Nurses are crucial to the success of the health care system, so the nation’s ongoing nursing shortage is particularly challenging. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the U.S. health care system will average:
- 203,200 openings for registered nurses each year through 2031.
- 30,200 openings for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners each year through 2031.
Waves of nurse retirements, alongside increased demand for health care services from an aging population, are the primary factors driving this shortage. As a result, educating new nurses and bringing them into the profession is vital. The process of educating new nurses begins at the nursing school application stage, when prospective students communicate their goals and qualifications by writing a nursing statement of purpose.
Nursing schools review statements of purpose when they make admissions decisions. Therefore, applicants should strive to craft well-written statements of purpose that are compelling, meet all requirements, and include relevant information. Learning how to write a strong statement of purpose can help individuals pursue their educational and career goals. This holds true whether applicants are new to nursing, or are seeking leadership roles and are considering applying to an advanced nursing program.
What Is a Nursing Statement of Purpose?
A nursing statement of purpose is an essay that an individual submits as part of their application to nursing school. The admissions committees of nursing schools review these statements and use them to make decisions about which applicants they will admit to their programs. Nursing schools can require statements of purpose for both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.
Statements of purpose serve as a way for applicants to inform nursing schools about their backgrounds, goals, and credentials. For example, a statement of purpose enables applicants to:
- Explain why they want to attend nursing school
- Outline their goals and where they hope to take their nursing careers
- Provide relevant information about their qualifications and experience
When written well, statements of purpose reflect an applicant’s passion for the field of nursing and desire to contribute to the profession.
Components of a Nursing Statement of Purpose
Examining the components of a statement of purpose for nursing school can help prospective students understand what writing one entails. While certain requirements can vary across nursing schools, statements of purpose typically include the following:
- Applicants should start by introducing themselves and specifying which nursing program they are applying to. They may also briefly explain their primary motivation for applying to nursing school and their high-level goals.
- Educational background. It’s helpful for applicants to specify the names of the schools they have attended and degrees they have earned as well as relevant coursework and academic projects.
- Relevant volunteer experience, work experience, or internships. Discussing any experience that may have prepared an applicant well for nursing school can provide insight into the applicant’s background and qualifications.
- Noteworthy accomplishments. Instead of simply listing accomplishments, it can be helpful to explain how those accomplishments will lead to success in nursing school.
- Information on passions related to nursing. When applicants write about their specific passions for nursing, they have the opportunity to tell their personal stories and explain how their stories relate to pursuing nursing education.
- Relevant skills. Mentioning specific skills in areas that are relevant to nursing can help show why the applicant is a good fit for the program.
- Reason for applying to the program and what the applicant could bring to the program. It’s important to explain why a particular nursing program appeals to an applicant and how the applicant could positively impact that program.
- An applicant may consider ending their statements of purpose by reiterating their passion for nursing and why they are a good candidate for the nursing program they’re applying for.
Tips for Writing a Nursing Statement of Purpose
Applicants can make their statements of purpose effective if they keep the following tips in mind.
Adhere to Requirements
When nursing schools specify their individual requirements for statements of purpose, follow those requirements closely. Some schools may also suggest that applicants contact an admissions advisor for more information on writing the statement of purpose. If that’s the case, it can only benefit an applicant to do so.
Get to Know the Program and Tailor the Statement
Applicants should avoid writing generic statements of purposes that they can send to multiple nursing schools. Instead, they should become familiar with each particular program and tailor each statement to the unique aspects of the program. For example, if one strength of a particular nurse practitioner program is the expertise it offers in nurse leadership roles, applicants can explain why that aspect of the program appeals to them.
Be Honest
Applicants should be truthful and refrain from exaggerating accomplishments. Nursing statements of purpose should be genuine and reflect an applicant’s sincere passion for nursing and desire for a career in the field. For example, an applicant may express how they’ve been inspired to pursue nursing based on a family member’s health challenges, or by volunteer experiences that have given them an appreciation for promoting health.
Strive for Simplicity
Statements of purpose for nursing school don’t have to be overly lengthy. It’s important to stay focused, avoid irrelevant information, and eliminate repetition. In addition, exceeding any guidelines for statement length that a nursing school has specified will not make a good first impression.
Request Feedback on a Draft
After drafting a statement of purpose, it can be beneficial for applicants to ask people they trust to provide feedback. This can help applicants identify areas that require clarification or correction.
Proofread Statements Carefully
Paying attention to proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure is critical. It’s important to remember that a nursing statement of purpose is a reflection of an applicant’s ability to communicate — which is essential in nursing.
Finding Your Purpose in Nursing
Writing a strong nursing statement of purpose is an important step on the path to entering or progressing in an admirable profession. Investing the time to develop an effective statement of purpose helps applicants demonstrate their dedication and desire to pursue nursing education.
Individuals who are interested in advancing their nursing careers should explore the Regis College online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program to learn how it can help them pursue their professional ambitions. With six nurse practitioner concentrations, the program allows nurses to pursue the area of health care they’re most passionate about.
Begin your journey to advanced nursing practice today.
Recommended Readings
The Key Traits of an Educated Nurse
Nursing Facts: 8 Things You Should Know About the Nursing Profession
Sources:
Indeed, “5 Graduate School Statement of Purpose Examples (and Tips)”
Indeed, “How to Write a Nursing Statement of Purpose (with Template and Example)”
Inspira Advantage, “How to Write a Personal Statement for Nursing School”
Kanan, “Statement of Purpose (SOP): Format, Samples and Tips”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses
Wordvice, “How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Grad School (Examples)”