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college essays about nursing

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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college essays about nursing

college essays about nursing

How to Write a Nursing Essay with a Quick Guide

college essays about nursing

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

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

What Is a Nursing Essay

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

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

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

How to Start a Nursing Essay

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

How to Start a Nursing Essay

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

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

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

How to Structure a Nursing Essay

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

How to Structure a Nursing Essay

Nursing Essay Introduction

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

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

Nursing Essay Conclusion

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

Nursing Essay Outline

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

Introduction

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

Patient-Centered Care:

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

Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing Practice

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

Impact of Technology on Nursing

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

A+ in Nursing Essays Await You!

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Nursing Essay Examples

Here are the nursing Essay Examples for you to read.

Writing a Nursing Essay: Essential Tips

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

Writing a Nursing Essay: Essential Tips

Connect with Personal Experiences:

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

Emphasize Critical Thinking:

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

Incorporate Patient Perspectives:

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

Integrate Evidence-Based Practice:

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

Address Ethical Considerations:

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

Balance Theory and Practice:

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

Highlight Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

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

Reflect on Lessons Learned:

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

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

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

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

Ready to Excel in Your Nursing School Essay?

Order now and experience the expertise of our professional writers!

How to Write a Nursing Essay?

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

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

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

college essays about nursing

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

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120+ Fresh Nursing Essay Topics (With FAQs and Essay Writing Tips)

nursing essay topics

Be it writing a nursing assignment or preparing an essay to get admission to a nursing school, choosing the right nursing essay topic is of utmost importance.

An essay can make or break your chance of getting into that school or your chances of scoring the highest in the assignment.

Considering the importance of nursing essays, we have got you some handpicked nursing essay topics that will help you ace the exams.

The article is divided into 3 sections according to the difficulty level. You can opt for them according to your convenience.

You’ll also find an interesting list of topics in the miscellaneous section. So make sure to check that as well.

The following part of the article includes some tips on framing a well-structured essay.

 Basic Level Nursing Essay Topics

  • Describe the role of nurses in society.
  • What are nursing ethics?
  • According to you, what are the challenges associated with nursing?
  • Discuss nursing ethics.
  • Importance of nursing care for infants.
  • What are the possible reasons behind a fewer number of male nurses?
  • Throw some light on nurses’ practice act.
  • Why is there a need for significant leadership in nursing?
  • What are the steps you need to take to cure minor wounds?
  • What are the steps you need to take to cure severe wounds?
  • Discuss the steps that nurses should take to deal with hyperactive patients and their relatives?
  • Are there any differences faced by nurses as compared to doctors when it comes to respect and value?
  • What measures can nurses take to cure serious wounds when not having any instruments?
  • What steps can nurses take to deal with patients in backward regions, where there is a lack of medical infrastructure?
  • Analyze the problems with medical infrastructure.
  • How to strengthen medical infrastructure?
  • How to perform home nursing?
  • Steps to improve mental health.
  • Discuss the pitfalls of dieting.
  • Importance of technology in nursing.

Moderate Level Nursing Essay Topics

  • Throw some light on holistic nursing.
  • Should we allow nurses to prescribe medication or antibiotics?
  • Discuss the risks associated with nurses prescribing medication?
  • Discuss the problems associated with the compensation of nursing jobs.
  • How should nurses deal with abusive or rude patients?
  • How can civilians be helpful to nurses in treating their patients?
  • Infant mortality and its possible causes.
  • How to prepare a nursing resume to apply for a job?
  • Mental impact on nurses.
  • Basic theories to apply in nursing.
  • Nursing in India: from struggle to victory.
  • Soft skills required in nursing.
  • Reasons to choose nursing as a profession.
  • How to teach nursing?
  • How to deal with depression being a nurse.
  • How to deal with patients with dementia initially?
  • What efforts should be made to make patients’ stay in neonatal units more pleasant?
  • Legalizing euthanasia.
  • Importance of midwifery. Is it underestimated?
  • How can we help pharmacies strike a balance between helping the patients and earning a profit?

Advanced Level Nursing Essay Topics

  • Significance of psychological training to ensure efficient medical working.
  • Has covid-19 impacted the chances of nursing being a chosen profession?
  • How to avoid hospitalization in covid-19?
  • Measure to enhance the efficiency of nurses as assistants of doctors.
  • What can nurses do to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease?
  • Express your views on applying Henderson’s principles in the nursing area.
  • How to convince people to donate organs?
  • Chronic diseases and covid-19 pandemic.
  • Discuss pediatric ethics.
  • Explain acute coronary syndrome.
  • Explain the cause behind anxiety disorders.
  • Write on obesity and weight management programs.
  • What precautions should be taken in the postnatal period?
  • Dealing with gestational weight gain challenges.
  • Precautions to be taken pre and post-delivery.
  • Joint disorders study in elderly people.
  • What are geriatrics ethics?
  • Menarche and menopause challenges and symptoms.
  • Explain reproductive endocrinology.
  • Therapeutic injections: pros and cons.

List of Nursing Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Are nurses more vulnerable to health risks than doctors?
  • How does the increased number of working hours impact the working of nurses?
  • Is nursing a female-centric profession?
  • How important is the role of a nurse when compared with that of a doctor?
  • Difference in the salary paid to day shift nurses vs. night shift nurses
  • What should be the adequate amount of nursing staff to have in a hospital?
  • Should more emphasis be laid on home nursing?
  • How is racial discrimination a problem in nursing?
  • Are nurses more empathetic than doctors?
  • How important is it for a nurse to work on her emotions?

Miscellaneous Topics for Students Nursing Research

  • Nursing Theory: 
  • Nursing theory history and significance
  • Strategies for theory construction in nursing
  • Nursing theory vs. nursing practice
  • Person-centered nursing: theory and practice
  • Areas of agreement in nursing theory development
  • Nursing Education:
  • Critical thinking in nursing education : Literature review
  • Future challenges for nursing education
  • Curriculum development in nursing education
  • New nursing education structure in US/UK/Asia
  • Creating innovative models of clinical nursing education
  • Nursing Care: 
  • Transcultural concepts in nursing care
  • Basic principles of nursing care
  • Factors influencing why nursing care is missed
  • Measuring patients’ satisfaction with nursing care
  • Spiritual nursing care: state of the art
  • Pharmacology for nursing care
  • Nursing Interventions:
  • The systematic development of nursing interventions
  • The impact of nursing interventions
  • Nursing interventions for smoking cessation
  • Nursing interventions for patients with chronic conditions
  • Nursing interventions for premature infants
  • Nursing interventions to promote functional feeding
  • Nursing Homes:
  • Nursing homes in developed and developing nations: a comparison
  • Characteristics of nursing homes that affect resident outcomes
  • Infections among patients in nursing homes
  • Nursing homes and COVID‐19: What has changed?
  • Abuse of patients in nursing homes
  • Family involvement in nursing homes
  • Nursing Leadership 
  • Factors contributing to nursing leadership
  • Nursing leadership and patient outcomes
  • Leadership and management in nursing
  • Transformational leadership in nursing
  • ethical leadership in nursing
  • Nursing Diagnosis:
  • Nursing diagnosis process and it’s relation with critical thinking skills
  • Application of nursing process and nursing diagnosis
  • Do staff nurses use nursing diagnosis effectively?
  • Methods to validate nursing diagnoses
  • Accuracy of nursing diagnoses: How effective are they?
  • Nurse Burnout:
  • Nurse burnout and quality of care
  • Nurse burnout: personal and environmental factors
  • Impact of nurse burnout on organization
  • Predictors of burnout among nurses in US, UK, India
  • Pediatric nurse burnout
  • Nurse Staffing: 
  • Nurse staffing and inpatient hospital mortality
  • Hospital nurse staffing and quality of care
  • Nurse Patient Ratios
  • The effects of nurse staffing on medical costs
  • Nurse staffing in critical care and how it affects patient outcome
  • Nurse Practitioner Role
  • Barriers to developing nurse practitioner role
  • Analyze nurse practitioner role in acute care settings
  • How case-study research can better implement nurse practitioner role
  • Practice and clinical leadership: The core role of the nurse practitioner
  • Neonatal nurse practitioner role
  • 200+ Great Ideas of Nursing Research Topics to Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how do you start writing a nursing essay.

The following section includes some tips on how to write a well-curated nursing essay.

  • Plan your essay- you need to have a well-planned outline of the essay to write an outstanding one.

Spend a good amount of time in research and shortlist the things that you would want to include, things that you would want to highlight or your personal story if any.

  • Start writing- Start your essay with a statement that is catchy and strong. Include an adequate amount of research and evidence to support your point in the body. End it with a conclusion stating a summary of the essay.
  • Revision- go through the content and look for grammatical or spelling errors, if any. Focus on the structure of the essay.

2. List tips on how to write a nursing school application essay.

  • Focus on being informative- while framing the essay, be mindful of the information you include. Make sure it is backed by some evidence.
  • Select the best essay topic- go for such a topic that makes the officers remember you after they have read the essay. At the same time, make sure you are comfortable writing on it.
  • Check the structure- the essay should be divided into 3 parts- introduction, body and conclusion. Make it readable and easy to understand.

To sum it up, when you kick-start writing a research paper, make sure you move ahead step-by-step.

Since research is the first step in writing the essay, you first have to gather all the essential list of information that is relevant to your nursing essay topic.

Next, handpick the information and come up with an essay that is well-curated and backed by evidence.

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college essays about nursing

How to Write an Admission Essay for Nursing School

college essays about nursing

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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How to Write a Winning Nursing Application Essay

college essays about nursing

Not everyone dreads writing their nursing application essay. Some consider writing a strong suit. But others definitely don’t. If you fall in the latter category, take heart; submitting a well-crafted, winning essay isn’t as difficult as it may seem.

It may help to keep in mind that a bad essay probably won’t ruin your chances of becoming a nurse. But a good essay could mean the difference between getting accepted into a program of your choice, at a time of your choosing, or not. That’s because admissions personnel often turn to the application essay to differentiate among candidates who might otherwise seem equivalent. A good application essay can set you apart from the pack and help your application stand out.

Of course, if writing were your passion, you’d probably be pursuing a different career. Admissions staff for nursing programs throughout the U.S., including those at the Denver College of Nursing , understand this. In addition to giving you a chance to reveal a bit about yourself and your motivation for becoming a nurse, admissions personnel view the essay as a way to assess skills that go beyond writing ability. For example, it can be a quick way to assess whether you’re capable of following instructions carefully.

Importance of the Nursing Application Essay

The nursing school application essay is an important part of the admissions process. It not only provides insight about an applicant that goes beyond grades and test scores, but also gives the applicant an opportunity to discuss personal and professional aspirations and explain why they’re passionate about becoming a registered nurse (RN).

An application essay provides a glimpse into an applicant’s character and values. It also helps applicants demonstrate their ability to convey thoughts coherently, a vital skill for nurses who must communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams, among others.  

The admission essay also presents students with an opportunity to highlight unique experiences they’ve had, challenges they’ve overcome, and impactful moments in their lives that have motivated them to pursue a nursing degree. Whether it’s a story about a transformative volunteer experience or a story about how an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse helped care for a family member, these narratives help differentiate candidates by showcasing their potential contributions to the profession.

Writing a compelling nursing school application essay is about more than drafting words onto a page. It’s about crafting a final product that enables admissions counselors to see applicants as more than their GPA, educational history, and academic achievements. It can be an equally important skill for students looking to apply for grants and scholarships to help them pay for nursing school .

Tips for Your Nursing Admission Essay

Writing a nursing school application essay requires finesse and clarity. Below are just a few of the tips students can use to craft an essay they can be proud of.

1. Follow Instructions Carefully

Think of your essay as another type of screening tool. For example, applicants who fail to follow instructions properly are easily weeded out of the pile. This makes sense when you consider the ultimate importance of following instructions and staying on task in nursing school.

Managing your workload, meeting expectations, and making deadlines will be crucial to your success. It’s far too easy to fall behind — and never catch back up — if you don’t practice self-discipline during nursing school.

If the expected length of your nursing application essay isn’t spelled out, assume that you should submit no more than two pages of text. If you’re assigned a specific topic, be sure to address it, even if you only use it as a springboard to launch your essay in a new direction.

2. Don’t Procrastinate

Writing a strong essay may take more time than you realize. Accordingly, it makes sense to allow plenty of time to complete your essay. Unless you’re already an accomplished writer, assume that crafting a polished essay will take considerable time for brainstorming, drafting, editing, and rewriting.

It may be helpful to create an outline first. But try not to overthink it. Writing that comes from the heart — not the head — is often some of the most compelling writing there is. But even heartfelt sentiments require a bit of effort to shine on the page. Clear phrasing and attention to detail matter.

3. Don’t Be Intimidated

The idea of creating an outline and writing one or more drafts can sound daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. A rough draft can simply be a bunch of words strung together that capture your stream of consciousness. It’s OK not to worry about grammar, structure, transitions, or other technical details when writing a rough draft.

Remember, it’s called a rough draft for a reason. The point is to gather your thoughts, ideas, and even feelings, and give them voice. Once you’ve done this, you’ll likely find that making revisions; fixing grammar and spelling errors; and eliminating unclear, unnecessary, or inappropriate words or phrases comes more easily. Writers used to do this by hand. Today’s technology makes it remarkably easy to edit on the fly, and numerous digital proofreading tools are available to help you fine-tune your writing.

4. Make the Essay Yours

Lastly, avoid the obvious, the expected, or the banal. Recognize that there are certain sentiments that virtually every applicant will be tempted to express. Try to avoid the expected and do something a little different. That doesn’t mean you should be different for the sake of being different. But sharing something that other writers haven’t already discussed can be valuable.

Attempt to craft a strong, compelling opening sentence or paragraph. In any piece of writing, it’s important to hook your reader early for optimal impact.

You and your experiences are unique. Take the plunge and dare to bare a bit of your soul and bring some of the emotion that motivates you into your writing. As noted earlier, writing that comes from the heart is invariably more gripping than writing that appears to follow a template. Allow your essay to tell a story: the story of you. But keep it succinct and keep it honest. 

Pursue Your Dream of Becoming a Registered Nurse

Aspiring nurses across the U.S., whether they’re interested in earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) , a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) , an RN to BSN , or a Master of Science of Nursing (MSN) , must start their educational journey by applying to an accredited nursing program and crafting a nursing application essay.

Are you ready to take the next step toward your dream of pursuing a nursing job at a hospital, community care clinic, or group medical practice? Discover how completing a nursing degree with the Denver College of Nursing can prepare you for the next step in your career.

Recommended Readings Celebrating Important Women in Medicine and Healthcare Making a Difference in Texas as a Rural Healthcare Safety Net Provider Nurse What Does an OR Nurse Do?  

Sources BigFuture, Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay  Indeed, Writing an Application Essay for Nursing School Admission IntelyCare, "Tips to Write a Personal Statement for Nursing School” 

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Tips on Writing a Nursing School Admission Essay

When it comes to getting into nursing school, a good admission essay is at the center of the decision. An admission essay can help or hurt students who wish to get into nursing school. The essay is not only about the content but about other important components that let the admission board know that students are serious about entering their programs and that they will be valuable assets as well. It is important for potential nursing students to know that there are important elements needed to write the perfect admission essay to get into nursing school.

How to Write a Nursing School Application Essay

The application essay is a requirement that applicants must complete as a part of the admission packet. Some call this essay the personal essay, letter of intent, or statements of purpose. In essence, the application essay is the applicant’s chance to plea with the admission board for admission into their nursing program. Applicants explain their reasons for becoming nurses and explain why this program can help them achieve their dreams.

It is important to know what elements are needed to write a successful application essay. One of the most important things that applicants need to remember is to plan the essay carefully. Making an outline of important items to include is very important to the success of the essay. It is important to adhere to the length of the essay so that the board does not throw it out. If the application says 500 to 1000 words, it means just that and nothing more or less. The applicant should include information about accomplishments in the applicant’s life and the hopeful accomplishments for the future.

Applicants should only include a short personal statement about them and reserve the majority of the essay for information about experiences that have shaped them. They should use other parts of the application to cover information that does not make the applicant stand out from other applicants. Remember, admission officers read numerous essays so it is important to stand out from other applicants.

Provide a structurally sound application. Make sure that the application essay has the proper spelling, format, and grammatical structure before turning in the finished product. An essay with errors will make the officers believe that the applicant may not be a desirable nurse. Keep the paragraphs short so that they are easy to read for the officers.

What to Include in a Nursing School Essay

A nursing school applicant should include the following in the nursing school essay:

  • Things that interest the applicant about the nursing industry
  • Reasons for choosing the specific nursing program
  • A clear view of the future vision of the applicant
  • Previous preparation to become a successful nurse
  • Superior personal accomplishments and standouts (test scores, transcripts, etc.)
  • Experience with medical training and patient care (volunteer opportunities, internships, etc.)
  • Academic interests
  • Character traits that focus on desires and strengths to become a nurse
  • Reasons the officers should accept the application

Tips on How to Write a Nursing School Application Essay

The purpose of the admissions essay is to prove that the application is a worthy selection for the nursing program. Applicants are only allowed a few words to tell their personal stories, but their rejection or acceptance depends on it. The following tips will help applicants write a successful nursing school application essay:

  • Choose information wisely. Make sure that the information included paints a vivid picture of past and future accomplishments so that the admissions officers are impressed.
  • Select a strong essay topic. Applicants want to be remembered for their essay well after the officers have read it. Make sure to stay on the topic and provide strong supporting information within the paragraphs.
  • Provide a glimpse of the applicant’s life. The admissions officers do not want to be bored with the mundane details but rather the important things that make the applicant unique.
  • Intrigue the reading in the first few lines. Capture the essay reader within the first few lines so that they want to continue reading.
  • Make sure the essay has structure. The essay should include an introduction, body, and conclusion that is easy to read and understand. Make sure to add a memorable statement to the conclusion so that the essay readers do not forget the essay.

The application essay is a very important aspect of the nursing school application process. It can make or break the chance that an applicant gets into nursing school. The applicant should plan accordingly before writing the essay and make sure that it is rich with intriguing information. It is important to make sure that the essay is error free. This is the only chance that an applicant has to impress the admission board.

Thinking about going to Nursing School?

Are you contemplating going to nursing school, or are you actually in nursing school right now? Nursing school can be challenging, especially if you do not know what to expect. Here is a great guide by S. L. Page BSN, RN called “ How to Pass Nursing School “. This book gives you detailed information about how to pass nursing school from beginning to end. S.L. Page, the creator of this website, complied all the information students what to know about nursing school into one easy to read guide. She gives in depth information on how to succeed in nursing school.

S.L. Page graduated from nursing school with honors and passed the NCLEX-RN on her first try. In this ebook, she reveals the strategies she used to help her succeed.

Here is what the book looks like:

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how to write a winning nursing admission essay.

Hey guys, I'm preparing to apply for nursing programs and I was wondering if any of you have any tips or suggestions on writing a strong nursing admission essay? What topics should I cover and what kind of tone should I strike? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! Writing a strong nursing admission essay is an essential part of the application process. Here are some tips to help you craft a winning essay:

1. Choose a focused topic: Pick something unique that will showcase your interest and experiences related to nursing. It could be a personal experience, like caring for a family member, or a moment when you realized nursing was your calling.

2. Show, don't tell: Use specific examples and anecdotes to demonstrate your passion for nursing, rather than just stating it. This will give your essay depth and make it more engaging.

3. Highlight your strengths: Discuss your commitment to healthcare, your compassion, and your strong work ethic as they relate to your nursing career goals.

4. Be concise and well-organized: Clearly articulate your main points and avoid using unnecessary words or phrases. A clear and well-structured essay will be more powerful and easy to follow.

5. Maintain a professional, yet sincere tone: Be honest about your experiences and emotions but keep the language and tone appropriate for an academic setting.

Best of luck with your essay and your nursing applications!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Free nursing essay examples database on any topic

Nursing essay examples: popular subjects & topics, trending nursing essay examples.

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college essays about nursing

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college essays about nursing

Look at a relevant sample nursing essay on any topic you need

Welcome to a unique top-rated database of nursing college essay examples. For years, we’ve collected the most successful samples by students to help others create their own pieces of work. You’re free to find an example related to your topic in your subject. Doubting the legality of the examples we post here? All samples of a nursing essay are uploaded by authors voluntarily and may be used for informational purposes only, not for copying.

When writing your nursing essay, you might be required to present examples of both pro and con arguments before reiterating your main points in the conclusion. You can see from the samples we offer how, in a nursing essay, you can communicate the insight you obtained from a thorough analysis of instances related to your issue.

We also have college nursing essay examples of a persuasive nature. Here you can see examples of how to use critical thinking and arguments to prove to the reader that you’re right, and convince them of your viewpoint. Free expository samples are available too. From them, you can learn to research ideas for a nursing essay, assess evidence, and formulate an argument regarding this in a coherent manner from the examples we have.

If you check out nursing student essay examples on the subject of health, you’ll find that the academic discussion will center on examples of recent discoveries or potential risks. As the main character in such a nursing essay is a person, samples will show you how to cover many aspects of their health, for example, from straightforward cold-healing to complex COVID-19 avoidance.

Should you have the opportunity to receive specialized funding for your studies, our nursing scholarship essay examples could help you. These free samples of a nursing essay demonstrate how you can advertise your candidacy, including examples of your skills and attainments, and persuade the committee to choose you over other applicants.

And that’s not all that our free samples could give you. You may also find nursing entrance essay examples to help you with the admission process and much more. Our platform provides you with a complete selection of samples, so whatever nursing essay you’re working on, you’ll get a free example to follow.

Insights you might get from a nursing essay sample

A nursing essay involves differences in this kind of text, even if they may seem comparable. Some examples you might find on this platform could teach you to focus more on discussing systemic issues. Other samples help you learn to solve problems in an individual way and deal with examples of poor health instances. There are even free samples of an essay with concrete examples of promoting public preventative medicine or new laws.

Our nursing essay writing examples will show you how to include each component: the problem and tone, as well as the topic, style, and particular aim. Some of the samples of an essay can give you an understanding of how to explain the idea to the audience using examples of arguments and verified facts. From these free samples, you won’t get the author’s personal examples, viewpoints, or opinions on a nursing issue. Only pure research into available examples of sources is required for this kind of nursing essay. These free samples demonstrate how to inform the audience through logic, not examples of generalizations.

Other nursing essay examples are mostly used in universities or colleges. From these samples, you’ll know how to convey arguments, as the goal is to persuade the reader that your viewpoint is the only valid one. As required in these types of nursing essays, you’ll be able to make emotional arguments, give concrete examples, or apply them to reason. Such samples are compelling no matter what topic they are about. Examples of topics in this category will explain to you how to present the query that is hotly debated in academic or social circles.

The primary objective of one more nursing essay sample type is to convey to the reader the substance of any fact or example in an understandable language. In these examples, you may notice that the author doesn’t seek justifications. So, from such samples of an essay, you’ll simply understand how to research the subject appropriately and then retell it using your own words. Similar examples of tasks are required for another kind of nursing essay, but you’ll also learn to develop a plot and provide samples of information on specific cases. These free examples will teach you to imply the key point rather than state it explicitly.

Quality sample essay nursing is our database priority

Any sample nursing school essay from this platform is frequently regarded by students as a useful example and source of inspiration due to its quality. You should carefully consider the free examples and pick the ones that will be the most helpful to cover the areas of knowledge you wish to employ when writing your nursing paper .

Here’s what every sample nursing essay on our site includes:

  • Examples for an essay to sound credible.
  • Resources of literature samples and online sources.
  • Conclusions that support the author’s statements.
  • Both theory and practice.

Finding ideas for a nursing essay is also simpler with successful examples published in the database. Moreover, due to clear essay frameworks and thesis statements in free samples from the database, you will see how you can captivate the reader and guarantee yourself a high result. Whether you need a nursing entrance essay sample or any other example, it doesn’t matter.

Why you should use our nursing essay writing examples

When you’re writing your nursing essay , examples are quite helpful since they provide a visual representation of how this piece of writing should be formatted. With a sample essay, nursing students are more aware of the format, examples of key components, and objectives. Using a sample as a guide is essential, because failing to do so could result in you making certain common errors that can affect your grade.

Free samples of a nursing essay provides you with an easier way of writing. By using these free samples, you can evaluate the standard expected from these types of essays, so carefully review the examples you come across and pay attention to details. This website can provide you with examples of a nursing essay written in all essay formats – not a single style missing.

Examples on the platform include all the details required to write a top performing nursing essay: the thesis, motivation, arguments, supporting points, samples of relevant literature, appropriate style, and referencing. The key notion of examples is the thesis. From examples, you’ll learn how to make it debatable, acknowledged at the outset of the essay, and constantly controlled by samples of nursing academic material. Motivation in samples can teach you to highlight the significance of the essay and supports the author’s personal interest in investigating the topic.

Since one example of argumentation in a nursing essay won’t suffice to persuade the reader, from examples, you’ll get to know how to provide specific references or citations as proof. Finally, you’ll learn how to examine relevant examples of nursing evidence and write using the many samples as they combine to create a complete picture that was previously hidden.

Don’t hesitate to follow our examples of a nursing essay – that’s your key to excellence!

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Nursing School Personal Statement: 5 Best Examples

Read our top 5 sample statements.

Nursing School Personal Statement

These outstanding nursing school personal statement examples have been approved by our admission experts who have helped countless students get into their top choice nursing programs. Whether you are at the beginning stages of a nursing career looking to apply to nursing school or wanting to further your career by becoming a nurse practitioner or a clinical nurse specialist, you will probably have to write a nursing school personal statement to gain admission to your program of choice. Your nursing school personal statement is one of the best ways to stand out in a nursing school application . In this blog, we are going to guide you in the process of crafting a strong personal statement that highlights your skills as well as the characteristics you possess that make you a good fit for the program.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

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Nursing school personal statement examples, nursing school personal statement sample 1.

I stood there not knowing what to do and being completely sure I had made the biggest mistake of my life. My decision to travel to a remote area of the Amazon jungle in Colombia to work as an elementary school tutor felt like the right one at first, but as soon as I got there, I regretted it. Being faced with the harsh reality of a struggling community made me feel completely out of place. It was heart breaking to witness such a palpable scarcity of resources and realize that there was not much that I could do. It took a lot of determination and adaptability to overcome the shock. Eventually, I learned to navigate this new world and embrace my role in the community. I planned lessons for the children and used all my free time to teach their parents to read and write. I developed teaching materials adapting them to my students’ context in order to make them meaningful. In the end, I realized I had become part of their lives, and I was humbled to have met such an amazing group of people. This experience taught me the true meaning of altruism and the value of hard work. This, alongside the cultural sensitivity that I developed, is what I am bringing with me to this new step in my life.

Becoming a nurse has been my goal for a long time. As a child, due to an unfortunate kitchen accident, I burned my arms with hot water and had to stay in the hospital for serval days. I remember being very scared and in pain, but there was a lady in a white uniform who would come to visit me every afternoon. I always enjoyed seeing her because she spoke to me in a way that almost seemed like she was telling me a story, and that put me at ease. One day, I asked her why she always wore white, and she said she was a nurse. ‘A nurse’, I said to myself, thinking that was exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. She was kind and compassionate, and she knew how to explain things. Those traits that I learned from her are the same skills that I have been honing ever since, as I know they will be essential in my future profession.

I could see my breath crystalize in the air as I exhaled, dribbling and dodging the opposing players on my way to the goal. “I’m open,” shouted my teammate, poised right in front of the penalty box, waving his arms. Two more players stood between me and the goal. I hesitated, wondering if I should trust my teammate or try to score the winning point. Turning, I launched the ball into the air with a swift kick, and watched nervously as my teammate stopped it and sent it soaring above the goalie’s head. As the crowd erupted in celebratory cheers, the game time buzzer rang out across the field and I knew I had done the right thing. Every team victory that season was a personal victory, sparking a feeling of elation that I seek to replicate as a member of whichever health care team I have the privilege of joining.

My biggest soccer fan was always my grandmother, who even brought orange slices for the team to practices, claiming, “The little things are the most important!” Several winters ago, my grandmother unknowingly exposed me to nursing when she was hospitalized with pneumonia so severe that we were unsure if she would survive. Though her whole care team was dedicated, her nurse, Jackie, always went above and beyond to make sure my grandmother was comfortable and happy. Every day, Jackie would pop her head into the room and say “How’s my girl today?” or stop what she was doing to run a cool cloth over my grandmother’s feverish forehead. Each time I had to leave the hospital was gut-wrenching, but I felt better knowing that nurse Jackie treated my grandmother with such empathy. I remember being in awe of her kindness when I found out she left my grandmother sticky notes filled with encouraging messages while she was sleeping. When my grandmother asked her why she spent so much time on such little things when she had so many patients to attend to, Jackie winked and whispered, “The little things are the most important!” While I did not know I wanted to be a nurse in that moment, observing the profound impact Jackie made on my grandmother sparked a strong desire to explore the medical field.

Inspired by Jackie’s compassion for patients like my grandmother, I aimed to make the same difference when I signed up to volunteer at Riverview Hospital. With lofty goals of becoming a physician, I threw myself into my volunteering efforts, often coming in early or staying late to help stock supplies. Whenever I had a spare moment, I would chat with a patient, rearrange their pillows, or a myriad of other small things. One of the most striking aspects of my volunteering experience was how little time Riverview doctors were able to spend with their patients due to the sheer number of people to whom they had to attend. Nurses, on the other hand, had near constant interaction with longer-term patients: assisting them to the bathroom, administering medications, or changing IV fluid bags while chatting with them about how they were feeling. I was reminded of Jackie when I watched how tenderly one of the nurses changed their wincing patient’s bandages, all while trying to distract them with friendly conversation. Even aside from the comforting gestures I witnessed so frequently, it was the little things that made such a huge difference in patients’ wellbeing. Without nurses there to help execute the game play, the team would never score! Always a team-player, I knew I wanted to be a nurse.

Though my time spent on the soccer field is less and less these days, I am thrilled about the possibility of joining a new team and working hard to bring us to victory. My introduction to nursing through nurse Jackie could not have been better. Seeing the relief she brought to my grandmother in her most vulnerable state inspired me to do the same for others. Watching the nurses at Riverview Hospital expertly fulfill their duties while treating each patient as an individual cemented my desire to become a nurse who remembers that the little things are the most important. I want to be there with the assist right before the buzzer, helping my patients win, because every victory on a care team will be personal. (Word count: 719)

Nursing School Personal Statement Sample 3

“Help!” my friend Jack screamed as his faced swelled up due to an extreme allergic reaction to a candy bar he had just eaten. At the time, I did not know what to do, except to call for an ambulance. As we arrived at the hospital, I stayed by my friend’s side to offer my support. I saw the physicians and nurses swarmed around him, ready to take action. After my friend’s condition had been stabilized, he was left with the fear of another anaphylactic episode. It was his nurse that was able to calm his fears as she educated him on anaphylaxis and how to make the appropriate dietary changes. While I did not know how to respond with medical attention when my friend needed me, I gained a new purpose. I was inspired to become a nurse and to guide patients in times of uncertainty through compassion and education.  

To build my understanding of the nursing profession, I pursued experiences that would allow me to gain first-hand experience in the healthcare field. I secured a volunteer position at a children’s hospital where I was responsible for checking patients in and ensuring they were comfortable as they waited for their appointments. I was eager to practice helping calm patient nerves, just as the nurse had done for my friend Jack. Through consoling a memorable patient, named ‘Ryan,’ I learned the importance of working in a team of professionals. ‘Ryan’ was crying as he waited for his appointment since he was experiencing pain due to a broken leg. I talked to Ryan in an attempt to calm him down, but I was initially unsuccessful. To hone my approach, I asked a nurse on staff at the hospital how she approached children that are in pain. She shared with me that it is helpful to try to get their mind off the pain, for example by distracting them with an entertaining story. The next time I saw a patient crying like ‘Ryan’ had been, I was armed with funny jokes and engaging stories from my own childhood that I could share to take their mind off of the pain they were experiencing. From my time as a hospital volunteer, I learned that feedback from a team is critical to advancing professionally and providing optimal patient care. I look forward to becoming a nurse myself and working with my team of healthcare professionals to achieve this common goal. 

In my final year of university, I became involved with clinical research; as a research assistant, I approached patients in the same children’s hospital in which I had earlier been a volunteer, but now I worked to enroll patients in our research study. My purpose was to explain the goal of the study to families in the hospital, educating them on its potential impact and answering any questions they had about enrolling. This task was challenging because I was approaching families that I had not yet built a rapport with, and I needed to establish trust before asking if they wanted to enroll their child in our study. This required empathy for the hardship they were experiencing with a sick child, as well as an understanding of how to relay complex information in a way that was approachable to a variety of audiences. I learned that it is best to first ask the patient, or their family, what their understanding of a topic is to establish a baseline from which to build a conversation. In the future, as a nurse, I hope to apply what I have learned to build rapport with patients and their families for greater healthcare outcomes while ensuring that my patients are comfortable under my care. 

Since my friend Jack’s anaphylactic episode, I have taken the initiative to explore the field of nursing and to build the teamwork and communication skills needed to be a successful future nurse. I look forward to my first day of nursing school where I will be surrounded by peers that share the same vision for the future as me: to train as a nurse in order to provide outstanding care to those in distress alongside a team of dedicated professionals. (696 words)

Nursing School Personal Statement Sample 4

Nursing school personal statement sample 5.

The process of creating a strong nursing personal statement starts even before you begin writing. There is a certain amount of preparation that should take place to identify the specific information you want to include in your essay. So, make sure you take all the necessary steps before you are faced with the daunting, but fun, task of writing your first draft. Remember to give yourself between 6 to 8 weeks to write your statement. Be prepared to write several drafts as you edit and change your essay!

The Brainstorming Stage

The first step is what we call the brainstorming stage. You will need to do some soul searching and write many ideas as they come to you. Working on this step can take you anywhere between a couple of hours to a whole week. It really depends on you and how much you can actually remember from your personal history. There are two types of information that you will need to focus on at this stage: 

#1 Personal experiences

The goal behind this step is to start gathering information about your personal story and about any experiences that you have had from which you learned something valuable. The lessons you learned should relate directly to nursing or have contributed to your decision to become a nurse . You want to answer the question: “ Why do you want to be a nurse? ”

In order to do this, think about your life as a child, the characteristics of the place where you were born and raised, any meaningful experiences that may have sparked your interest in the nursing field, any contact that you had with the healthcare world, or any healthcare workers in your family that had some influence on you. Then consider your high school and teenage years and any events that may have increased your interest in becoming a nurse. How did you finalize your decision to apply to nursing school? Did you have an ‘a-ha’ moment, or was it a more gradual process? Whatever the answers to these questions may be, be sure to identify these key moments because they will be useful for addressing the thesis of your essay, which is why you decided to devote your life to a career in nursing.

Here are some examples of meaningful experiences that can potentially spark, or validate, an individual’s interest to become a nurse or what nursing means to you :

  • Being raised in a rural area with limited access to health care and wanting to do something about it in the future;
  • Growing up in an urban setting where great social disparity is evident and identifying opportunities to contribute to levelling up these differences;
  • Experiencing a personal injury or diagnosis that created opportunities to interact with nurses in a clinical setting;
  • Watching the illness of a loved one and seeing the impact that nurses have on a patient’s journey;
  • Volunteering at something related to the health sciences or an unrelated field with plenty of opportunities for helping others and interacting with them;
  • Conducting research in something related to the field;
  • Being involved in extracurricular activities that can lead to reaching a high level of compassion or maturity

Remember to always follow show, don’t tell in any personal statement you write:

#2 Nursing school research

Gather as much information as you can about the program so you can identify the specific things you like about it. It is very important to know the reason, or reasons, why you want to apply to a specific program.

In order to do this, you can look at the program’s website and pinpoint two or three specific aspects that interest you. Do you like the program’s curriculum? If so, what do you like about it? Do you like the research lab? Why do you like it? Have you done research in the past? Has this prepared you to make good use of this lab and contribute to whatever research they do here? Do you like the extracurricular initiatives the program offers? Do these align with any extracurricular activities you did in the past? Do you like the opportunities for patient interaction that the program provides? Why? Have you had patient interactions before? What did you learn from them that you can use moving forward? Knowing the specific reasons why you have chosen this program in particular is essential to write a strong essay later on.

Remember that besides telling universities what you hope to get from them, you will also need to show how you can complement their program. Showing what you can bring to the table, by referencing specific experiences you have had in these areas of interest, is the best way for programs to know that you will be successful if you are admitted. 

Look at these skills that are essential in the nursing field, and which are highly valued by nursing schools. You have probably already developed many of these throughout your life and through your experiences. Try to match these values and traits directly to your personal experiences in your essay.

As previously mentioned, the main goal of the brainstorming stage is to identify your reason for wanting to become a nurse as well as the relevant personal experiences that you can reference to support this decision. We suggest you make a list of five to seven experiences that you could potentially include in your essay. This list is going to be significantly reduced later to one or two, but it is good to have a good amount to start with.

As soon as you identify these meaningful experiences, be sure to also identify what you learned from them; that is, the skills you developed, the characteristics you refined, or any learning that resulted from going through these events in your life. Think about this carefully and select those skills that align with the ones your program of choice values. The information collected here is going to be essential later on when you start writing your essay.

Like any other academic essay, your nursing school personal statement should follow an academic structure and be organized in three major sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. See below for information on what each of these sections should include:

1. Introduction

This is your opening paragraph and, as such, it is the first impression you are going to cause on your readers; that is, the members of the admission committee. The purpose of an introduction is to act as a road map that allows the reader to understand where your story is going.

Important to remember here is the fact that an introduction can make or break your essay, so you need to come up with a very good opening sentence. This is the one that will draw the reader in and make them want to keep reading. Your opening sentence can be a quote, an anecdote, an event, or any idea that is captivating and enticing.

For example:

  • “It was three in the morning, and I was sitting in an empty room trying to think how my life had come to this.”
  • “He did not need to say anything; I knew something was wrong just by looking at him.”

Sentences such as these ones will leave the reader wanting to know more. There is a reason opening sentences are also called ‘hook’ sentences. Can you think of a good hook sentence to open your essay with? 

2. Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay is where you elaborate on the ideas introduced in your opening by providing personal examples. Remember all the brainstorming we asked you to do? This is where that information comes in handy. Your body paragraphs should include information about those meaningful experiences that you have gone through that have sparked and solidified you interest in pursuing a career in nursing.

Depending on the word limit required by your program, you will decide how many of these experiences to include. We asked you to come up with five to seven during the brainstorming stage of the writing process. Now, since our recommendation is quality over quantity, you should plan to include maximum two or three experiences and present one experience in each paragraph. Of course, one experience per paragraph is not all it takes. Besides presenting the experience, you need to include what skills or characteristics you developed because of this event and how you will be able to apply these skills moving forward in your nursing profession.

In case the program provided a specific question or prompt to be addressed, add a fourth paragraph where you answer this question. It is important to tell the program what they want to know, so do not forget to include this information as part of your body paragraphs.

Mention how your skills can be drawn upon in the future in order to give the admissions committee a glimpse of the type of nurse and professional you are going to be. Remember some of the essential skills in the nursing profession that we mentioned above and see how they connect to your past experiences. 

3. Conclusion

The same way we place great importance on the introduction of a nursing school personal statement, we also want to emphasize the big role that your concluding paragraph has on your entire text. The most important thing we can tell you is that a conclusion should not be a summary. It should, instead, be a place to emphasize some of the major ideas you previously discussed and, when possible, it should circle back to the introduction.

Conclusions have to be insightful and captivating. They should convey a sense of closure and an invitation to keep reflecting on the ideas that were presented in the essay. Think that this is the very last thing that the admissions committee will read from you. What is the last impression that you want to leave on these people? Be creative! 

Here are some more nursing school personal statement examples to help you!

Here are some other aspects about drafting your personal statement to be considered:

Besides all the information that you brainstormed from your own personal history and from the programs\u2019 websites regarding the areas that interest you, there is something else that should be part of the content of your essay, and that is the prompt. You need to be aware of the prompt of the essay provided to you by the program, and you always want to address it. Some programs will ask for a general essay describing your motivations to become a nurse, in which case the information you gathered during the brainstorming stage will suffice, while others will give you a specific question to answer, in which case one paragraph of your essay should be devoted to answering said question.  ","label":"Content","title":"Content"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

No matter how much effort and time you put in writing your personal statement, there is a high probability that the committee members will not spend too much time reading it. Do not take this personally. They go through many application documents from many applicants like you and do not want to waste too much time reading one single essay, especially if it is not interesting enough. They want, instead, to be able to identify in a few minutes whether you are the person they are looking for.

This, of course, creates the need for applicants to write essays that have great content, great structure, and that have that ‘it’ factor that will make them stand out in a nursing school application . Your essay should be easy to read and have a great narrative. It should not read like a nursing school application resume or list every single experience you have had in chronological order. As we mentioned before, quality is better than quantity, and your nursing school personal essay should have precisely that: quality.

What experiences should end up in your body paragraphs? That is up to you. What we can suggest is that you diversify the content by highlighting experiences from different dimensions of your life. Having one of the paragraphs address a personal experience, the second address a research or academic experience, and the third address a volunteering or extracurricular activity is much better than including three experiences related to only research, for instance. Be strategic in how you showcase your skills!

Follow these steps to start drafting you essay: 

  • Remember all the information you brainstormed earlier? The first thing you need to do is identify the top three experiences from your life that you want to include. 
  • Once you have them, write them in bullet points. Create one bullet point for each that mentions what the experience is. 
  • Then, expand each bullet point into sentences and these sentences into paragraphs. 
  • As we mentioned above, each paragraph should have three essential elements: what the experience was (i.e., the meaningful experience), the main takeaways you got from it (i.e., skills you developed, characteristics you enhanced, etc.), and future applications (i.e., how you can apply this learning moving forward). 
  • Once you have your paragraphs ready to go, make sure you start each one of them with a good opening sentence. Each paragraph should follow the same structure of the general essay. This will create flow and cohesion between ideas.
  • You can look at sample medical school personal statements and think how these medical school essays could be applied to the nursing field.

Ok, so you finished writing your first draft. Good job! However, this is only the beginning. Once you are happy with your first draft, you will need to receive expert feedback on it. Having a professional like a nursing school admissions consulting service look at your essay and suggest changes to enhance what you have written is vital to create a strong product. You will see that, more often than not, these experts will be able to identify weak areas and ineffective ideas that you will not perceive.

Once someone else looks at your essay, be sure to incorporate their suggestions, work on editing and polishing up your document, and do another revision. Crafting the perfect essay that will grant you admission to your dream program is a process that should be done carefully and conscientiously. That means multiple revisions and edits are essential. In general, writing a strong competitive essay does not happen overnight. The whole process can take several weeks. So, be prepared to put in the effort and remember to do some happy writing!

The nursing school personal statement should highlight some of your most meaningful personal experiences and the skills you gained through them that will make you a great nursing professional. It should provide a good narrative that will help the admissions committee know more about you as a person and about your chance to be successful in their program. By showing that you possess certain skills that are important in the nursing profession, the committee members will see that you are a good fit.

Writing your personal essay is not an easy task and should not be taken lightly, but when you finally finish writing and look at the amazing essay you have created, you will feel satisfied with the job you did and will be able to show your program of choice why they need to have you.

No. Essays may or may not be required, depending on the program. You can check this portal and this portal to learn more.

No. There are a few steps that you wan to follow before you actually start writing. One of those is the brainstorming stage, and it will help you come up with all the ideas and information that you will need to write a good essay.

Personal information and information about the program or the areas that interest you.

Personal experiences that have been meaningful enough and that have allowed you to develop different skills that are important in the nursing field.

You need to identify the two or three areas of the program that attract you the most and see how those relate to your own experiences.

To identify the reasons that have led you to pursue a career in nursing.

It should have an academic structure and include an introduction, three or four body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Yes, it is! You need to stay within the limit in order to show that you can be concise and also follow instructions.

Then you make sure you address it. Do not leave this information out, as it is essential to provide the program with the information they want to know.

Because it is the first impression that you are going to have on your readers.

It should begin with a captivating opening sentence in the introduction. A statement, quote, or anecdote that is creative and that sparks curiosity on the reader.

You want to describe one meaningful experience per paragraph (i.e., personal example), include the main takeaways from this experience, and how this learning can be applied in the future.

You need to have an expert give you feedback on it. You may think it is already perfect, but personal essays usually require lots of revisions before they can be at the competitive stage.

It depends on the writer, but it is usually something that does not happen overnight. It usually takes several weeks. It depends on how much access you have to professionals who can provide good feedback and how much time you devote to incorporating their suggestions.

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Writing Tips for Nursing School Students

NurseJournal Staff

  • Nursing School Writing Types
  • Writing a Nursing Essay
  • Citations Guide
  • Common Writing Mistakes
  • Writing Resources

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Young African-American female sitting and working on her laptop in a coffee shop during the day.

Writing is an essential skill nurses should achieve proficiency in early in their career. It is a crucial part of the profession, as nurses need to be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

While verbal communication also plays a vital role in nursing, being able to write well builds the nurse’s ability to provide better care.

Being able to accurately detail a patient’s personal history, symptoms, and diagnosis allows for the execution of a precise treatment plan that is clearly communicated to all parties involved, both professional and personal.

From registered nurses to clinical nurses and beyond, being able to communicate effectively and efficiently is a critical soft skill that will help nurses in any role increase their ability to treat their patients.

This guide provides an overview of the types of writing nurses will experience throughout their educational training. Utilize the following tips and tricks to help strengthen your writing skills, which will ultimately help in the development of transferable career skills .

Types of Writing Nurses Will Do in School

Personal statements for nursing school.

Nursing schools want candidates who meet academic and professional requirements. They also want a candidate who demonstrates a sincere passion for patient care and individual connections. You should always craft a personal statement, even when the application doesn’t explicitly require one. Personal statements allow you to describe your goals, characteristics, credentials, volunteer work, and meaningful life experiences. A well-crafted essay can help you stand out among other qualified applicants. And, as with any piece of writing, you must take the time to revise.

In your personal statement, you should portray yourself as determined and empathetic, with characteristics, goals, work ethic, and healthcare philosophy that align with a program’s values. Some nursing schools ask for a general personal statement, while others require a specific prompt. Colleges commonly ask students to describe a hardship they overcame, a difficult task they accomplished, or a professional goal they hope to achieve through the program. Many schools also ask students to detail previous experiences in healthcare. You may decide to write about how you connect with patients or how you provide practical and emotional support to loved ones.

You will also encounter writing prompts during examinations, including standardized tests like the GRE or MCAT, nursing school entrance exams , and course-specific evaluations. You may also take exams to get state licensure or professional certification. In most of these instances, you will need to write one or several long-form essays. Proper planning is key. Though you won’t know what specific prompt the test will require, you can expect certain common topics. You can search online or use study guides to determine which prompts usually appear on each test.

On test day, you should begin by creating an outline that lists three main points in response to the prompt. Using these points, work backwards to write a central thesis to guide the essay’s structure. Review what you’ve written to ensure that the essay actually responds to the prompt at hand. Be sure to leave time to correct spelling, grammar, and stylistic errors.

Research Papers

Like essays, research papers follow a long-form structure. Unlike an essay, which heavily relies on the writer’s point of view, a research paper presents an in-depth investigation of a topic using data, expert opinions, and insights. While an essay evaluates general critical thinking and writing skills, a research paper tests your knowledge, research skills, and original contributions. Research papers also allow you to prove you understand what has been argued and discovered about a topic. Research papers, especially at the graduate and doctoral levels, require independent research and analyses. These papers sometimes take months or years to complete.

To write a successful research paper, you should pick a topic relevant to your interests and the nursing field. Possibilities include elderly care challenges, patient safety and ethics, mental health treatment and regulations in the U.S., and nursing shortages and possible solutions. Whatever your choice, you must plan accordingly. Advanced papers such as dissertations may require funding or help from professors. Research papers often consist of the following sections: abstract, introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. You should keep this general structure in mind as you prepare notes and outlines.

How Do You Write a Nursing Essay?

In nursing school, essay writing includes academic papers, personal narratives, and professional compositions. You should become familiar with each of the five major forms below. There are many similarities between these essay types, such as an overarching thesis and a supportive, logical structure. You should support claims with factual, statistical, anecdotal, and rhetorical evidence. However, each form requires distinct skills to achieve specific results.

Comparative

Cause and effect, citations guide for nursing students.

Citations allow readers to know where information came from. By citing sources, you avoid plagiarizing or stealing another person’s ideas, research, language, and analyses. Whether intentional or unintentional, plagiarism is one of the most egregious errors one can make. Consequences for plagiarism include automatic course failure, disciplinary actions from the university, and even legal repercussions. You should take special care to ensure you properly cite sources.

American Psychological Association (APA) Style

APA is the most commonly used style among natural scientists, social scientists, educators, and nurses. Like other citation styles, APA emphasizes clarity of font style, font size, spacing, and paragraph structure. APA citations focus on publication date, and in most cases, the date comes right after the author’s name. This order makes the style particularly useful for scientists, who value new research and updates on current findings. For more information on APA style, visit this official website .

(Author and year of publication, page number) “Punishment, then, will tend to become the most hidden part of the penal process” (Foucault, 1977, p. 9).

Chicago Manual of Style (CMS)

CMS (also known as CMOS or, simply, Chicago) features two citation systems, the notes and bibliography, and the author and date. This style is used primarily by historians, who place high importance on a text’s origin. The notes and bibliography include a superscript number with a corresponding footnote or endnote. Scientific professionals use the author and date citation, a generic parenthetical system with similarities to other citation styles. The CMS official website provides additional information, including changes to citation systems in the current edition.

“Punishment, then, will tend to become the most hidden part of the penal process”. 1 1. Michel Foucault, trans. Alan Sheridan, Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison (New York: Pantheon Books, 1977), 9.

(Author and year of publication, page number) “Punishment, then, will tend to become the most hidden part of the penal process” (Foucault 1977, 9).

Modern Language Association (MLA) Format

MLA format traces its history to 1951 when it was first published as a thin booklet. Today, MLA is the primary format used by academics and professionals in humanities, English, literature, media studies, and cultural studies. To adapt to the rapid growth of new mediums over the past few decades, MLA updates its citation system. Visit the MLA Style Center for in-depth information on new guidelines and ongoing changes. In general, in text citations consist of author and page number, or just page number if the author’s name appears in the text.

(Author and page number) “Punishment, then, will tend to become the most hidden part of the penal process” (Foucault 9).

Associated Press (AP) Style

Published in 1952, the original AP Stylebook was marketed to journalists and other professionals related to the Associated Press. AP now stands as the go-to style for professionals in business, public relations, media, mass communications, and journalism. AP style prioritizes brevity and accuracy. The style includes specific guidelines regarding technological terms, titles, locations, and abbreviations and acronyms. Unlike the previous styles, AP does not use parenthetical or in-text citations. Rather, writers cite sources directly in the prose. For more information, including style-checking tools and quizzes, visit the Associated Press Stylebook .

In the book, “Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison,” first published in English in 1977, philosopher Michel Foucault argues that “Punishment, then, will tend to become the most hidden part of the penal process”.

Which Style Should Nursing Students Use?

Because nurses rely on scientific terms and information, professionals in the field usually use APA style. Regardless of the purpose and specific genre of your text, you should always strive for concise, objective, and evidenced-based writing. You can expect to learn APA style as soon as you enroll in a major course. However, you should also prepare to learn other styles as part of your academic training. For example, freshman composition classes tend to focus on MLA guidelines.

Common Writing Mistakes Students Make

Active vs. passive voice.

Active and passive voice represent two different ways to present the same piece of information. Active voice focuses on the subject performing an action. For example, the dog bites the boy. This format creates clear, concise, and engaging writing. Using active voice, nurses might write, I administered patient care at 11:00. Passive voice, on the other hand, focuses on the object of the sentence or the action being performed. For example, the boy was bitten by the dog. A passive sentence is usually one that contains the verb “to be.” Using passive voice, you might write, patient care was administered at 11:00.

Professionals in the sciences often use passive voice in their writing to create an objective tone and authorial distance. Passive voice can prioritize specific terms, actions, evidence, or research over the writer’s presence. Additionally, nurses use passive voice because it is usually clear that the reported thoughts, actions, and opinions come from them. However, you must also learn how to use active voice.

Punctuation

There are 14 punctuation marks in the English language, each with multiple and sometimes overlapping uses. Additionally, certain punctuation marks only make sense in highly specific and nuanced grammatical instances. To master punctuation, you must learn through practice, particularly by revising your own writing.

For example, colons and semicolons are often used interchangeably, when they actually serve distinct purposes. Generally used before itemized lists, colons stand in for the phrases “here is what I mean” or “that is to say.” For example, I am bringing three things to the picnic: applesauce, napkins, and lemonade. Semicolons separate two independent clauses connected through topic or meaning. For example, It was below zero; Ricardo wondered if he would freeze to death. Comma splices, which create run on sentences, are another common mistake. You can identify a comma splice by learning the differences between an independent and dependent clause.

Grammar refers to the rules of a particular language system. Grammar determines how users can structure words and form sentences with coherent meaning. Aspects include syntax (the arrangement of words to convey their mutual relations in a sentence) and semantics (how individual words and word groups are understood). Unless you major in writing, literature, etymology, or another related field, you generally won’t examine English grammar deeply. Through years of cognitive development and practice, native users implicitly understand how to effectively employ the language.

Distinct grammatical systems exist for each language and, sometimes, even within a single language. For example, African American Vernacular English uses different syntactic rules than General American English. You should learn grammatical terms and definitions. Common errors include subject/verb agreement, sentence fragments, dangling modifiers, and vague or incorrect pronoun usage. Hasty writers can also misuse phonetically similar words (your/you’re, its/it’s, and there/their/they’re).

Writing Resources for Nursing Students

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Portrait of Shrilekha Deshaies, MSN, RN

Shrilekha Deshaies, MSN, RN

Shri Deshaies is a nurse educator with over 20 years of experience teaching in hospital, nursing school, and community settings. Deshaies’ clinical area of expertise is critical care nursing and she is a certified critical care nurse. She has worked in various surgical ICUs throughout her career, including cardiovascular, trauma, and neurosurgery.

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Nursing Essay Topics

Cathy A.

Top Nursing Essay Topics for Your Next Assignment

14 min read

Published on: May 6, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

Nursing essay topics

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Are you struggling to come up with nursing essay topics that are both interesting and relevant to your studies? 

As a nursing student, you're faced with the challenge of balancing your coursework with clinical experiences and practical training. But don’t worry, we're here to help!

In this blog, we've compiled a range of nursing paper topics that cover various aspects of nursing practice and theory. By exploring these prompts you'll be able to craft a compelling essay that showcases your potential as a future healthcare professional.

So, let's begin with the first list of topics!

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Nursing School Essay Topics

  • The importance of effective communication in nursing practice
  • Addressing health disparities in underserved communities: a nursing perspective
  • Nursing leadership and management: strategies for successful team building
  • Ethical dilemmas in nursing: balancing patient autonomy and professional obligations
  • Enhancing patient safety through evidence-based nursing practice
  • The role of nursing in chronic disease management and prevention
  • Nursing education and career development: challenges and opportunities
  • Nursing informatics: leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes
  • Promoting cultural competence in nursing practice: strategies for success
  • The impact of COVID-19 on nursing practice and the healthcare system

Nursing Admission Essay Topics

  • How my life experiences have prepared me for a career in nursing
  • Overcoming challenges to pursue a career in nursing
  • My passion for nursing and how it began
  • The importance of empathy and communication skills in nursing
  • Diversity and cultural competence in nursing
  • How nursing aligns with my personal and professional goals
  • The role of technology in modern nursing practice
  • Nursing ethics and the importance of patient-centered care
  • Reflection on a meaningful patient interaction and its impact on my nursing career
  • The challenges and rewards of being a nurse leader.

Professional Nursing Essay Ideas

  • The evolution of nursing: From Florence Nightingale to modern practice
  • Addressing burnout and compassion fatigue in nursing: Strategies for self-care
  • The importance of advocacy in nursing: Ensuring patient rights and social justice
  • The role of interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving positive patient outcomes
  • The future of nursing education: Adapting to changing healthcare needs
  • Nursing and healthcare policy: Understanding the political landscape
  • Nursing research: Utilizing evidence-based practice to improve patient care
  • Promoting health equity in nursing practice: Recognizing and addressing health disparities
  • The intersection of technology and nursing: Opportunities and challenges
  • Global health and nursing: Addressing healthcare disparities in low- and middle-income countries.

Persuasive Nursing Essay Topics

  • Should hospitals and healthcare organizations be required to implement nurse-to-patient staffing ratios to improve patient outcomes?
  • Should nurses be allowed to prescribe certain medications and treatments to improve patient access to care?
  • Should more resources be dedicated to nursing research to inform evidence-based practice and improve patient outcomes?
  • Should nursing education place greater emphasis on pain management to better serve patients with chronic pain?
  • Should healthcare organizations invest in more technology to improve patient monitoring and reduce errors?
  • Should nurses be given more autonomy in decision-making to improve patient outcomes?
  • Should healthcare organizations prioritize patient-centered care over cost-cutting measures?
  • Should healthcare organizations offer more support and resources for nurses to prevent burnout and improve job satisfaction?
  • Should more attention be given to patient education to improve patient self-management and outcomes?
  • Should organizations invest in more cultural competency training for nurses to better serve diverse patient populations?

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Nursing Argumentative Essay Topics 

  • Should nurses be allowed to prescribe medication independently?
  • Is it ethical for healthcare facilities to mandate flu vaccination for nurses and other healthcare workers?
  • Should nursing students be required to pass a standardized competency exam before being licensed as a registered nurse?
  • Is mandatory overtime for nurses an effective strategy for addressing staffing shortages?
  • Should advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) be granted full practice authority?
  • Should nurses be required to report colleagues who exhibit unsafe or unprofessional behavior?
  • Should nursing homes be required to maintain minimum staffing ratios for nurses and certified nursing assistants?
  • Should nurses be allowed to assist terminally ill patients with voluntary euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide?
  • Should healthcare facilities be held responsible for workplace violence against nurses and other healthcare workers?
  • Should nurses be allowed to unionize and engage in collective bargaining?

Reflective Essay Topics Nursing

  • Lessons learned from a challenging patient interaction
  • A personal experience that highlighted the importance of communication in nursing
  • How a nursing mentor or preceptor helped shape your professional development
  • The impact of cultural competency on your nursing practice
  • A case where you advocated for a patient's rights and how it influenced your nursing practice
  • A situation where you made a mistake and the lessons learned from it
  • A difficult ethical dilemma you faced in your nursing practice and how you navigated it
  • A memorable patient case that challenged your clinical skills and knowledge
  • How nursing education has influenced your nursing practice and professional development
  • Reflections on the importance of self-care for nurses and how you prioritize it in your own practice.

Compare and Contrast Nursing Essay Topics

  • Compare and contrast the healthcare outcomes of patients suffering from chronic illnesses who have access to regular nursing care versus those who do not.
  • Compare and contrast the incidence of racial discrimination in nursing care between urban and rural areas.
  • Compare and contrast the health risks associated with nursing care in acute care settings versus primary care settings.
  • Compare and contrast the effectiveness of medication-based treatments versus non-pharmacological interventions for managing pain in patients suffering from chronic illnesses.
  • Compare and contrast the communication styles and techniques used by nurses in caring for patients from different cultural backgrounds.
  • Compare and contrast the approaches to patient education used by nurses in acute care settings versus those in community health settings.
  • Compare and contrast the nursing interventions used for preventing and treating pressure ulcers in patients who are bedridden versus those who are mobile.
  • Compare and contrast the use of traditional nursing care models versus patient-centered care models in addressing the needs of patients suffering from mental health disorders.
  • Compare and contrast the ethical considerations involved in providing nursing care to patients who are terminally ill versus those who are not.
  • Compare and contrast the nursing interventions used to prevent and treat complications associated with diabetes in pediatric versus adult patients.

Nursing Informatics Essay Topics

  • The role of nursing informatics in improving patient safety
  • The benefits and challenges of implementing electronic health records in nursing practice
  • Using data analytics to identify trends and improve patient outcomes
  • The impact of nursing informatics on clinical decision-making
  • The importance of user-centered design in nursing informatics
  • The ethical implications of using patient data in nursing informatics
  • The role of telehealth in nursing informatics and improving access to care
  • The future of nursing informatics and emerging technologies in healthcare
  • The impact of nursing informatics on interdisciplinary collaboration and communication
  • Using nursing informatics to promote population health and improve public health outcomes.

Evidence-Based Practice Nursing Essay Topics

  • The importance of evidence-based practice in nursing and its impact on patient outcomes
  • A case study of the successful implementation of evidence-based practice in nursing
  • Strategies for overcoming barriers to evidence-based practice in nursing
  • The role of nursing research in supporting evidence-based practice
  • The challenges of translating research into practice in nursing
  • The importance of collaboration between nurses and other healthcare professionals in promoting evidence-based practice
  • A comparison of different evidence-based practice models in nursing
  • The role of technology in promoting evidence-based practice in nursing
  • The impact of evidence-based practice on healthcare disparities and equity
  • The future of evidence-based practice in nursing and emerging trends in the field.

Good Nursing Essay Topics

  • The impact of caring on nursing practice and patient outcomes
  • Strategies for preventing and managing nursing burnout
  • The importance of cultural competency in nursing practice and improving patient care
  • The role of nursing in promoting health equity and addressing healthcare disparities
  • A personal experience that influenced your decision to become a nurse
  • The impact of technology on nursing practice and patient care
  • The importance of interprofessional collaboration in nursing practice
  • The role of nursing leadership in shaping healthcare policy and practice
  • Ethical issues in nursing practice and their impact on patient care
  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing practice and healthcare delivery.

Interesting Nursing Essay Topics Ideas

  • The benefits and challenges of working in rural nursing
  • The role of simulation in nursing education and its impact on clinical preparedness
  • A personal experience that highlighted the importance of compassion in nursing practice
  • The impact of social determinants of health on nursing practice and patient outcomes
  • The role of nurses in promoting mental health and wellbeing
  • A comparison of different nursing specialties and their unique challenges and rewards
  • The importance of patient-centered care in nursing practice and its impact on patient outcomes
  • The role of nurses in addressing the opioid epidemic and promoting safe pain management practices
  • The impact of environmental factors on nursing practice and patient outcomes
  • The benefits and challenges of international nursing and working in global health.

Nursing Essay Questions

  • How has your understanding of nursing changed since starting your education and clinical practice?
  • What is the most significant challenge you have faced as a nursing student or professional, and how did you overcome it?
  • How has the nursing profession evolved over time, and what do you see as its future direction?
  • In your opinion, what are the most important qualities for a nurse to possess, and why?
  • How can nursing education and practice be improved to better meet the needs of diverse patient populations?
  • How can nurses effectively communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient care?
  • What role does evidence-based practice play in nursing, and how can it be effectively integrated into clinical practice?
  • What ethical dilemmas do nurses face in their daily practice, and how can they be addressed?
  • How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted nursing practice and healthcare delivery, and what lessons can be learned from this experience?
  • How can nurses play a greater role in promoting public health and preventing disease in their communities?

Mental Health Nursing Essay Topics

  • The impact of stigma on mental health care and nursing practice
  • A comparison of different mental health nursing interventions and their effectiveness
  • The importance of trauma-informed care in mental health nursing practice
  • The role of nursing in promoting recovery-oriented care in mental health settings
  • The benefits and challenges of telepsychiatry and its impact on mental health nursing practice
  • The impact of cultural factors on mental health nursing practice and patient outcomes
  • The importance of self-care for mental health nurses and strategies for preventing burnout
  • The role of nursing in addressing the mental health needs of diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities
  • A personal experience that highlighted the importance of compassion in mental health nursing practice
  • The role of mental health nurses in the prevention of suicide amongst adolescents.

Breastfeeding Essay Topics for Nursing Students

  • The benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby and the role of nursing in promoting and supporting breastfeeding
  • A comparison of different breastfeeding positions and techniques and their effectiveness
  • The impact of cultural factors on breastfeeding practices and nursing interventions
  • The importance of evidence-based practice in promoting breastfeeding and improving outcomes for mothers and babies
  • Strategies for addressing common breastfeeding challenges and promoting successful breastfeeding outcomes
  • The impact of workplace policies on breastfeeding practices and the role of nursing in advocating for supportive policies
  • The role of nursing in addressing disparities in breastfeeding rates among different populations, including low-income and minority communities
  • The benefits and challenges of breastfeeding for preterm and medically fragile infants and the role of nursing in providing specialized care
  • The impact of breastfeeding on maternal mental health and the role of nursing in addressing postpartum depression and anxiety
  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding practices and nursing interventions.

Public Health Nursing Topics

  • The role of public health nursing in addressing health disparities and promoting health equity
  • The impact of social determinants of health on public health nursing practice and patient outcomes
  • Strategies for addressing common public health challenges, including infectious disease outbreaks and environmental hazards
  • The importance of community engagement and advocacy in public health nursing practice
  • The impact of cultural factors on public health nursing practice and patient outcomes
  • The role of nursing in addressing global health challenges, including maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases
  • The benefits and challenges of interprofessional collaboration in public health nursing practice
  • The importance of evidence-based practice in public health nursing and its impact on patient outcomes
  • The impact of technology on public health nursing practice, including data analytics and telehealth
  • The role of public health nursing in promoting health education and disease prevention, including the importance of health screenings and immunizations.

Infection Control/Prevention Nursing Topics

  • The importance of hand hygiene in preventing healthcare-associated infections
  • The role of the infection preventionist in promoting a culture of safety and reducing the risk of infections
  • Strategies for preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms in healthcare settings
  • The impact of environmental cleaning and disinfection on infection control
  • The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings
  • The role of vaccination in infection prevention, including vaccine hesitancy and strategies to improve vaccination rates
  • The impact of COVID-19 on infection control and prevention practices in healthcare settings
  • The impact of nursing leadership and education on infection control practices
  • The role of surveillance in detecting and preventing infections in healthcare settings
  • The challenges of infection control and prevention in long-term care facilities and strategies for improving outcomes.

Midwife, Neonatal, and Pediatric Nursing Essay Topics

  • The importance of antenatal care and screening for maternal and fetal health
  • The role of the midwife in providing support and care during labor and delivery
  • Strategies for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity rates in low-resource settings
  • The impact of perinatal mental health on maternal and neonatal outcomes
  • The role of the neonatal nurse in caring for premature and critically ill infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
  • The impact of developmental care on the health and well-being of premature infants
  • The importance of family-centered care in neonatal and pediatric nursing practice
  • The role of the pediatric nurse in caring for children with chronic illnesses and disabilities
  • The impact of trauma-informed care on the health outcomes of pediatric patients
  • The importance of nursing leadership and education in improving neonatal and pediatric healthcare outcomes.

Trauma and Acute Care Nursing Topics

  • The role of the trauma nurse in managing critically injured patients in the emergency department
  • The impact of trauma-informed care on patient outcomes in the acute care setting
  • Strategies for reducing preventable adverse events in the acute care setting
  • The role of the nurse in managing acute pain in critically ill patients
  • The impact of delirium on patient outcomes in the acute care setting
  • The importance of early mobilization in the management of critically ill patients
  • The role of the nurse in caring for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
  • The impact of sepsis on patient outcomes in the acute care setting
  • Strategies for reducing hospital readmissions in patients with complex medical conditions
  • The role of the nurse in caring for patients with acute neurological emergencies.

How To Choose a Topic for a Nursing Essay?

When it comes to choosing a topic for a nursing essay, there are several factors you should consider. Here are some steps to help you choose a nursing essay prompt:

  • Identify your interests: Start by thinking about topics that interest you or that you are passionate about. This can help you stay engaged and motivated throughout the essay-writing process.
  • Consider your audience : Think about who your audience will be, and choose a topic that will be relevant and interesting to them. For example, if you are writing for a nursing journal, you may want to choose a topic related to current nursing practices or research.
  • Focus on a specific aspect of nursing: Nursing is a broad field, so it's important to narrow down your focus to a specific area of nursing. For example, you could write about a specific disease or condition, or a specific nursing intervention.
  • Research the topic: Before finalizing your topic, do some preliminary research to make sure there is enough information available on the topic. Look for scholarly articles, books, and other reliable sources to ensure that your topic is well-supported.
  • Consult with your instructor: Be sure to consult with your instructor to ensure that your topic meets the assignment requirements.

In summary,

We hope these nursing essay prompts have inspired you to write an outstanding essay that showcases your unique qualities.

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college essays about nursing

Writing an Outstanding Application Nursing Essay

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Embarking on the path to a nursing career involves navigating through various challenges and significant moments, with the nursing application essay standing out as a key component. This essential part of your application transcends mere formality; it presents a special chance for you to highlight your character, commitment, and aptitude for the nursing profession. In this detailed guide, we aim to explore the intricacies of creating a standout nursing application essay. Whether you’re just starting to explore the nursing field or are ready to submit your application, this article is your roadmap to success.

Understanding the Purpose of the Essay

What do nursing schools seek in your essay.

Nursing schools are looking for candidates with the academic qualifications and personal qualities essential for nursing. Your essay should reflect your compassion, empathy, commitment to the profession, and understanding of the nursing role.

The Essay’s Role in Your Application

Your application essay is your voice in the admission process. It’s where you can speak directly to the admissions committee, tell your story, and explain why you are drawn to the nursing field. This essay can be the deciding factor in your application, setting you apart from other candidates.

Preparing to Write

  • Research: Aligning with the School’s Values

Prior to beginning your essay, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the fundamental ideals and beliefs of the nursing school you’re applying to. Spend time browsing their website, absorbing their mission statement, and comprehending their perspective on nursing education. This crucial insight will help you tailor your essay to resonate with the school’s philosophy. This research will help you tailor your essay to resonate with their ethos.

  • Self-reflection: Your Nursing Journey

Reflect on your experiences and why you chose nursing. Think about moments in your life that led you to pursue this career. These reflections will help you create an authentic and personal narrative.

  • Brainstorming: Crafting Your Story

Take time to brainstorm ideas for your essay. Think about your strengths, experiences, and what aspects of nursing excite you. Make sure to note down these key points; they will be the essential framework for your essay.

Structuring Your Essay

  • Introduction: Making a Strong First Impression

The introduction of your essay is your first chance to capture the reader’s attention. Begin with an engaging story, a meaningful personal experience, or a statement that makes the reader think. This approach will offer a window into your personality and highlight your enthusiasm for nursing.

  • Body: Building Your Narrative

Organize the body of your essay around a few key experiences or ideas. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your journey or a particular quality you possess. Use examples from your life to demonstrate your commitment, compassion, and ability to overcome challenges.

  • Conclusion: Leaving a Lasting Impression

Your conclusion should wrap up your essay by summarizing the key points and reaffirming your interest and readiness for a nursing career. This is your final chance to remind the admissions committee why you are a suitable candidate.

Writing Tips and Best Practices

  • Clarity and Conciseness

Keep your writing clear and concise. Avoid unnecessary jargon and be direct in your storytelling. Remember, the admissions committee reads many essays, so getting your point across quickly is crucial.

  • Authenticity: Be Yourself

Your essay should reflect your true self. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Honesty and sincerity will resonate more than trying to fit a certain mold you think the school wants.

  • Using Specific Examples

Provide specific life examples rather than general statements about your passion for nursing. This might include volunteering, personal experiences with healthcare, or moments of inspiration from other nurses.

  • Attention to Technical Details

Proofread your essay multiple times for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Also, adhere to the nursing school’s formatting guidelines, such as word count and font size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Steering Clear of Clichés and Generalities

Clichés and overused phrases can make your essay sound generic. Instead, focus on providing unique insights and personal experiences that highlight individuality.

  • Directly Answering the Essay Prompt

It’s crucial to stay on topic and answer the essay prompt directly. Deviating from the prompt can lead the admissions committee to question your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.

  • Avoiding Excessive Jargon

Revising and Refining Your Essay

  • The Importance of Drafts and Revisions

Your first draft is just the beginning. Be prepared to revise and refine your essay several times. This process helps fine-tune your message and improve the overall flow and clarity.

  • Seeking Feedback

Get feedback on your essay from mentors, teachers, or peers. They can provide valuable insights and suggest improvements you might not have considered.

  • Final Proofreading

Before submitting your essay, do a thorough proofreading. Check for grammatical errors or typos, and ensure your essay adheres to the specified word limit and formatting requirements.

Crafting your nursing application essay is an opportunity for self-reflection and a chance to convey your zeal for nursing. It’s important to remain authentic, be truthful in your narrative, and allow your sincere passion for nursing to be evident. With careful preparation, thoughtful structure, and attention to detail, your essay can prove your readiness for a nursing career.

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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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100+ Nursing Essay Topics

NURSING ESSAY TOPICS

Table of Contents

What is a Nursing Essay?

A nursing essay is a piece of academic writing that explores specific topics related to nursing, patient care, healthcare, or any other relevant subject. These essays serve a dual purpose: to enhance the writer’s knowledge about the topic and to provide insights into current nursing practices and challenges. Such essays require thorough research, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical implications.

Read more: How to Write a Good Nursing Essay

A Quick Guide on How to Choose a Nursing Essay Topic

Selecting the right topic for your nursing essay is crucial for its success. Here’s a brief guide to help you:

  • Interest & Passion : Choose a topic you’re passionate about. Your enthusiasm will reflect in your writing.
  • Relevance : Ensure the topic is relevant to current healthcare trends, challenges, or the specific course you’re pursuing.
  • Scope for Research : A good essay is backed by solid research. Ensure there’s enough information available on your chosen topic.
  • Practical Implications : Ideally, select a topic that has real-world significance in the nursing field. This adds depth to your essay.

Engaging Nursing Essay Topics Lists

Patient care & interaction.

  • The importance of patient-nurse communication.
  • Ethical dilemmas faced by nurses in patient care.
  • The role of empathy in nursing practice.

Technological Advancements in Nursing

  • The impact of telehealth on nursing practices.
  • Integrating artificial intelligence in nursing.
  • Wearable technology and its influence on patient care.

Healthcare Policies & Nursing

  • Analyzing the effects of healthcare reforms on nursing practices.
  • The role of nursing in shaping healthcare policies.
  • Addressing understaffing issues in nursing.

Nursing Education & Training

  • The significance of continuous learning in nursing.
  • Challenges faced by nursing students and possible solutions.
  • The future of nursing education: A blended learning approach?

Mental Health & Nursing

  • The role of nurses in addressing mental health issues.
  • Coping strategies for nurses dealing with job-related stress.
  • Integrating mental health training in nursing curriculum.

Global Health & Nursing

  • Nursing practices in the face of global health crises.
  • Cross-cultural nursing: Challenges and opportunities.
  • The role of nurses in global health campaigns.

Specialized Nursing Fields

  • Pediatric nursing: Challenges and rewards.
  • The evolving role of surgical nurses.
  • Oncology nursing: Providing care and comfort.

Nursing Leadership & Management

  • The importance of leadership skills in nursing.
  • Strategies for effective nursing team management.
  • The role of nurses in hospital administration.

Patient Care Dynamics

  • The transformation of patient-nurse relationships over the decades.
  • Bridging the gap: Overcoming language barriers in patient care.
  • How do cultural differences influence patient-nurse interactions?

Innovations in Nursing

  • The role of virtual reality in patient rehabilitation.
  • Impacts of electronic health records on nursing efficiency.
  • The growing importance of mobile health apps in nursing practices.

Pediatric & Neonatal Care

  • The unique challenges of neonatal nursing.
  • Pediatric pain management: Best practices and challenges.
  • Psychological support for children with chronic diseases.

Nursing & Chronic Illness

  • Managing long-term care for Alzheimer’s patients.
  • The nurse’s role in diabetes education and management.
  • Strategies for handling patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Elderly Care & Geriatric Nursing

  • Best practices for handling age-related mental health issues.
  • The challenges of geriatric nursing in a rapidly aging society.
  • Ethical considerations in end-of-life care.

Mental Health Nursing

  • Approaches to handling patients with depression.
  • Nursing practices for managing schizophrenia.
  • Addressing substance abuse: The role of the nurse.

Community & Public Health Nursing

  • The role of community nurses in health education campaigns.
  • Addressing health disparities through community nursing.
  • Nursing strategies for infectious disease control in communities.

Critical Care & Emergency Nursing

  • Best practices in trauma care: A nursing perspective.
  • The psychological impact of emergency nursing.
  • Strategies for efficient triage in emergency departments.

Nursing Ethics & Professionalism

  • Navigating the complex world of medical ethics in nursing.
  • Balancing patient autonomy with medical advisement.
  • Confidentiality concerns in the digital age.

Oncology & Palliative Care

  • The evolving role of nurses in cancer care.
  • Palliative care strategies for terminal illnesses.
  • Psychological support strategies for cancer patients and their families.

Midwifery & Women’s Health

  • The changing landscape of midwifery practices.
  • Addressing women’s reproductive health: The role of nurses.
  • Best practices in prenatal and postnatal nursing care.

Orthopedic & Surgical Nursing

  • Preoperative and postoperative nursing strategies.
  • Challenges in orthopedic nursing: From rehabilitation to chronic pain management.
  • Innovations in surgical nursing and their impacts.

Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice

  • The significance of evidence-based practices in modern nursing.
  • Challenges and solutions in nursing research methodologies.
  • The future of data-driven practices in nursing.

Holistic Nursing Practices

  • Integrating alternative medicine into mainstream nursing care.
  • The significance of spirituality in nursing.
  • Benefits and challenges of holistic nursing in modern healthcare.

Nursing & Technology

  • The impact of telemedicine on nursing practices.
  • Using augmented reality for patient education.
  • The pros and cons of robotic assistance in nursing care.

Occupational Health Nursing

  • The role of nurses in promoting workplace wellness.
  • Addressing mental health issues in corporate settings.
  • Strategies for handling work-related injuries and illnesses.

Nursing Leadership & Advocacy

  • Enhancing leadership skills among nurse practitioners.
  • The role of nurses in healthcare policy advocacy.
  • Strategies for promoting inter-professional collaboration in healthcare settings.

Nursing in Pandemics & Epidemics

  • Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic for nursing professionals.
  • The role of nurses in epidemic preparedness and response.
  • Strategies for mental health support for nurses during health crises.

Forensic Nursing & Legal Implications

  • The expanding field of forensic nursing: Roles and responsibilities.
  • Legal and ethical challenges in forensic nursing.
  • Collaborative practices between nurses and law enforcement agencies.

Nursing Education & Curriculum Development

  • Incorporating digital literacy into nursing curriculum.
  • The benefits of simulation-based learning in nursing education.
  • Addressing the gap between academic learning and practical training in nursing schools.

Public Perception & Nursing Image

  • Overcoming stereotypes associated with the nursing profession.
  • The impact of media representation on public perception of nurses.
  • Promoting nursing as a gender-inclusive profession.

Rural Health & Nursing

  • Challenges and rewards of nursing in rural communities.
  • Strategies to improve healthcare accessibility in remote areas.
  • Bridging the technology gap in rural healthcare settings.

Nursing Burnout & Well-being

  • Identifying early signs of burnout among nursing professionals.
  • Strategies for promoting mental well-being among nurses.
  • The importance of work-life balance in the nursing profession.

Environmental Health & Nursing

  • The nurse’s role in addressing environmental health issues.
  • Impacts of climate change on healthcare and nursing practices.
  • Strategies for nursing care during natural disasters.

Global Health & Travel Nursing

  • Adapting nursing practices for different cultural contexts.
  • The challenges and rewards of travel nursing.
  • The role of nurses in global health diplomacy.

Need Assistance with Your Nursing Essay?

Struggling to get your thoughts down on paper? At writeondeadline.com , we offer premium essay writing services to help you craft an impeccable nursing essay. Our team of experts understands the nuances of nursing topics, ensuring you receive a well-researched and coherent essay. Let us handle the writing while you focus on your passion for nursing. Contact us today to get started!

Useful References

  • American Nurses Association
  • National League for Nursing
  • World Health Organization – Nursing and Midwifery
  • Journal of Advanced Nursing

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Nursing College Essays Samples For Students

5684 samples of this type

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Bryant & Stratton College

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Bryant & Stratton College Nursing Programs

Wherever you are in your professional nursing journey, Bryant & Stratton College offers a number of nursing education paths to make the most of your passion for patient care – and take your expertise and practice to the next level. Whether you aspire to enter the nursing field or advance in your current role, our practical nursing diploma, as well as associate and bachelor’s degree nursing programs blend classroom theory with hands-on clinical experiences to enhance your nursing skills and build a stronger foundation for your nursing career. Not all nursing degree programs are offered each semester or at all Bryant & Stratton College locations.

Find The Nursing Program for You

Students interested in starting or advancing their nursing careers will find numerous opportunities at Bryant & Stratton College, where they can earn degrees that prepare them for various roles in hospitals, health systems, clinics, long-term care facilities, doctors’ offices, and more.

  • BS Degree in Nursing (NY)
  • BS Nursing – RN to BSN
  • BS Nursing Generalist (OH, WI)
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  • Practical Nursing Diploma

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Bryant & Stratton College has been providing students with a strong, career-focused education for 170 years. With our career-focused degree programs and personalized support, you’ll graduate prepared to confidently pursue your career goals and make an immediate impact in your chosen field.

college essays about nursing

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college essays about nursing

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college essays about nursing

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college essays about nursing

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college essays about nursing

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Many of our programs are “stackable”, allowing you to start with a certificate or diploma and then build on those credentials towards an associate or bachelor’s degree.

college essays about nursing

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At B&SC, you’ll find a diverse and supportive community of students all striving for a more promising future. You’ll have a multitude of opportunities to engage with your fellow classmates and build lifelong friendships.

Nursing Degree Details

Our nursing programs are designed to provide a well-rounded education, covering everything from basic patient care to lifespan development. We also offer a variety of clinical rotations to ensure you gain real-world experience before you graduate. Additionally, our programs are accredited (scroll down for details), guaranteeing that your degree will be respected by employers. Find the right program for you below!

ADN (General and NY)

The ADN Program at Bryant & Stratton College combines classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences to build critical-thinking skills and prepare students for a career in the healthcare industry. This program equips graduates with the knowledge needed to pursue their nursing license, including preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam upon graduation. Graduates will be ready for entry-level nursing roles in various healthcare settings, with the requirement of passing background checks and drug screenings.

View Degrees

The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing program is a 20 month, 72-credit program that prepares students for a career in nursing. Upon graduation, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.

Our Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing program prepares you for a career in nursing and is registered with the New York State Education Department. The program includes 64 credits of coursework and upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. The curriculum covers essential nursing skills, patient care, and clinical practice, providing a strong foundation for your nursing career.

BS Nursing Generalist

Acquire the skills needed to pursue a career as a nurse in a clinical setting through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree offered by Bryant & Stratton College. Graduates from these programs will be equipped to provide complex patient care across various healthcare settings. These degrees also facilitate further professional development and specialization in nursing practices.

The Bryant & Stratton College Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program at the Albany, Liverpool, and Southtowns Orchard Park campuses are registered with the State Education Department in New York. The curriculum of the program covers topics such as nursing care for children, adults, and family. After completing the 3-year*, 125 credit program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required for licensure as a registered nurse.

This Bachelor of Science Nursing Generalist Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and offered at the Ohio (Parma) and Wisconsin campuses. The curriculum of the program covers topics such as nursing care for children, adults, and family. After completing the 3-year*, 125 credit program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required for licensure as a registered nurse.

LPN Diploma

The Licensed Practical Nurse Diploma is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and offered at the Ohio, Virginia (Richmond), and Wisconsin campuses. The Practical Nursing Diploma program is offered at the Hampton Campus in Virginia and is applying for accreditation. After completing the 41-credit program that can be completed in as few as 12 months, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam, which is required for licensure as a practical nurse.

The online RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This program is for registered nurses who are looking to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The program is offered online in all states except New York, providing flexibility for working nurses. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to make the transition to professional nursing in a variety of settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

A degree in nursing is definitely challenging, whether it is the hardest degree to complete is a matter of opinion. But no matter how challenging it is, there is no doubt there is a need for the compassionate care that only a nurse can provide. If you desire to join the healthcare ranks, know that you are needed and necessary.

Depending on the degree program, you could be a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) working under the oversight of Registered Nurses (RN) and Medical Doctors (MD) to provide hands-on patient care, from monitoring vital signs to changing bandages. RNs have a bigger role in providing and coordinating patient care.

At Bryant & Stratton College, our Practical Nursing Diploma can help you gain the skills, education and experience you need to take the NCLEX-PN exam and become a Licensed Practical Nurse in about a year. We also offer a two-year AAS in Nursing degree that can prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN and become a Registered Nurse (RN).

There are diploma programs that can help you become a Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN). If you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN), you’ll need to complete at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and take the NCLEX-RN exam. Of course, you can continue moving up the career ladder with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or even a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

That depends on your ultimate nursing goal. To become a Registered Nurse (RN), you’ll need to complete at least an associate-level degree from an accredited nursing program. Then you’ll need to take the NCLEX-RN exam. If you want to start your nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse, you can pursue a less-intensive practical nursing diploma before taking the NCLEX-PN exam.

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CCNE Has Granted Accreditation to the Baccalaureate degree program in nursing for B&SC Liverpool

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has granted accreditation to the baccalaureate degree program in nursing at the Bryant & Stratton College, Liverpool campus.

Read More : CCNE Has Granted Accreditation to the Baccalaureate degree program in nursing for B&SC Liverpool

college essays about nursing

Not All Pay Is In Dollars

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the backbone of the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) system. They provide assistance to people with developmental disabilities to live independent, productive lives. According to Melody Johnson, director of learning …

Read More : Not All Pay Is In Dollars

college essays about nursing

A Dive into the Bryant & Stratton College PTA Program

October is National Physical Therapist Assistant Month, a time where we get the chance to celebrate physical therapists (PT), physical therapist assistants (PTA), and PT and PTA students. Learn more about the PTA program offered at Bryant & Stratton College in our blog!

Read More : A Dive into the Bryant & Stratton College PTA Program

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, Georgia 30326 (404) 975-5000 www.acenursing.org

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 655 K Street NW Suite 750 Washington DC 20001 (202) 887-6791 www.ccneaccreditation.org

*Your individual time to complete the program may vary based on courseload

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Copyright, 2023

  • Open access
  • Published: 09 July 2024

Academic resilience in nusing students: a concept analysis

  • Yang Shen 1 ,
  • Hanbo Feng 1 &
  • Xiaohan Li 1  

BMC Nursing volume  23 , Article number:  466 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

106 Accesses

Metrics details

Academic resilience is a crucial concept for nursing students to cope with academic challenges. Currently, there is significant variation in the description of the concept attributes of academic resilience among nursing students, which impedes the advancement of academic research. Therefore, it is essential to establish a clear definition of the concept of academic resilience for nursing students.

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of concept analysis of academic resilience of nursing students.

The Rodgers evolutionary concept analysis was employed to test the attributes, antecedents, consequences and related concepts of academic resilience of nursing students. Walker and Avant’s method was utilized to construct a model case and provide empirical referents.

The findings indicate that the attributes of nursing students’ academic resilience include self-efficacy, self-regulation and recovery, and the antecedents include internal factors and external environmental factors. The consequences include adaptability, career maturity, adversity quotient level, probability of academic success, a sense of belonging to school and low levels of psychological distress.

The systematic understanding of academic resilience among nursing students provides a pathway for nursing educators and students to enhance academic resilience, promote academic success, and establish a foundation for the training of more qualified nurses.

Peer Review reports

Introduction

Nursing is a scientific discipline that studies nursing theory and technology in the process of health promotion and disease prevention, with the aim of equipping students with knowledge, attitudes, and skills essential to the nursing profession [ 1 ]. Compared with students in other majors, nursing students often experience great pressure from unfamiliar clinical environments, the gap between professional theory and practice, unexpected emergencies, strained relationship with patients and their families, exposure to infectious diseases, as well as heavy workloads [ 2 , 3 ]. The high levels of stress experienced by nursing students can negatively affect their overall well-being and academic performance [ 4 , 5 , 6 ], compromising their quality of life while increasing burnout rates [ 7 ]. Moreover, sustained pressure may impede critical thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, decision-making capabilities among nursing students thereby diminishing their motivation for learning and hindering academic achievement [ 4 , 6 , 8 ], ultimately failing to complete their professional learning. Students’ coping ability and academic success are closely related to their perception and handling of academic pressure. Therefore, it is particularly crucial to assist them in comprehending their academic pressure and difficulties and continuously enhancing nursing students’ psychological quality in order to cope with setbacks and achieve successful adaptation [ 9 , 10 ].

Resilience refers to experiencing significant traumatic events and difficulties and still achieving positive developmental outcomes [ 11 ]. It is the process of adapting to major stressors and negative factors, as well as the strength to recover from stressful life events or successfully cope with negative experiences [ 12 , 13 ]. There is evidence that resilience can effectively buffer the negative impact of individuals and contribute to improved individual happiness and life satisfaction [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. It is essential for nursing students to possess a positive psychological quality in order to effectively cope with academic pressure [ 18 , 19 ]. As resilience research continues to expand and evolve, its scope, focus, and application have diversified across different fields [ 10 , 20 ].

Academic resilience is a relatively new concept. It is the manifestation of resilience in the field of education [ 3 ]. It can assist students in adapting to the demands of school and clinical settings, enabling them to overcome academic pressure [ 21 ]. Resilient students are able to maintain high academic achievement and perform well even when they are faced with the threat of failure or stressful situations [ 22 ]. Therefore, academic resilience is crucial for nursing students [ 23 , 24 , 25 ], and enhancing academic resilience may help students focus on their strengths and potentially reverse academic failure. Furthermore, it can also help more nursing students persist in their nursing education, thereby contributing much-needed nurses to the profession [ 3 ].

Academic resilience is a crucial concept for nursing students in managing academic challenges. However, there are significant differences in the depiction of the conceptual attributes of academic resilience among nursing students, which impedes the advancement of academic research [ 26 , 27 ]. It is necessary to clarify the attributes and connotations of the concept in order to establish a foundation for planning academic resilience intervention measures for nursing students. This will ultimately improve the quality of nursing education and better meet the needs of students. Currently, there is no conceptual analysis of the academic resilience of nursing students. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the concept of academic resilience among nursing students.

In this study, Rodgers [ 28 ] evolutionary concept analysis method was applied to explore and clarify the concept of academic resilience of nursing students. The main steps were to determine the concept evolution, application, definition, conceptual attributes, antecedents, consequences of nursing students’ academic resilience, distinguish related concepts of nursing students’ academic resilience. Walker and Avant’s [ 29 ] method was employed to construct a model case and provide empirical referents. The researchers initially read the articles included, focus on the context of the concept, surrogate and related terms, the attributes, antecedents, consequences, and examples, and then analyze the data collected.

Search strategy

Search PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ProQuest, Science Direct, CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP database. Full search strategy can be found in the supplemental material.

Selection criteria

Literature inclusion criteria: (1) The subjects were nursing students who were studying in schools or practicing in hospitals. (2) The research contents include the concept, defining characteristics, attributes, antecedents, influencing factors and consequences of academic resilience. Exclusion criteria: (1) The full text cannot be obtained. (1) Repeated reports. (2) Non-Chinese or non-English literature.

Literature screening

The publications were imported into EndNote 20.0 software for de-duplication, the articles was selected independently by two researchers according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. If there was any disagreement, the two researchers would discuss it or invite a third researcher to join the discussion, and the included articles were ultimately determined.

Search results

A total of 918 literature were obtained. Among them, there are 741 English papers and 177 Chinese papers. After screening and exclusion according to the selection criteria, 22 literature were finally included. See Fig.  1 for PRISMA Diagram.

The 22 articles included in this study were published between 2015 and 2023 and were conducted in 8 countries, including 7 in Chinese, 5 in South Korea, 3 in the United Kingdom, 3 in Iran, 1 in Turkey, 1 in Saudi Arabia, 1 in the Philippines, and 1 in Indonesia. Most studies were cross-sectional (70%), with quantitative studies (86%) ranging from 106 to 1339 nursing students and qualitative studies (9%) ranging from 13 to 19 nursing students.

figure 1

PRISMA diagram of literature search

Conceptual evolution

The development of academic resilience is based on resilience theory [ 30 ]. Due to researchers’ varying perspectives, several different concepts have emerged in the field of education after the introduction of the concept of resilience. Wang et al. [ 31 ]. first proposed this concept and defined it as follows: despite early traits, conditions and experiences creating an unfavorable environment, there is an increased probability of success in school. Based on previous literature, some researchers [ 32 ] have concluded that traditional academic resilience research has primarily focused on students who have suffered severe life experiences (such as changes in their living environment, illness, parental divorce, poverty, discrimination, etc.) during their early years. Despite enduring such adversity for an extended period of time, these students still managed to achieve good academic performance. The significance of academic resilience in recent risk factors (such as unsatisfactory academic performance, academic pressure, etc.) was ignored. Martin [ 22 ] et al. pointed out that academic pressure is a prevalent issue in the daily learning of any school-age student. Every student will encounter recent risk factors such as academic setbacks and pressure. Therefore, the research on academic resilience should shift from the previous minority and special groups to ordinary students. The academic resilience of this group refers to students’ ability to adjust in time after encountering academic setbacks or challenges (including poor academic performance, high levels of academic pressure, etc.) during their daily learning process, while still achieving good academic outcomes [ 33 ].

Application of concepts

The application of academic resilience in the nursing field basically adopted the definition of academic resilience provided by Martin et al. [ 33 ]. This focuses on the role of academic resilience in the proximal influencing factors (the academic pressure perceived by nursing students in their daily learning process). In the field of nursing, these proximal influencing factors generally include adapting to unfamiliar clinical practice environments and interpersonal relationships, feelings of helplessness caused by the gap between theory and practice [ 34 ], fear of infectious diseases, and heavy workloads [ 35 ]. Jeong et al. [ 36 ] believe that academic resilience can serve as a resource for nursing students to protect their mental health from the impact of stress. It is also the ability to attain high academic achievement and sustain strong motivation and enthusiasm for university life even under stressful conditions. Li et al. [ 10 ] argue that academic resilience is specific to the academic situation, referring to students’ ability to overcome setbacks and challenges in their schoolwork. Yang et al. [ 37 ] define academic resilience as the application of resilience within the field of education. In the context of education (usually referring to schools), students are able to effectively adapt to and manage various pressures encountered during the learning process, such as setbacks and failures. This crucial ability enables them to achieve positive learning outcomes. Wang et al. [ 38 ] propose that academic resilience refers to students’ ability to recover from stressful academic situations, enabling them to effectively navigate the challenges associated with the academic achievement process. It is defined as an individual’s capacity to confidently handle, adapt to, or manage important sources of interaction in a stressful learning environment and transform negative clinical learning experiences into positive evolving outcomes. Luo et al. [ 39 ] believe that academic resilience means that nursing students can leverage personal strengths and mobilize external resources when encountering academic difficulties, ultimately leading to a positive adaptation process and successful outcomes. Shi et al. [ 39 ] define academic resilience as the ability of students to successfully cope with typical academic setbacks in school daily learning activities, reflecting their perseverance and learning capability. According to Shahidi et al. [ 40 ], academic resilience is a crucial quality of nursing students, enabling them to overcome academic pressure and adapt to the demands of both learning and clinical practice.

In summary, after conducting in-depth research on academic resilience of nursing students, researchers have presented various viewpoints. However, an exact and comprehensive definition has not yet been established.

Definition of nursing student’s academic resilience

After conducting a thorough review and analysis of the literature, this study found that the academic resilience of nursing students is affected by a complex interaction of various factors, including internal factors of nursing students and external environmental factors. Through the analysis of the attributes, antecedents and consequences of nursing students’ academic resilience, the following definitions were obtained: when faced with academic challenges, nursing students maintain a belief in their capacity to overcome these obstacles. They proactively regulate their cognition and behavior, leverage their personal and external resources to adapt effectively to both school educational and clinical settings, ultimately achieving positive learning outcomes.

Attributes are a set of features or components of a concept. Clarifying the defining attributes of a concept helps to deepen the understanding of the concept, which is an important aspect of concept analysis [ 41 ]. Through literature analysis and induction, this study summarized three core attributes of nursing students’ academic resilience, including self-efficacy, self-regulation and recovery.

Self-efficacy.

Self-efficacy is confidence and belief [ 42 ], which refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to control outcomes, successfully complete tasks, and possess the necessary skills to accomplish those tasks [ 43 ]. It is one of the internal attributes and driving force of nursing students’ academic resilience. Improving the self-confidence of nursing students is the initial step of constructive learning, particularly when faced with academic challenges. Confidence enables students to seize learning opportunities, actively analyze and assess dilemmas they encounter, and positively impacts their ability to cope with academic pressure [ 38 , 44 ].

Self-regulation.

Self-regulation is one of the important elements of resilience [ 45 ], which refers to the regulation of thinking, emotion, behavior and attention through deliberate or specific mechanisms. This enables individuals to effectively manage their activities over time and environmental changes [ 46 ], as well as helping them to control emotions and actions under pressure. This attribute includes cognitive regulation and behavioral regulation. Cognitive regulation: When facing academic setbacks, nursing students can positively view setbacks by cognitive reconstruction, emotional adjustment, reconstructing negative thoughts and re-attribution [ 47 ], thereby enhancing their self-efficacy to overcome difficulties. Behavioral adjustment: In the face of academic pressure or challenges, individuals have to adjust their original coping strategies, assess their own advantages, mobilize available resources within their reach, re-integrate personal resources and social resources, make the most of all available resources to overcome academic difficulties [ 48 , 49 ].

Recovery is defined as the outcome of becoming well again after an illness or injury, according to the Oxford Dictionary. As one attribute of academic resilience, it refers to the outcome that nursing students rebound from adversity, and return to the right track or enter a new balance in this paper [ 38 , 44 ].

Antecedents

Antecedents refer to the events or situations that should exist prior to the development of a concept [ 41 ]. Based on Kumpfer’s psychological resilience model [ 49 ], a review of previous studies has identified two categories of antecedents for nursing students’ academic resilience: individual internal factors and external factors.

Studies have indicated that the academic resilience of nursing students is influenced by various internal factors. (1) social demographic factors: research has demonstrated that as age [ 40 ] and grade [ 39 , 50 , 51 ] levels increase, along with a higher educational background among nursing students [ 52 ], there is a corresponding enhancement in academic resilience. Additionally, studies have revealed that female nursing students exhibit greater academic resilience compared to male students [ 3 , 50 ], while rural students tend to demonstrate higher levels of academic resilience than urban students [ 52 ]. Moreover, it has been found that non-only-child students generally display higher academic resilience when compared to only-child students [ 53 ]. (2) Spiritual factors: Studies have shown that nursing students with an optimistic attitude [ 44 , 54 ], high levels of mindfulness [ 38 , 51 ], strong self-confidence [ 44 ], effective self-control ability [ 37 , 44 ], high learning engagement [ 55 ] and strong religious coping ability [ 56 ] are conducive to the development of academic resilience. Furthermore, nursing students who independently choose to study nursing as their major demonstrate higher academic resilience than those recommended by relatives and friends or those who are transferred into the major [ 52 ]. Additionally, nursing students with role models exhibit higher academic resilience than those without role models [ 3 ]. (3) Emotional factors: Research has indicated that higher levels of emotional intelligence [ 44 , 54 ] is linked to increased academic resilience among nursing students. In addition, when faced with academic setbacks, nursing students may employ different coping styles [ 36 ], which can also impact their academic resilience. (4) Cognitive factors: Literature has shown that nursing students with high levels of academic performance [ 3 , 36 , 40 , 57 ], scholarship [ 52 ], self-directed learning ability [ 54 ] and skill level [ 38 ] also have high academic resilience. (5) Physical factors: Nursing students with good subjective health status demonstrate higher academic resilience than those with poor subjective health status [ 54 ]. (6) Behavioral factors: Nursing students’ interpersonal communication ability [ 57 ] are also influential factors in their academic resilience.

The level of nursing students’ academic resilience is not only affected by internal factors of individuals, but also restricted by external factors. (1) school factors: Studies have indicated that high pressure in school life [ 54 ] and low professional satisfaction [ 3 , 36 , 54 ] are hindering factors for nursing students’ academic resilience. Moreover, a positive clinical work atmosphere [ 38 ], strong interpersonal relationships at school [ 3 ], encouragement and support from teachers [ 38 , 44 ], as well as support from patients and their families [ 38 ] and recognition [ 38 ] during clinical practicum were promoting factors of academic resilience. (2) Family factors: Literature has shown that high levels of family relationship satisfaction [ 3 ], effective family communication mode [ 57 ] and strong family support [ 38 ] contribute to the improvement of academic resilience. (3) Peer group factors: Peer support [ 38 , 58 ] and good peer’s interpersonal relationship [ 3 ] can also promote the enhancement of nursing students’ academic resilience.

Consequences

Consequences refer to the events or situations caused by the concept [ 41 ]. Studies [ 21 , 38 , 39 , 52 , 55 , 59 ] have indicated that academic resilience plays a significant role in enhancing nursing students’ adaptability during the school period, career maturity, adversity quotient level, probability of academic success and a sense of belonging to school. Additionally, it has been found to reduce the degree of psychological distress experienced by nursing students. “Career maturity” refers to the extent to which individuals are able to accomplish tasks that are coordinated with their stage of career development [ 52 ]. “Adversity quotient level” refers to an individual’s ability to cope with setbacks and adversity [ 39 ].

Related concepts

Related concepts refer to words that share commonalities with concepts but do not possess identical characteristics. Academic buoyancy refers to a student’s capacity to successfully cope with the academic setbacks and challenges typical of school life. Unlike academic resilience, academic buoyancy is more closely related to how a student handles the everyday stressors commonly experienced by students, such as tight deadlines, challenging assignments, exam stress, and unexpected or persistent low grades. However, resilience plays a role when students suffer from long-term poor performance, overwhelming anxiety that they cannot bear, truancy, and significant setbacks due to dissatisfaction [ 60 ]. Academic hardiness is defined as the ability to prepare oneself to confront academic problems. It comprises three components: control (the ability to manage different life situations), commitment (willingness to engage) and challenge (the ability to understand that changes in life are normal), emphasizing individuals’ endurance in the face of difficulties [ 61 , 62 ].

The concept analysis of model case is beneficial to better understand and identify the connotation of concepts [ 41 ]. Although Rodgers does not suggest the creation of a model case, in order to better understand the concept, we used Walker and Avant’s [ 29 ] method to construct a model case as follows.

Lucy, 22 years old, is a member of a family consisting of four members (father, mother and brother), with very harmonious family relations. As a junior student, Lucy has a passion for medicine and has taken the initiative to study nursing at university in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. After three years of theoretical study, she entered a large hospital to begin clinical practice and complete the final stage of her undergraduate education. Lucy’s first internship took place in the emergency ward of a hospital. Faced with an unfamiliar clinical environment, heavy medical workloads, anxious patients and their families, as well as sudden situations (such as the rescue of patients and unexpected deaths, etc.), Lucy experienced significant pressure. Due to the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice and inexperienced nursing skills, Lucy was afraid of providing nursing interventions for patients and making mistakes. Every day when she went to the hospital for her internship, Lucy felt extremely anxious. During conversations with her family members, Lucy confided in them about her troubles. Her family listened patiently to Lucy’s difficulties and offered positive affirmation and encouragement. They believed that Lucy would overcome the current difficulties and become a qualified nurse. With the encouragement of her family, Lucy recalled her initial decision to pursue a career in nursing voluntarily, aspiring to be someone who could alleviate patients’ suffering like Florence Nightingale. She then adjusted her mindset and earnestly contemplated how to confront and surmount the present difficulties with a positive outlook. She firmly believed that she could triumph over the current predicament through her diligent efforts. Lucy took the initiative to contact the senior students and inquire about their experiences in adapting to the clinical environment during their internship. Drawing on their experience, she utilized her solid theoretical knowledge from the initial three years of study for understanding new knowledge in clinical work. Throughout her internship, Lucy carefully observed the operations of her mentor, diligently recorded any challenges encountered, sought clarification when needed, and dedicated herself to repeated practice. The mentor also affirmed Lucy’s efforts and gave timely feedback to her operation, which significantly enhanced Lucy’s nursing skills and bolstered her confidence. In order to maintain a healthy physical state for clinical work, Lucy conscientiously balanced her study and rest time. Additionally, she incorporated mindfulness exercises into her routine to relax both body and mind while improving focus and reducing distress related to professional challenges. Through her efforts, Lucy earned recognition from patients and their families while experiencing a profound sense of accomplishment when performing patient care procedures. Finally, she successfully completed her internship tasks and obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Lucy’s case exemplifies the three attributes of nursing students’ academic resilience, namely self-efficacy, self-regulation and recovery. Upon entering the clinical practice stage, Lucy experienced significant pressure but maintained a belief in her ability to overcome challenges through diligent effort. She actively analyzed her current station and seized learning opportunities, reflecting the first attribute of academic resilience, self-efficacy. Through cognitive reconstruction and emotional adjustment, Lucy approached her difficulties with a positive attitude and effectively utilized her strengths to navigate the challenges she faced. For instance, she has established a solid foundation for theoretical learning, confided her difficulties with her family, sought assistance from her seniors and mentors, maintained good health, utilizing available internal and external resources around her. By regulating one’s own cognition and behavior to overcome academic challenges, demonstrating the second attribute of academic resilience, self-regulation. By actively analyzing the dilemma she faced, adjusting her own thoughts and behaviors, integrating internal and external resources, Lucy successfully rebounded from adversity. She adapted to the clinical pressure environment and ultimately completed the internship task. This reflects the third attribute recovery of academic resilience. The stress induced by clinical practice, Lucy’s optimistic attitude, high levels of mindfulness, independent choice of nursing major, role model, high levels of emotional intelligence, positive coping style, good academic achievement, healthy physical state, high self-directed learning ability, self-control ability, interpersonal communication ability, skill level, support from mentors, family members, patients and their family members, peers all contribute to the enhancement of Lucy’s academic resilience. The improvement of Lucy’s adaptability, career maturity, adversity quotient level and the reduction of her psychological distress during her clinical internship are the consequences of her academic resilience.

Empirical referents

In order to gain a better understanding of the concept, we used Walker and Avant’s [ 29 ] method to provide empirical referents. Currently, there are two primary tools for evaluating nursing students’ academic resilience. One is the Nursing Student Academic Resilience Inventory (NSARI) developed by Iranian scholar Ali-Abadi [ 27 ], which comprises a total of 24 items. The six dimensions include optimism (5 items), communication (4 items), self-esteem/evaluation (4 items), self-awareness (3 items), trustworthiness (4 items) and self-regulation (4 items). The scale employed a 5-point Likert scale ranging from completely agree (5 points) to completely disagree (1 point), with scores requiring conversion into standardized scores. Higher scores indicate higher levels of academic resilience. The intraclass correlation coefficient of the scale was 0.903, and the Cronbach’ α coefficient of the scale was 0.66–0.78, indicating good reliability and validity. This instrument was developed with undergraduate nursing students as the research subjects and specifically used to measure the academic resilience of nursing students. It has been applied to undergraduate nursing students in Iran [ 40 ]. Additionally, Turkish scholar Enes Ucan [ 63 ] et al. conducted cross-cultural adaptation of the tool.

The other is Academic Resilience Inventory for Nursing Students (ARINS) developed by Li Chengjie [ 10 ], a scholar from Taiwan, China. The scale contains a total of 15 items, including three dimensions: cognitive maturity (5 items), emotional regulation (3 items) and help-seeking resources (7 items). The 5-point Likert scale ranging from “very inconsistent” (1 point) to “very consistent” (5 points) was employed, with higher scores indicating higher levels of academic resilience. The Cronbach’s α coefficient of the total scale was 0.929. The Cronbach’s α coefficients of the three dimensions of cognitive maturity, emotional regulation and help-seeking resources were 0.926, 0.801 and 0.855, respectively. The theoretical model exhibited a good fit with the observation data. The total scale demonstrated excellent reliability and validity. Originally designed to measure the academic resilience of nursing students holding junior college degrees in Taiwan. Additionally, it has been applied in undergraduate nursing students in Chinese mainland [ 37 , 55 ] while showing good reliability and validity. However, further investigation is required to determine these tools’ applicability among nursing students at different educational levels.

Disscussion

The conceptual model of nursing students’ academic resilience.

Through a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of literature, this study has developed a conceptual model of nursing students’ academic resilience, as shown in Fig.  2 . In essence, the academic resilience of nursing students is shaped by the interplay between internal and external factors when they encounter setbacks or challenges in their academic pursuits. This interaction ultimately fosters the development of academic resilience among nursing students and yields positive outcomes. Nursing students with high levels of academic resilience are able to view academic setbacks positively, enhance their problem-solving skills, and effectively navigate through academic difficulties, thereby successfully completing their studies and go to the future nursing position [ 42 ].

figure 2

Model of nursing student’s academic resilience

The significance of the role of nurses for the nursing students’ academic resilience

The definition and attributes of nursing students’ academic resilience proposed in this study emphasize the characteristics of nurses’ working environment and learning environment of nursing students. Nurses play a crucial role as providers of healthcare services, taking on important medical tasks with increasingly complex professional responsibilities. They possess multifaceted roles as healthcare providers, strategists, administrators, educators, and coordinators [ 64 , 65 ]. This necessitates not only a solid foundation of professional knowledge and skills but also profound critical thinking and judgment abilities, astute observational and analytical capabilities, decisive decision-making prowess, and exceptional interpersonal communication aptitude [ 66 ]. These qualities enable them to effectively manage busy and high-pressure clinical tasks within an increasingly tense doctor-patient relationship, ultimately providing satisfactory medical services to patients and their families. As the reserve army of the nursing team, nursing students are expected to quickly acquire these knowledge and abilities during their theoretical learning and clinical practice, thereby imposing significant academic pressure on them [ 67 ]. Simultaneously, it is these qualities that distinguish nursing from other specialties and healthcare disciplines. It is hoped that the results of this concept analysis will inspire further research into effective measures aimed at enhancing the academic resilience of nursing students, in order to improve their ability to cope with academic setbacks and increase retention rates of nurses.

Implications and recommendations

Currently, there are relatively few studies on the academic resilience of nursing students, and there are significant discrepancies in the definition of conceptual attributes among nursing students’ academic resilience in the existing literature. This study addresses this gap by providing a comprehensive conceptualization of academic resilience of nursing students by combing the related concepts, attributes, antecedence and consequences of nursing students’ academic resilience. The findings offer a theoretical foundation for future research.

Academic resilience plays a crucial role in regulating individuals’ pressure levels, enhancing their problem-solving abilities, and supporting nursing students in successfully completing their academic studies and transitioning into future nursing positions [ 42 ]. This study provides a conceptual framework for nursing schools and hospitals to design academic resilience training curricula and programs for nursing students. It is essential to thoroughly investigate these relationships based on the nursing context through appropriate measures. This process can clearly define attributes, antecedence, and consequences of nursing students’ academic resilience. Nursing educators can begin by focusing on the antecedence and attributes of nursing students’ academic resilience. This can be achieved through targeted training programs or specialized courses aimed at improving emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication skills, self-directed learning capabilities, self-control, self-regulation, and self-efficacy among nursing students. In addition, nursing educators can also consider external environmental factors. This includes creating a conducive learning and working atmosphere for nursing students, providing training for professional teachers and clinical instructors, setting a professional example for nursing students, offering timely guidance, feedback and encouragement to support students’ learning. Moreover, it’s important to guide nursing students to think positively, helping them build self-confidence, and enhance their academic confidence. Additionally, peer support programs can be designed. Existing research [ 68 ] suggests that interaction and practice among nursing students with similar knowledge, skills, and experience can promote the effective learning. The experience of other students in internship and studies can help build confidence and resilience in academic research while reducing concerns about academic issues and clinical practice. It is helpful for nursing students to improve their self-esteem and confidence in academic success which can enhance their resilience.

This study has discovered that academic resilience of nursing students is associated with several key outcomes, including academic success, career maturity, adversity quotient and school sense of belonging. Additionally, it has been found to have a positive impact on reducing psychological distress among nursing students. As a result, nursing educators can consider targeting academic resilience as an intervention strategy in order to indirectly improve these outcomes for students.

Limitations

Due to language limitations, only English and Chinese literature were included in this study. Although the relevant literature was searched as comprehensively and scientifically as possible, grey literature sources were not included. In addition, due to limitations of some database resources, 14% of the literature was not obtained in full text. Nevertheless, this study explored the concept, attributes, antecedents and consequences of nursing students’ academic resilience through the obtained studies and achieved the research purpose.

This study applied Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis method to clarify the conceptual attributes, antecedents, consequences and related concepts of academic resilience among nursing students, and combined with model case to help understand the concept. The clear definition of nursing students’ academic resilience is beneficial for both nursing educators and nursing students themselves. It allows them more accurately assess the level of academic resilience and explore effective intervention measures to improve the level of academic resilience and increase the probability of academic success of nursing students.

Data availability

All data generated or analyzed during this study is included in this published article.

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Shen, Y., Feng, H. & Li, X. Academic resilience in nusing students: a concept analysis. BMC Nurs 23 , 466 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02133-2

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