial interpretation of the data, and discussion of initial emerging patterns. At this stage, ensuring that all actual data extracts were coded and organized within each code was necessary. In addition, the following principles were used as guidelines: (1) code for as many potential themes/patterns as possible; (2) code extracts of data inclusively, i.e., preserve small sections of the surrounding data when relevant; and (3) code individual extracts of data for as many different “themes” as appropriate [ 36 ]. In the third phase, the two authors analyzed the initial codes, sorted them into potential themes, and debated their meanings and emerging patterns to reach a consensus. This phase, which refocused the analysis on the broader level of themes rather than that of codes, involved sorting the different codes into potential themes. In the fourth stage, reviewing themes ensures that the data supports the themes and allows an iterative process between different levels of abstraction without losing grounding in the raw data. Finally, defining the “essence” of each theme during the development of the main themes by identifying the “story” as consistent with the data and the research question while ensuring that the themes did not overlap but still fit together in the overall “story” of the data. It told the “story” by writing analytical narratives with illustrative quotes.

This study achieved credibility by selecting a heterogeneous sample, performing member checks, and taking field notes [ 37 ]. This study ensured dependability by verifying the findings with the researchers and participants, appropriately numbering the direct quotations (e.g., DN1), and comparing the results with the previous literature. This study established confirmability via audit trails [ 38 ] and the comprehensive reporting of all research processes. This study ensured transferability by describing the data collection process and seeking a heterogeneous sample.

Fourteen participants were interviewed (the demographic information is presented in Table  1 ). The thematic analysis identifies three major themes (Fig.  1 ). These interconnected topics illuminate the growth process and factors influencing nursing professionalism. The first theme, “nourishment factors: promoting early sprouting,” includes personal traits, family upbringing, and professional education at school and emphasizes early factors influencing nursing professionalism. The second theme, “growth factors: the power of self-activation and overcoming challenges,” included self-activation and overcoming difficulties, focusing on the dual attributes of the growth process of nursing professionalism. The final theme, “rootedness factors: stability and upward momentum,” includes an upward atmosphere and external motivation and explores the factors that maintain the stability and sustainability of nursing professionalism.

Factors influencing the development of nursing professionalism

Nourishment factors: promoting early sprouting

Personal traits.

Personal traits are called “nature” [ 23 ]. There exists a close connection between personal traits and professional behavior. When nurses confront patients’ physiological and emotional needs, innate qualities like kindness and compassion predispose them to be more sensitive to patients’ suffering and needs. Nursing professionalism transcends mere task fulfillment; this inner emotional drive compels nurses to fulfill their duties and engage in nursing work out of a genuine desire and sense of responsibility, practicing the nursing mission nobly. Thus, whether individual traits align with the nursing mission profoundly influences the nursing professionalism of nurses in their work.

“At 32, I became a head nurse, full of vitality and boundless enthusiasm, particularly compassion. I have no idea where this compassion comes from.” (ND1) .

Family upbringing

Education begins in the family, and it is through family education that nurses develop an early sense of professionalism. China has a “family culture” that defines the responsibility of family education. The study participants recalled that in childhood, the “living” nature of family education shaped early professionalism, in which the concepts of “kindness” and “altruism” were acquired through interactions with family members.

“My mother was an early childhood educator, and when she told me fairy tales, it was to promote kindness. Loving others and being selfless, you can’t be a bad person. That’s what altruistic education is about.” (ND1) .

The impact of family education on the acquisition of nursing professionalism extends into adulthood. In Chinese Confucianism and collectivism, family members usually have close emotional ties, and this “strong bond” family structure promotes nurses’ understanding and care for others and their ability to be wiser and more caring in the nursing profession. This strong bonding plays a catalytic role in the emergence of nursing professionalism.

“Some nurses are very adept at expressing care, perhaps because grandparents and parents live together. Since childhood, parents have taught them how to express care.” (N4) .

School professional education

Nursing professionalism is further acquired through professional education in schools. Nursing professional education emphasizes respect and care for patients, adherence to social responsibility, and the integration of traditional Chinese oriental medical thought and Western nursing concepts, internalized into behaviors to form the concept of professional nursing spirit. Participants indicated that the virtues of dedication, responsibility, respect, and caring that permeate school professional education are incorporated by nurses into nursing practice.

“The best nursing comes from the heart. When I was administering injections, I thought about how to alleviate the patient’s pain. Later, I learned that if I entered the needle quickly, it would be less painful, so I often practiced in the operating room.” (N8) .

Other participants also shared that they felt positively guided by professional education at school, constructing a comprehensive nursing philosophy system within the educational context. They realized that nursing is a multidisciplinary field encompassing human care, social responsibility, and ethical values.

“University was my most unforgettable learning experience. I studied 36 courses here, including nursing aesthetics, literature, sociology, ethics, education, etc. I realized that the nursing work we engage in has such rich depth! has become an invaluable treasure in my nursing career.” (ND1) .

Growth factors: the power of self-activation and overcoming challenges

Self-activation, professional benefits.

Professional benefit perception refers to the advantages nurses perceive while engaging in nursing work, acknowledging that their involvement in nursing promotes their holistic personal growth [ 39 ]. Consistent with traditional perspectives, this study finds that nurses generate a sense of professional benefit through both “tangible benefits” and “spiritual benefits,” recognizing the value and significance of nursing work, thereby furthering the development of nursing professionalism.

The dynamic updating achieves “tangible benefits.” Nurses require outstanding professional competence and ongoing continuing education. Participants mentioned that nurses utilize their professional knowledge and clinical experience to save patients’ lives, and exceptional professional competence can rekindle their enthusiasm for work. Continuous and dynamic continuing education, supplementing the latest technology and knowledge in the nursing field, can generate positive professional emotions.

“There’s only one doctor on duty at night, and nurses are the first responders when we encounter emergencies. Even before the doctor arrives in the ward, I must act quickly and urgently. Every time I bring a patient back from the brink of death, I feel excited throughout the night.” (N6) . “Experience is und oubtedly important. I’ve been working for over a decade, and I undergo training every year. No one likes stagnation; we can forge ahead only by continually moving forward.” (NM3) .

Self-worth realization through “spiritual benefits.” Experiencing a sense of value in nursing practice provides nurses with positive reinforcement, enhancing nursing professionalism behavior. Moreover, as healthcare practitioners, the ability of relatives and family members to benefit from it distinguishes Chinese nurses’ unique approach to self-worth realization from nurses in other countries. This unexpected feedback, whether in material or spiritual forms, enables nurses to fulfill their sense of worth.

“Sometimes, friends and relatives ask me about hospitalization-related questions, and I am more than willing to help them.” (N2) . “ I changed my mother’s gastric tube without any complications.” (NM3) .

Professional identity

Nursing professional identity refers to nurses acknowledging their work and affirming their self-worth [ 40 ]. This study defines professional identity as a gradual “process” and a “state.”

One participant mentioned that professional identity is a psychological “process” that nurses develop and confirm their professional roles through their personal experiences. It is closely related to the individual experiences of nurses. Nurses’ gradual recognition of their work prompts them to progress and develop a positive work attitude and professionalism.

“Gradually, I discovered that being a nurse makes me realize my significance, which keeps me moving forward, time and time again.” (ND2) .

Simultaneously, as a “state,” professional identity represents the degree to which nurses identify with the nursing profession. This “state” of professional identity reflects nursing professionalism’s long-term accumulation and formation. It indicates nurses’ long-standing dedication and emotional involvement in nursing, leading to higher professional competence and a sense of responsibility in their work.

“It’s not just a job to make a living; it’s about wholeheartedly identifying with this profession, unleashing one’s potential, which results in better professional conduct.”(N5) .

Overcoming challenges

Balancing roles.

Balancing roles refers to the equilibrium individuals establish between their roles in the nursing profession, family, and organization. Nursing professional roles are inherently multifaceted, and when faced with multiple responsibilities, such as family demands and organizational tasks, nurses must balance these roles. The tension and complexity between personal and organizational roles can potentially inhibit their emotions and professional motivation. However, in China, families are tightly knit, and strong family support can help reconcile this tension.

“To be a good nursing department manager, you need strong family support. The commitment to one’s career and the dedication to family don’t always align. For instance, my job keeps me busy regarding family matters, and I have limited time to care for my children. My parents-in-law take care of them more. I do rounds every Sunday, and the phone never stops ringing, even on my days off. There’s no way around it; this is the role I’ve taken on. Family support allows me to work with peace of mind.” (ND3) .

Adaptation organization

Nurses also face challenges in adapting to organizational systems. These adaptability challenges include rapidly learning new technologies, processes, and the culture of practice in different departments. This “unfamiliarity” impedes the manifestation of nursing professionalism. Participants indicated that the inability to adapt to clinical work quickly affects new graduate nurses’ transition into practice. Initially, there is a “honeymoon period” when becoming a registered nurse, but as actual capabilities do not align with expected performance, the excitement gradually wanes.

“I didn’t know the routine procedures in ophthalmology, I couldn’t measure eye pressure, and I didn’t know how to perform eye injections. I was terrified, which brought various challenges when I started working.” (N4) .

Furthermore, nurses must adapt to the practice culture of “this is how things are done” and “it’s always been done this way” in their workplace. Due to the promotion and title system requirements in Chinese hospitals, nurses with several years of experience often need to rotate through departments such as Intensive Care Unit and emergency for a period. The differences in operations and management between different departments also frustrate these nurses during rotations. However, a certain social prestige is attached, making it challenging for the nurses from the original department to provide direct guidance to the rotating nurses, leading to isolation for the latter in new departments.

“A blank slate regarding the department’s hierarchy, administrative procedures, and so on.” (N3) . “Although there’s a set of procedures, mostly similar, it’s the slight differences that always set me apart.” (N6) .

Rootedness factors: stability and upward momentum

Upward atmosphere, peer support.

Peer support has a positive impact on nursing professionalism. Peers are individuals of the same age group who have formed a connection due to shared experiences in similar socio-cultural environments, with emotional support, mutual assistance, and understanding constituting the core elements of peer support [ 41 ]. Firstly, nursing work often involves highly stressful situations, including heavy workloads, complex patient conditions, and urgent medical cases. Peer support provides emotional support, allowing nurses to find comfort and encouragement when facing stress and difficulties. Secondly, peer support cultivates a positive work atmosphere and team spirit. In a mutually supportive, trusting, and cooperative team, nurses are more likely to experience a sense of accomplishment in their work. They feel they are not isolated but part of a united and collaborative whole. Furthermore, peer support also promotes professional development and knowledge exchange among nurses. In an open and supportive team environment, nurses are more willing to share their experiences and knowledge, learn from each other, and grow.

“The spirit influences the spirit, especially those of my age group who have left a deep impression on me with their admirable qualities in their work. It makes me reflect on my shortcomings in my work and constantly strive to improve and adjust myself.” (N2) .

Intergenerational role models

Inter-generational refers to the relationships between generations [ 42 ]. In nursing practice, inter-generational relationships exist, such as those among nurses of different ages and levels of experience. This study’s inter-generational role models include managerial role models and senior nurses.

Participants believe that managers’ professionalism influences subordinate nurses’ attitudes and performance. The professionalism of managers not only plays a guiding and leadership role in daily work but, more importantly, sets an example, inspiring and encouraging subordinate nurses who are willing to follow and inherit professionalism.

“The department’s leadership has a significant impact on professionalism. When managers have a strong sense of professionalism, the nurses they oversee follow suit. Because leadership represents the management level and higher things, it’s difficult for things at the bottom to go well if it’s not well-controlled at the top.” (N8) .

On the other hand, senior nurses, as role models within the nursing generation, also significantly impact the upward development of professionalism. Senior nurses’ rich experience and professional competence guide new nurses to maintain a rigorous attitude at work. New nurses often draw from and learn senior nurses’ work attitudes and behaviors, catalyzing the elevation of nursing professionalism.

“Senior nurses have a role model effect because new nurses learn from the older ones. If senior nurses work rigorously and new nurses make mistakes or lack a sense of dedication, they will immediately point it out. Over time, you also become more rigorous.” (NM3) .

Perceived professional respect

Societal respect for nursing work creates an atmosphere of care and emphasis on nursing. Nurses within this atmosphere become aware of the importance of nursing work and the profound significance of patient care. They are inclined to exhibit positive nursing professionalism behaviors to meet the expectations of society and the general public.

“The nursing industry has experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, and during the anti-epidemic efforts, nurses were at the forefront, risking their lives to care for patients, receiving acclaim from patients, doctors, and the public.” (N2) .

Professional respect is the manifestation of nurses’ self-acknowledgment of nursing values. It is more than an external acknowledgment; it is an internal affirmation. This mutual respect aligns nurses’ professional and societal worth, catalyzing increased potential and motivation.

External motivation

The stability of nursing professionalism relies on external resources, including the diverse support from nursing managers and the guidance of national healthcare policies. Nursing managers are the frontline leaders who interact with nurses, and their support serves as a management tool and a direct means to sustain nursing professionalism. This multifaceted support encompasses economic incentives such as compensation and reward mechanisms. It extends to non-material motivations such as career advancement opportunities, adequate staffing, modern equipment provision, and fair and equitable treatment form crucial aspects of managerial support. Providing nurses with stable external support creates a space to focus on their professional mission and responsibilities, thus maintaining the stability of nursing professionalism.

“Economic foundation determines the superstructure(spiritual world)).” (NM1) .

Furthermore, the guidance of national healthcare policies serves as a beacon for the development of the nursing profession. At the national level, healthcare policies can regulate the organization and operation of healthcare systems and services, providing nurses with a more stable and favorable working environment. This environment allows nurses to fulfill their professional roles better and maximize their value. The environmental changes brought about by policy guidance offer nurses more favorable professional conditions, effectively promoting the upward development of nursing professionalism.

“Government documents summarize the needs of our society, and nursing will continue to improve in the direction of policy guidance.” (NM3) .

Discussions

This study provides insights for understanding the factors that influence the development of nursing professionalism. We emphasize the themes of early nourishment factors that promote the emergence of nursing professionalism, growth factors associated with self-activation and overcoming challenges, and rootedness factors that stabilize upward, which reveal the dynamic factors that influence the development of nursing professionalism.

We added the early influence of personality traits, family upbringing, and school professional education in the development of nursing professionalism, which is similar to the pathway through which nurses’ foundational values are acquired [ 43 , 44 ]. Building on previous research, we highlight the sequential order of socialization in family education and school professional education, with individual socialization within the family achieving individual socialization before school professional education, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational family transmission on the development of nursing professionalism [ 45 ]. Education commences within the family, a social organization with an educational function. China values its “family culture” and emphasizes defining parental responsibilities for family education based on blood relations. It is a common folk law in China that parents are regarded as the first teachers. In addition, Chinese society promotes Confucianism, which emphasizes instilling the concept of “self-improvement” through “educational living” [ 46 ], as mentioned in our study, the interpersonal interactions such as “altruism” and “caring” arising from family interactions can help nurses establish a deeper emotional connection with their patients. Therefore, future consideration could be given to incorporating programs that foster culture and emotions into professional education. Similar studies are necessary in East Asian countries and other countries with similar cultures to broaden the results of factors influencing nursing professionalism.

The growth of nursing professionalism requires real work scenarios. Our results present the dual factors of nursing professionalism upon entering the workplace. Regarding self-activation factors, we delve into the significance of “professional identity” and, for the first time from the perspective of Chinese collectivism, explain the unique influence of “professional benefits” on nursing professionalism. Our study aligns with previous research, viewing professional identity as an ongoing “process” [ 47 ]. By developing a professional identity, nurses can exhibit “stateful” self-satisfaction and self-motivation, contributing to their job satisfaction and professionalism [ 48 ]. The “professional benefits” involve integrating rational and emotional aspects. The “tangible benefits” of professionalism and technical competence at work lead to positive experiences and emotions among nurses. Nurses voluntarily invest more passion and energy in their work [ 49 ]. In addition, what sets our results apart is how Chinese nurses obtain ‘spiritual benefits,’ which come from the convenience of medical access that their relatives enjoy due to their work. Some studies have shown that “spiritual benefits” are more apparent among nurses aged 40 and above and those with higher professional titles [ 50 ]. The accumulation of clinical experience and the harmonious interpersonal relationships achieved through medical collaboration can help family members access reliable medical resources, leading to greater professional gain. This phenomenon is closely related to the collective consciousness of Chinese nurses, revealing that people are not always “self-interested and rational”; their behavior is influenced by more complex factors such as intuition, emotions, and attitudes [ 49 ].

In terms of the challenges faced, on the one hand, we emphasized the supportive role of intergenerational relationships in nurses’ work-family conflicts. Previous studies have shown that Chinese nurses perceive nursing work as a means to fulfill family responsibilities rather than the ultimate goal, reflecting a prioritization of family over work [ 51 ]. Consequently, nurses are more likely to resign during work-family conflicts, reallocating their resources from work to family [ 52 ]. Compared with previous studies, we found that China is a highly connected society, and multi-generational households are relatively common [ 53 ]. Hence, the importance of maintaining good intergenerational relationships cannot be ignored in Chinese society and culture, substantially impacting nursing professionalism. On the other hand, we reveal the underlying reasons for the restricted development of nursing professionalism among nurses during the transition period. Newly graduated nurses face negative experiences such as incompetence, lack of preparation, exhaustion, and disappointment in their work, hindering the development of nursing professionalism, which is especially evident in departments such as obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, and emergency, where teaching hours for these specialties fall significantly below those for general internal medicine and surgical nursing [ 54 ]. The educational experiences of nurses are insufficient to meet clinical demands [ 55 ]. Moreover, this is compounded by differences in the structure and content of the 12–24 month “standardized training” for new nurses that has already begun in most cities in China, further exacerbating the experience of separation of new nurses from their organizations [ 56 ]. The development of rotational nurses is often neglected, and transfer systems are a mere formality [ 57 ]. Therefore, developing nursing adaptability and creating a supportive work environment should be incorporated into the content and structure of different organizational transition programs to make a positive work environment and promote nurses’ engagement, enhancing nursing professionalism.

It is worth noting that the rootedness factor involves individual, organizational, and societal dimensions. At the personal level, peer support and intergenerational role models integrate the demonstration of actual “peers” and “role models” with nurses’ self-awareness and agency to achieve upward mobility in nursing professionalism [ 58 ]. However, while peer support offers emotional and social cognitive consistency based on age, background, and learning experiences, it may lack experiential depth [ 59 ]. In contrast, intergenerational role models involving a “superior-subordinate” relationship can initially lead to “nurturing” relationships, potentially leading to lateral violence and bullying [ 60 ]. At the organizational level, our findings highlight that professional respect in the workplace is more relevant to nurses’ professionalism than social appraisal. Professional respect is the nurses’ perception of their subjective social status within the profession and an analysis of the social value associated with the nursing profession [ 61 ]. However, nurses are not always respected, especially as insults and disregard from patients, superiors, or physicians can lead to negative emotions, professional burnout, and a desire to quit [ 62 , 63 , 64 ]. Regarding the societal dimension, providing external motivation tailored to nurses’ specific backgrounds and needs is beneficial for the stable development of nursing professionalism. Financial incentives are often considered a common strategy to improve nurses’ motivation and retention in motivation management [ 65 ]. However, the effectiveness of incentives is, more importantly, dependent on the response of nurses after implementation, and it is crucial to understand the needs and preferences of nurses in terms of incentives as well as the level of nurses’ participation in policy development, in addition to material rewards [ 66 , 67 ].Therefore, maintaining the stability of nursing professionalism is therefore complex, and nursing managers should consider ways to deepen peer support and reduce workplace bullying through “intergenerational parenting”, and should develop policies that support nurses, have zero-tolerance for disruptive behaviours, uphold the professional dignity of nurses, and ensure that their voices are heard and valued, which contributes to a more positive, fulfilling, and motivating nursing work environment.

Limitations

Given the persistently low number of men in nursing, all participants recruited for our study were female. However, considering the relatively narrow focus of the research, The purposive variation, and the richness of the generated data, the sample size was deemed sufficient to achieve our objectives. In addition, although the study results reveal dynamic influences on the development of nursing professionalism, they do not differentiate between nurses at different career stages, such as novice and expert nurses. We consider these factors as “common characteristics” for them, intertwined with each other, which can be further clarified in future research.

Conclusions

This study is an important addition to previous research in that we reveal the dynamics of factors that influence the development of nursing professionalism, including the “nourishment factor,” “growth factor,” and “rootedness factor.” Our findings provide contextual factors that can be changed during the development of nursing professionalism and lay the foundation for future strategies to foster nursing professionalism.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings of this study have important implications for exploring the development of nursing professionalism. Nursing managers can support nurses’ professionalism from various perspectives, depending on the stage of the nurse’s life, such as valuing nurses’ family relationships, focusing on nurses in transition, listening to nurses’ voices, and creating a “magnetic nursing” work environment. These measures will not only positively impact the careers of individual nurses but will also help improve the standard and quality of health care in general. In the future, we should no longer view the development of nursing professionalism as solely the responsibility of individual nurses; the influence of family, organizations, and society is indispensable in collectively promoting the development of nurses’ nursing professionalism.

Data availability

Data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Abbreviations

The Hall Professionalism Inventory

Miller’s Wheel of Professionalism in Nursing

SHwang’s Nurse Professional Values Scale

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Xingyue He, Ya Mao, Linbo Li, Yanming Wu & Hui Yang

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XYH, YM, and HLC were responsible for the study’s inception, study design, and data collection. All authors analyzed the data. XYH wrote the first draft of the manuscript, LBL, YMW, and HY reviewed the manuscript, and HY finalized the final version. All authors reviewed and approved the manuscript prior to submission.

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He, X., Mao, Y., Cao, H. et al. Factors influencing the development of nursing professionalism: a descriptive qualitative study. BMC Nurs 23 , 283 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01945-6

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