Whether pursuing a career as a licensed practical nurse, (LPN), sometimes referred to as vocational nurse or a registered nurse, (RN), it can be tough to get accepted into this selective admission program. In addition to the completed application, the student may also have to submit a nursing personal statement. Although this may seem like a minor detail, an ineffective statement has caused many potential nurses to not be accepted into the program. However, it is possible to write an effective statement that will help the student stand out.
Understanding What to Include
One of the biggest mistakes that applicants can make is neglecting to add pertinent information to the document. A good statement will include information such as hobbies, strengths and volunteer positions held, just to name a few things. This can demonstrate that the applicant has the interest and qualities to make a good nurse and help demonstrate one’s commitment to their community.
What the Statement Should Not Include
Knowing what information to omit is just as important as what one adds. The statement should not include a lot of off topic jargon that will not highlight skills. Also, it is not necessary to include all extracurricular activities and hobbies. Participation in any activity or with any organization that could be ethically questionable should also be avoided.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
In addition to information that should not be included, there are a few common mistakes that an applicant can make which may be detrimental. Failure to proofread the document, spelling and grammar errors and missing deadlines are all signs of unprofessionalism that should be avoided at all costs. Statements that are too long and or tell stories that do not serve purpose are also common mistakes that are made.
Other Important Information
The nursing personal statement is just one of the many criteria that may be used by schools to determine whether one is accepted into the program. Although one may not be admitted during the application cycle due to this alone, a good statement can aid in acceptance into the nursing program. While it should be thoughtful and can reflect the applicant personality, this is not the goal of the document. Avoiding common mistakes, adding pertinent information and having someone to review the statement letter for errors are just basic, common things that the applicant can do to help ensure the odds are in their favor.
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