My brother, a pain management patient for most of my life, had a heart attack and died on November 5, 2007. The compassion the nurses gave my family as we sat in the ER with my brother’s body was remarkable. Nurses took turns standing at the head of Johnny’s bed all afternoon, allowing us time to gradually absorb the shock. They tended to all the undignified parts of death in a very dignified manner. Despite our loss, we thanked our nurses for their efforts and understanding. No doubts were in our minds that Johnny (and our family) received the best care possible that day; most of it from the nursing staff. After this experience, I knew I wouldn’t be a banker for the rest of my life.
The reasons I want to become a nurse include many experiences; “candy-striper” memories, my grad work, volunteering, and finally, the experience when we lost my brother. I also want to be a nurse because I love to teach. I am good at taking something technical and breaking it down into everyday language. I love science and I am a ‘people-person.’ Nursing appeals to me because I can combine all of the things I am passionate about.
My very first experience in healthcare was as a candy-striper or “Volun-Teen” at a local hospital the summer after 6th grade. We handed out ice chips in the maternity ward while dodging screams and thrown pillows of the women in labor. I passed juice, coffee, and food trays after checking the board to see who had dietary restrictions. The nurses I worked for made me feel at home. It was a great experience.
A huge accomplishment for me was earning my baccalaureate degree in 2007. I am the first generation in my family to complete a four-year degree program. I liked it so much that I went back to school and got my Masters in Health Education. Throughout my Masters program, I enjoyed learning about public health, epidemiology, and grant procurement. By the program’s end, I was sure I wanted to move forward and get ‘hands-on’ in healthcare as a nurse.
I have volunteered for the United Way and I have helped with fundraisers for XXXX Children’s Hospital with the group XXXXX. Volunteering for these groups is a way I can help people with their health, even if indirectly.
Choosing to apply to the Accelerated BSN program at XXXXX was easy because of the time-frame, cost, and the excellent nurses I know who went to school at XXXXX. The one-year time frame makes it doable. Your program is half the cost of other schools I’ve researched. It just makes good sense to apply to XXXXX.
I understand that time management is of the essence if I’m accepted into the program. I’m no stranger to time-management, as I’ve gone to college while working my full-time bank trainer job. I utilize technology to help me stay on track and set up reminders of where I should be and what assignments are due. I also carry around a Day Planner calendar everywhere I go!
I have been in financial preparation to quit my job for almost a year. When I decided to work toward getting into a program like this, I realized I would need the financial resources ready for my year off work and began saving. My husband, also employed, is excited to help me reach my goals.
Receiving this education is invaluable to me; I want to know that what I do could change someone’s life for the better. I think my hours a nurse, though trying at times, could change MY life for the better.
Thank you for allowing me to apply.
