nurse practitioner essay application

How to Write an Excellent NP School Personal Statement

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“Try not to rush this statement. We recommend taking some time to reflect on your nursing career accomplishments, as well as situations that perhaps were learning situations that did not end favorably. Use these to reflect on your motivation and priorities and how they apply to the topic that the school has provided.”

Dr. Doreen Rogers, DNS, RN, CCRN, CNE, Assistant Professor of Nursing & Graduate Nursing Program Director at Utica University

Anyone who’s ever applied to a nurse practitioner program knows two things: careers in nursing are in high demand and graduate school admissions are competitive. Nurse practitioner careers are one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States; in fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023) predicts that 118,600 new NP jobs will be added to the economy between 2022 and 2032—a 45 percent increase.

So why are nurse practitioner admissions so competitive? A shortage of qualified nursing teaching faculty and an increasing number of retiring nurses are some possible reasons, according to CNN . 

Despite these admissions barriers, a nationwide shortage of doctors is poised to restrict patients’ access to care. To address this problem, states are beginning to expand the scope of practice laws for nurse practitioners. The U.S. News & World Report shows that 22 states, the District of Columbia, and the Veterans Health Administration removed practice authority limitations for NPs, which resulted in expanded healthcare and decreased costs. 

One thing is sure: applicants for nursing practitioner programs must put together flawless applications to rank high with an admissions committee. In addition, an aspiring nurse practitioner who wants to stand out and make a solid first impression needs to write an excellent nurse practitioner (NP) school personal statement.  

To help out hard-working nurses who spend more time seeing patients than practicing academic writing skills, here are some tips for writing an excellent nurse practitioner (NP) school personal statement.

Follow the Five-Paragraph Essay Format

Drexel University has a video featuring several tips for writing a personal essay for admissions committees. The video recommends applicants organize their statements in a five-paragraph essay format and write no more than 500 words. 

• First paragraph: Make an immediate impact in your introduction
• Second paragraph: Explain what attracted you to the program and field
• Third paragraph: Compare your short- and long-term goals with the program goals
• Fourth paragraph: Share your skills, experiences, and characteristics
• Fifth paragraph: Conclude by summarizing your five-paragraph essay

Drexel University also offers a downloadable infographic to illustrate what admissions committees are looking for in an applicant’s essay.

Write an Impactful Introduction

Pretty Nurse Ashley , a registered nurse who documented her experience getting into Vanderbilt University’s top-ranked nurse practitioner program, emphasizes the importance of an impactful introduction in a personal statement in her YouTube video:

That first sentence needs to be something spectacular, something that’s going to pull them in, so it needs to be very creative and something that’s going to get their attention. With your personal statement, you want to stand out from the other applicants. You want to create a story, create a vivid picture of who you are.

At a time when nursing schools are sending thousands of rejection letters to qualified applicants, Pretty Nurse Ashley’s advice to make a strong introduction is solid advice to help an applicant open their statement with what makes them unique.

Do Your Homework: Advice From an NP Career Coach

Renee Dahring is a nurse practitioner career coach , past president of the Minnesota chapter of the APRN Coalition, and a nursing university instructor with extensive experience in recruitment and admissions for nurse practitioner programs. When applying to NP schools, Ms. Dahring recommends that nurse practitioner applicants do their homework in three areas.

Show Your Commitment to Finish

Dahring said, “Every university wants its students to finish, especially in a nurse practitioner program. If you drop out, your spot in the NP cohort is empty. Mostly we like to know: ‘Have people thought this decision through?’” 

In other words, when an NP program admission committee decides to admit a student, they are investing in that person to finish the program. Therefore, if it seems like a risky investment, they will not want to admit that individual.

Connect Your Career Goals to the NP Program’s Mission

“Understand what the program’s goals and missions are and align your personal statement with them. . .Also, consider the mission of the educational institution; most have a dedication to the underserved, but that will vary from place to place,” Dahring advised.

Addressing a program’s or an institution’s mission statement directly in a personal essay can catch the attention of an admission committee. They want to ensure that a person is a strong fit for their specific program. It’s also a benefit for applicants to be familiar with a school’s objectives and guiding philosophy, as it can help ensure that a program is the right fit for them.

Demonstrate Your Understanding of NP Scope of Practice Laws 

Dahring also stated, “The other important thing is to have a really good understanding of the NP Scope of Practice Laws. . .You should have a clear idea of what you are allowed and not allowed to do in the states where you apply for NP school and intend to work as a nurse practitioner.” 

NPs can practice more independently in some states than others—and a solid understanding of these regional nuances can inform one’s essay.

Take Time to Communicate Clearly

Above all, take the time to write and edit well. Admissions committees read through hundreds of personal statements, so communicating concisely and clearly can increase an applicant’s chances of admission to an NP program.

Dr. Doreen Rogers is an assistant professor of nursing and the graduate nursing program director at Utica University in New York. She advises applicants to use their best writing skills:

Remember, your personal statement is an opportunity for you to convey what motivates you and discuss your priorities as a healthcare professional while extending them to your future career as a nurse practitioner. Some aspects that are exceptionally important are the use of appropriate grammar, spelling, word selection, and sentence structure (including an introductory paragraph, transition sentences in between paragraphs, and a conclusion that ties everything together).

Dr. Rogers also recommended taking the time to communicate clearly: “Try not to rush this statement. Instead, we recommend taking some time to reflect on your nursing career accomplishments, as well as situations that perhaps were learning situations that did not end favorably. Use these to reflect on your motivation and priorities and how they apply to the topic that the school has provided.”

Rachel Drummond, MEd

On NPschools.com, Rachel Drummond has leveraged her extensive background in education and mindfulness to provide valuable insights to nursing professionals since 2020. She explores how mindfulness and movement can be incorporated into the demanding routines of nurses, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being for increased resilience and effectiveness in the challenging field of nursing.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog , inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.

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7 Tips for Writing the Perfect Family Nurse Practitioner Essay

If you are pursuing a career as a family nurse practitioner, you will likely be required to submit a personal essay. Your nurse practitioner personal statement explains why you want to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP) and is an important step in the graduate nursing program application process.

What you say in your nurse practitioner essay should tell the admissions committee who you are as a person and why you will make an effective and ethical nurse practitioner.

When answering the section on “why I want to be a nurse practitioner,” your response may come easily. Others might struggle with putting their reasons into words in an original and clear way. This guide will show you how to convey who you are and why you make an excellent candidate.

1. Be Specific

When you receive your essay questions, you will notice that they are reasonably generic. What the university is looking for, however, is how you turn that into something specific.

Don’t just outline your overall feelings about a full topic. Instead, go into detail and use specific examples from your personal experience that truly demonstrate your capabilities. Not only is this a better way of answering the question, but it also means your essay will be far more interesting. It will properly showcase your personality, which is a very important part of nursing.

2. Be Concise

Always remember that you are writing an essay and not the next great saga. Oftentimes, there will be a word count limit. However, if there isn’t, you shouldn’t write every little detail you come up with. What matters is that the information is complete and doesn’t go off-topic. Stick to the guidelines provided, as they have been given for a good reason (one of them is to test you on how well you can follow instructions). You must be concrete in your answers.

Admissions committees must get through dozens or hundreds of applications. If your nurse practitioner essay is too long, they’ll likely lose focus. In addition, nursing requires concise communication in daily work. If you come across as taking a long time to get to the point, this may leave an unprofessional impression.

3. Demonstrate Your Passion and Commitment

When you describe why you want to be a nurse practitioner, your passion and commitment should leap off the page and make the admissions committee excited to offer you a place. They should see you as the kind of student and colleague that they want to represent their school. You can do this by making sure that your nurse practitioner essay:

• Shows how your experience and education motivate you
• Describes specific motivators, such as mentors, experiences with nurses, or even experiences as a patient
• Shows that you are committed to all aspects of nursing, including patient care, collaboration, cultural competence , and continual learning and improvement
• Clearly summarizes these elements to match your background and passion to the school’s culture, as well as to nursing

Avoid clichés or general statements about why nursing is important. They already know that. What they don’t know — what you have to tell them — is why your passion will make you an excellent FNP.

4. Tell a Story

Storytelling is the most powerful and memorable form of communication. The stories we’ve lived shape who we are. Leverage the power of storytelling in your nurse practitioner essay.

• Choose the right story and apply it to nursing. It doesn’t have to be about nursing specifically, but it needs to apply to nursing. Talk about instances where you’ve demonstrated teamwork, perseverance, crisis response skills, or communication successes.
• Start with a vivid hook that makes the reader want to know what happens next.
• Use clear language that helps the reader understand and identify with the choices you made.
• Make stories about more than just yourself. Nursing is a team practice, and if you write as though you’re the only important character in the story, it can seem arrogant or self-involved.
• Show empathy. Empathy doesn’t mean having a lot of feelings or dwelling on them. It means understanding others and meeting them where they are.
• Customize your nurse practitioner essay to the program. What values does the school hold? How does the school site describe learning, teachers, and current students? Make these values and priorities stand out in your writing.

5. Highlight Your Strengths

Your essay is an opportunity for you to show what you are made of. Highlight all the things that are good about you, such as your education, your career, your background, and other experiences. Perhaps you have done volunteer work, or you have already been employed in the medical field. It is always a good idea to give some examples of the experiences you have had to demonstrate why you are good at what you do and why you want to become an FNP.

When highlighting these strengths, it is best to be specific and include examples. For instance, saying you are hardworking may sound like a good trait to focus on, but it could be more impactful to provide a specific example of how you have worked hard during your career. This will add credibility to your essay and reinforce your claims.

6. Keep it Professional

You want your nurse practitioner personal statement to be memorable, but only in the right way. Keep your tone professional and individual. Think of your essay as though you were a stranger reading it. Would you want the person who wrote this essay to be in charge of your or a loved one’s care?

Never make a colleague or patient look bad in your nurse practitioner essay. This is a surefire way to get rejected, as it comes across as unprofessional, unfair, and potentially unethical. While a sense of humor is invaluable for a nurse practitioner, humor is very difficult to convey to an audience you don’t know.

Avoid exaggerating, even for dramatic effect. While exaggerating might improve the story, obvious exaggeration will cast doubt on your professional judgment.

Lastly, don’t use foul language in your nurse practitioner essay. Just like humor, while many nurses use it as a coping method, they are careful about their intended audience.

7. Edit Again and Again

Finally, once you have completed your essay, proofread it. After that, give it to someone else to proofread and then edit it once more yourself. Spelling errors, typos, and layout problems are certain to have your application denied because they show a lack of attention to detail. Share your essay with as many people as possible and ask for their suggestions and edits before you finally submit it.

Remember that the faculty members of the FNP program you are applying for also look at how well you can write. Clear communication will be an important skill for successful FNPs. Hence, you must make sure that your essay is well-reviewed and well-written. This is also why you should start developing your essay as early as possible, as this is not a job that can be rushed.

Putting Pen to Paper

Think of your nurse practitioner essay as a way to show who you are, to reflect what is most important to you, and why you will be an excellent FNP.

If you’re not sure where to start, try having a conversation with a friend who is a good listener and have them ask you questions about why you want to be a nurse practitioner. Ask them to probe into what you say and tell you when something comes across as especially meaningful or significant.

Begin by writing anything at all about “why I want to be a nurse practitioner.” Turn your inner editor off. For this first step, the goal is quantity, not quality. Either as you keep writing or when you review it later, you’ll usually find something valuable you can use.

A few final tips:

• Start early. Even if you’re not sure when you’ll want to earn your MSN, you can start keeping notes now. Once you know when you want to apply, outlining your nurse practitioner essay months ahead will pay off.
• Ask a variety of people to review your writing. Different people bring different perspectives.
• Think of it not just as an essay but as a chance for reflection. This is another reason to start early, since this kind of reflection can bring new insights that you’ll want to use.
• Remember that the better your nurse practitioner personal statement reflects you, the better the decision the committee can make. Be your best self, but be yourself.

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How to Write the Perfect NP School Personal Statement

Apr 7, 2020 | Job Search Tips

Most nurse practitioner (NP) schools require their prospective students to compose a personal statement. Often, these elusive essays cause applicants to panic, but with just cause: personal statements are one of the most important components of NP school applications.

Having applied to a BSN, MSN, and DNP program in my past, I have written more personal statements than I can count. In this article, I offer general advice for preparing, writing, and editing your essay.

To help temper your anxiety, this post elaborates on the importance of:

• Following directions
• Being honest
• Writing passionately and professionally
• Making your case
• Starting with an outline
• Offering a story
• Speaking the nursing language
• Addressing your “red flags”
• Giving yourself plenty of time
• Using correct syntax and grammar
• Reading it out loud

Follow Directions

First and foremost, follow directions. Each school has different guidelines for their personal statements, and you do not want your application thrown out just because you fell under their required word count. Some schools provide explicit information on the length, format, and content of the personal statement while others leave the task more open-ended.

For example,  Vanderbilt University  provides an open-ended prompt for the admissions essay: “The Statement of Purpose should reflect your understanding of the role of the advanced practice nurse and your interest in either a particular patient population, in healthcare leadership or in nursing informatics. Before writing your statement of purpose, please carefully review information about the specialty on our website so that you clearly indicate to the faculty that your career goals are a fit with the specialty.”

Drexel University  also offers specific guidelines for their personal statement requirement: “Personal statement (under 1,000 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of: (1) Why you are choosing this particular program of study; (2) Your plans upon completion of the graduate degree; and, (3) How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this MSN program.”

On the other hand, NP schools like  Duke University  and  University of California San Francisco  merely ask for a “personal statement” or “goal statement” with no further direction. Be aware that not every school calls your essay a personal statement. Allen College, for example, calls it a “biographical sketch,” and Johns Hopkins University calls it a “written expression of goals.”

Every application will be slightly different, so it is important to stay organized. Table 1 is an example of how I stayed organized during my NP school applications.

Make sure your answers line up with your resume or curriculum vitae. Do not exaggerate your skills or accomplishments. Instead, be proud of what you have achieved and speak enthusiastically about your desire to become an NP.

Never let someone else write your essay for you, and never plagiarize content from books, blogs, or journal articles. The admissions committee may scan your personal statement for plagiarism using an online program. Be sure to check your essay before you submit it using a website like  PlagTracker ,  Turn It In , or  Grammarly .

Write Passionately and Professionally

One of my favorite quotes is from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” If being an NP is your goal, pursue it with courage, determination, and passion. Become enthusiastic about all things nurse practitioning.

Writing professionally does not mean writing a bland, scientific paper. Be concise, be consistent, use clear examples, and make it sound like you. Make sure your personal statement succinctly and lucidly portrays your passion for becoming an NP. Do not use this essay as a means to criticize past professors or other NP programs.

Make Your Case

Think of your personal statement as your chance to convince the admissions committee to accept you. Why should they admit you? What makes you unique? Why will you succeed in graduate school? Why will you be an excellent nurse practitioner? Use your essay to make your case.

Make sure you tailor your answers to your chosen medical specialty. For example, if you are applying to become an emergency nurse practitioner, what characteristics do you have that will ensure your success? Are you quick on your feet, calm under pressure, and compassionate to all? Are you enthusiastic about this specialty? What have you done or what do you do that demonstrates your passion?

Start with an Outline

Sometimes the hardest part is figuring out where to begin. A mind map can help you start brainstorming. A mind map is a spidergram that offers a structured method for developing ideas.

When you are ready, use your mind map to create a topical outline. Typically, you will want to have an introduction and conclusion paragraph that sandwich a handful of body paragraphs. Your introduction and conclusion should include your thesis and summary of your subtopics. Each body paragraph should elaborate upon one subtopic. I use the following outline when beginning my articles.

Introduction Paragraph

• An attention-grabbing opening statement
• A thesis statement summarizing the theme and purpose of the paper
• Mention each subtopic covered in the body paragraphs

Body Paragraphs (one for each subtopic)

• Opening sentence that indicates subtopic to be discussed
• Multiple sentences that provide supporting details and examples
• A short explanation regarding how these details or examples relate to your thesis

Concluding Paragraph

• Begin with a restatement of your thesis
• Summarize your main topic and subtopics
• End with global statement

Offer a Story

You want the admissions team to remember you. You want to stand out. Try to incorporate a personal story that will make you memorable. The stories can usually be about anything you like: anything from a conversation with a mentor to a volunteer experience. Make the story interesting and use it to illustrate and emphasize your key points.

Choose a story that describes how you decided to become an NP or one that illustrates your personal values. You might also write about a particular challenge or experience that changed your perspective. Try to choose a story that gives the reader a clear impression of who you are and why you will be successful in NP school.

Consider beginning the story in your introduction, telling small pieces in each body paragraph, and ending the story in your conclusion paragraph. If you decide to tel a story in your personal statement, I suggest using the outline below.

• Open with a short vignette that introduces your story and the conflict or challenge
• With each new body paragraph, tell a little more of the story, relating each part of the anecdote to the subtopic
• Conclude the story with what you learned or by emphasizing the moral
• Restatement of your thesis and summarize your subtopics

Speak the Nursing Language

In your personal statement, speak the nursing language. This will give you credibility. For those new to the NP field, learn the language by reading as many books as you can.  A good place to start is Stewart and DeNisco’s  Role Development for the Nurse Practitioner . This text offers a broad overview of health policy, healthcare reform, mentoring, prescriptive authority, and the history of NPs. A newer book that I love is Carolyn Buppert’s  Nurse Practitioner’s Business Practice and Legal Guide . This book will give you more detailed information about the scope of practice laws in each state.

It never hurts to touch on these seminal publications from the  Institute of Medicine :

• The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health
• Assessing Progress on the IOM Report The Future of Nursing
• To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System
• Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century
• Health Professions Education: A Bridge to Quality

You might also consider citing these position papers published by the  American Association of Nurse Practitioners :

• Quality of Nurse Practitioner Practice
• Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners
• Use of Terms Such as Mid-Level Provider and Physician Extender
• Clinical Outcomes: The Yardstick of Educational Effectiveness
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Discussion Paper
• Nurse Practitioner Curriculum

Address Your Red Flags

If you have a red flag in your application, explain it in your personal statement. Do you have a bad grade or low Graduate Record Exam score? Maybe you lack a full year of nursing experience. Rather than shying away from the topic, offer a clear, accurate explanation. Demonstrate humility, and write about how you have compensated for this mistake, challenge, setback, or flaw.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Do not procrastinate! Start your personal statement weeks in advance. Give yourself adequate time to brainstorm, write an outline, compose each paragraph, revise, and edit. A rushed essay might land your entire application in the rejected pile.

Use Correct Syntax and Grammar

Proofread, proofread, and proofread again! A clean, well-composed essay exemplifies your ability to succeed in a graduate program. My favorite website for checking grammar is  Grammarly . They offer a free and premium service. They advertise that their software catches 250 errors that Microsoft Word does not detect. I also find their free  Grammar Handbook  helpful.

Throughout my DNP program, I started a list of general writing tips. Here are some of the most important:

• Use  American Psychological Association  (APA) formating
• Avoid generalities, cliches, and psychobabble
• Do not use the verb “to get”
• Do not use “very” as an intensifier
• Data is plural, so use a plural verb
• Use active voice whenever possible
• “Compare with” points out differences between two similar things
• Affect is a verb and effect is a noun
• Keep the subject and the verb close together
• Omit needless prepositions
• Use that if what you are saying cannot be eliminated without changing the meaning of the sentence
• Use which if you can delete the clause and the sentence will still have the same meaning
• Avoid using negative statements
• Write out numbers under 10 (e.g. three, seven, 10, 45)
• Be consistent with abbreviations and titles
• Avoid contractions

In general, avoid adverbs. Instead, use stronger verbs that imply the adverb. Here is a list of strong verbs to consider:

• Exemplifies
• Corroborates
• Approximates

There are a variety of websites that can help you with APA formatting, grammar, syntax, and checking for plagiarism. Some good resources include:

• http://www.apastyle.org/
• http://www.thesaurus.com/
• https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
• http://www.grammarbook.com/
• https://www.plagtracker.com

Read it Out Loud

After you have finished writing your essay, read it out loud. Most people have more experience listening and speaking than writing and editing. By reading your personal statement out loud, your brain will hear the information and new way and notice flaws you did not see before.

It helps to print a copy of your paper so that you can take notes as you read. Read at a slow to moderate pace. Try to be systematic about your reading: check for grammar the first time through, syntax the second time, and tone the third time.

As you listen to your paper, pay attention to the order of your ideas. Note any gaps in your explanations. Make sure you transition clearly from one main idea to the next. Do not be afraid to reorder sentences, paragraphs, or entire sections. Also, listen for grammatical and syntax errors. You will probably notice sentences that are awkward, too convoluted, and repetitive.

Finally, hearing your paper out loud will give you a sense of its tone. Does your paper sound too casual, too chatty, or too formal? This essay is the admission committee’s first impress of you. Consider reading your paper to a friend and asking them what impression they obtain from your answers.

Dr. Melissa DeCapua, DNP, PMHNP-BC

AuthorMelissa DeCapua is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who graduated from Vanderbilt University. She has a background in child and adolescent psychiatry as well as psychosomatic medicine. Uniquely, she also possesses a bachelor’s degree in studio arts, which she uses to enhance patient care, promote the nursing profession, and solve complex problems. Melissa currently works as the Healthcare Strategist at a Seattle-based health information technology company where she guides product development by combining her clinical background and creative thinking. She is a strong advocate for empowering nurses, and she fiercely believes that nurses should play a pivotal role in shaping modern health care. For more about Melissa, check out her blog  www.melissadecapua.com  and follow her on  Twitter @melissadecapua .

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7 Essential Topics To Include In Your Personal Statement

Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs often ask for a personal statement with your application. So, what exactly is a personal statement, and why does it matter so much?

A personal statement is an essay where you talk about yourself – your background, work experiences, why you want to become a nurse practitioner, and your goals for your career. 

Here’s why it’s key to your application:

It shows who you are.  Beyond grades and test scores, this essay lets you share your unique story. You can show the admissions team your personality, values, and what makes you a great candidate for their NP program.

It proves you can communicate well.  Being able to clearly express yourself is crucial for nurse practitioners. Your personal statement lets you show that you can organize your thoughts and explain things well, skills you’ll need for both your studies and your career.

It explains your motivation.  This is your chance to talk about why you want to be a nurse practitioner and how the program you’re applying to fits with your career plans. It’s your moment to share your passion for nursing and healthcare.

It highlights your experience.  You can use the essay to shine a light on the healthcare work you’ve done, like nursing roles, volunteering, or research. This helps show you’re ready for the challenge of an NP program and a career in advanced nursing.

It sets you apart.  When many applicants have similar backgrounds, a well-written personal statement can help you stand out. Sharing your unique experiences and viewpoints can leave a lasting impression on the admissions team.

7 Topics To Include In Your Personal Statement With Examples:

1. Your Motivation for Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

Start with a strong introduction that captures your passion for nursing and your reason for pursuing an advanced practice role. This could be a personal anecdote that illustrates your dedication to healthcare, patient care experiences that motivated you, or an encounter with a Nurse Practitioner who inspired you.

• Example 1: “Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the impact of health disparities in my community, which ignited my passion for nursing. A pivotal moment came when a nurse practitioner in our local clinic went above and beyond to care for my family. Her dedication inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a significant difference in people’s lives, especially in underserved areas.”
• Example 2: “My motivation to become a nurse practitioner was solidified during my work in a pediatric unit. Seeing children’s resilience in the face of illness, and realizing the profound difference that personalized, compassionate care can make in their recovery, drove me to seek a role where I could offer such care on a deeper, more autonomous level.”

2. Educational and Professional Background

Outline your academic achievements, especially those relevant to nursing and healthcare. Include any honors, awards, or scholarships. Also, detail your work experience, particularly in healthcare settings, emphasizing roles that have prepared you for advanced practice nursing. This could include leadership positions, special projects, or initiatives you were part of.

• Example 1:  “ Earning my BSN with a focus on pediatrics, I graduated with honors and worked at a children’s hospital for over five years. This role deepened my skills in managing diverse pediatric conditions and honed my ability to communicate with young patients and their families effectively. My passion for child health care drives me to specialize further through a Nurse Practitioner program, aiming to enhance my impact on pediatric well-being.”  
• Example 2:  “I graduated summa cum laude with my BSN and actively contributed to research on geriatric care management. Working as a nurse in a community health center, I spearheaded a project to improve patient education for managing chronic conditions, which fueled my desire to advance my practice through an NP program.”
• Example 3:  “After achieving my BSN, where I specialized in emergency care and graduated at the top of my class, I embarked on a career in a Level I Trauma Center. This fast-paced environment honed my decision-making skills and my ability to quickly adapt to changing situations, traits essential for the dynamic role of a Nurse Practitioner. My leadership capabilities were recognized when I was appointed as the head of the unit’s mentoring program for new nurses, a role in which I thrived by guiding others towards excellence in patient care.”

3. Clinical Skills and Experience

Highlight your clinical experiences and the skills you’ve developed. Be specific about the types of healthcare settings you’ve worked in (e.g., hospitals, clinics, community health), the medical specialities and patient populations you’ve served (e.g. pediatric, oncology, cardiology, surgery), and any specialized skills or certifications you have (e.g., ACLS, PALS).

• Example 1: “In my role as an RN in a cardiac care unit, I developed proficient skills in managing acute cardiac episodes and providing post-operative care. This experience, complemented by my ACLS certification, has prepared me for the acute care challenges I will face as a Nurse Practitioner.”
• Example 2: “My clinical rotation in a rural health clinic exposed me to a wide range of primary care issues, from managing chronic illnesses to delivering preventive care. This experience honed my ability to adapt to diverse healthcare settings and solidified my commitment to primary care as a Nurse Practitioner.”

4. Professionalism and Leadership

Demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and leadership in nursing. This could include involvement in professional organizations, volunteer work, leadership roles you’ve held, and how you’ve contributed to improving patient care or healthcare delivery.

• Example 1: “As a member of the Nursing Professional Development Committee at my hospital, I led initiatives to enhance ongoing education and training for nurses, demonstrating my commitment to professional growth and quality patient care.”
• Example 2: “Volunteering as a nurse in a local shelter, I organized health screening events and educated the community on disease prevention. This leadership experience reinforced the importance of community health and advocacy in nursing practice.”
• Example 3: “As a charge nurse in a busy medical surgical unit, I’ve honed leadership skills that are directly transferable to a Nurse Practitioner role. Managing a team of nurses, I’ve learned the importance of clear communication, teamwork, and quick decision-making to ensure efficient patient care and safety. My experience in delegating tasks, mentoring new staff, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams has prepared me to take on the advanced responsibilities of a Nurse Practitioner. I believe these skills will enable me to effectively lead patient care initiatives, contribute to team-based healthcare delivery, and ensure positive outcomes for my patients.”

5. Your Understanding of the Nurse Practitioner Role

Show that you have a clear understanding of what Nurse Practitioners do, the challenges they face, and the impact they have on healthcare. Discuss how you see yourself fitting into this role and contributing to the profession.

• Example 1: “I recognize that Nurse Practitioners play a critical role in expanding access to healthcare, especially in primary care shortage areas. My aspiration is to contribute to this effort by combining my clinical skills with a holistic approach to patient care.”
• Example 2: “Understanding the Nurse Practitioner’s role in leading patient-centered care teams, I am eager to leverage my experience in interdisciplinary collaboration to improve healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction.”
• Example 3: “Shadowing and working alongside Nurse Practitioners in a primary care setting provided me with invaluable insights into the multifaceted role of NPs in healthcare. Observing their holistic approach to patient care, from conducting thorough assessments and developing personalized care plans to educating patients on disease prevention and health maintenance, reinforced my understanding of the critical impact NPs have on improving healthcare outcomes. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the NP’s role in bridging gaps in healthcare accessibility and has motivated me to contribute to this vital field. My firsthand observations of NPs in action have equipped me with a clear vision of the collaborative, patient-centered care I aspire to provide as a Nurse Practitioner.”

6. Personal Qualities and Strengths

Share personal qualities and strengths that make you a good fit for the Nurse Practitioner role. This could include empathy, resilience, excellent communication skills, ability to work well under pressure, and a strong commitment to lifelong learning.

• Example 1: “My colleagues commend my empathy and ability to communicate effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds, strengths I believe are essential for a successful Nurse Practitioner. My resilience, developed through handling challenging patient care situations, has prepared me to face the complexities of advanced practice nursing.”
• Example 2: “Known for my meticulous attention to detail and analytical skills, I am adept at assessing patient needs and developing comprehensive care plans. These strengths, coupled with my commitment to continuous learning, will enable me to excel in the dynamic environment of advanced nursing practice.”

7. Your Goals and Aspirations

Conclude with your professional goals and aspirations. Explain how the NP program will help you achieve these goals, the areas of practice you are particularly interested in (e.g., family health, pediatrics, geriatrics), and how you plan to contribute to the field and to improving patient care.

• Example 1: “Upon completing the Nurse Practitioner program, my goal is to work in a rural health clinic, addressing the gap in primary care access. I aspire to advocate for preventive care measures and manage chronic conditions, improving the overall health of rural communities.”
• Example 2: “After completing the Nurse Practitioner program, I aim to specialize in mental health, addressing the urgent need for accessible psychiatric care. My goal is to integrate holistic and evidence-based approaches to support individuals with mental health challenges, fostering resilience and well-being in my community.”
• Example 3: “My long-term aspiration is to specialize in oncology as a Nurse Practitioner, contributing to both patient care and cancer research. I aim to use my skills and knowledge to improve treatment protocols and support services for patients undergoing cancer treatment, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.”

Each example is crafted to showcase not only the candidate’s qualifications and experiences but also their personal connection to the field, their understanding of the NP role, and their future aspirations. Tailoring your statement to reflect your unique story will make it compelling and memorable.

Remember, your personal statement should be a reflection of who you are. It should be well-organized, concise, and clearly written, free from grammatical and spelling errors. Tailor it to each program you apply to, ensuring it aligns with their values and expectations. Showcasing your unique experiences and aspirations will make your application stand out.

Don’t forget to check out the other helpful articles on this website!

• How to Prepare for NP School While Still in College
• How to Prepare for NP School- Advice From Current Students
• The Top 9 Things Most Nurses Don’t Know When Applying to NP School
• A Detailed Guide to the Nurse Practitioner School Interview
• Can You Go to NP School Right After BSN With No Experience?
• Stethoscope Recommendations for Nurse Practitioners

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Effective NP School Personal Statements to Consider

Table of Contents

A personal statement is an invaluable tool for creating a successful career in nursing. It serves as a reflection of one’s qualities, experience and ambition — demonstrating your commitment to the profession.

Crafting a standout personal statement requires skillful articulation of both dedication and knowledge. It must capture the reader’s attention while succinctly conveying what sets you apart from other candidates.

In this article, we will explore effective strategies for constructing a compelling personal statement that can elevate your candidacy above the competition. In addition, you’ll find a few NP school personal statement examples to guide you.

How to Craft an Effective NP School Personal Statement

Your NP school personal statement is an essential part of your application to any nurse practitioner program. You must pay attention and write a convincing essay.

Highlight Relevant Academic Qualification

First and foremost, the statement should highlight information on your academic achievements as well as any certifications or specialties you possess. This offers insight into your qualifications and allows readers to ascertain whether you are qualified for the program.

Additionally, being able to articulate your passion for nursing is critical. Discussing how you decided to toe this career path demonstrates commitment and shows readers that you have a genuine interest in nursing.

Adding stories about meaningful experiences or patients can help show the reader that you are compassionate and capable.

Highlight Your Soft Skills

Beyond the academic qualifications, your essay should also highlight your soft skills, like compassion, leadership and effective communication. It is important for nurses to have these skills as it aids their work.

Write Concisely

In addition to giving details regarding your background and aspirations, NP personal statements must also demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively .

Therefore, it is imperative to use clear and concise language throughout the piece. Writing in a conversational manner that reflects your personality is more likely to captivate the reader than overly formal wording.

Furthermore, if appropriate, including factual examples helps bolster arguments and display knowledge. 

Format Appropriately

Once the content of the statement has been finalized, the focus turns towards ensuring proper formatting and structure. It is advisable to keep paragraphs short and maintain consistency across each section; an easy-to-follow structure will ensure readability. 

NP School Personal Statement Examples

Check out these examples of NP school personal statements before writing yours.

Nursing has been my professional passion since I was a child, and becoming a Nurse Practitioner is the logical culmination of my lifelong goal. From shadowing in medical clinics to volunteering as an Emergency Medical Technician, I have devoted my time and energy to gaining invaluable care-related experience. My knowledge of nursing science and practice deepened through coursework during college and subsequently at various hospitals and healthcare facilities. Seeing the impact of excellent patient care on health outcomes, I’m confident that being a Nurse Practitioner will enable me to serve patients better. 

I strongly believe that this profession is not only rewarding but also crucial for providing comprehensive primary care to communities. As a Nurse Practitioner, I look forward to leveraging my clinical acumen to diagnose and treat ailments. By combining evidence-based protocols with personal empathy and understanding, I aim to become a trustworthy ally for every patient. 

I know that NP education requires considerable dedication. I’m ready to rise to the challenge by employing rigorous self-discipline and advanced studying techniques. Moreover, working together with like-minded people who share similar objectives would provide an indispensable impetus for amplifying my intellectual aptitude. With these qualifications and enthusiasm, I’m certain that a Nurse Practitioner program would be one of the most meaningful decisions in my life.

I seek admission to a nurse practitioner program in order to further my education and professional goals. With a passion for service, I want to read and learn more so that I can effectively care for patients in need. My plan is to build upon the knowledge and experience gained through my prior positions as a registered nurse. I hope to use those skills to provide competent and compassionate care. 

I have had the pleasure of providing healthcare services on the frontline for over 10 years. During this time, I’ve developed expertise in many aspects of nursing. Furthermore, I believe strongly in collaborative practice, which has allowed me to form meaningful relationships with both colleagues and patients alike. These experiences have given me the confidence to take on greater responsibility within the field of nursing. Ultimately, it has led me here to pursue a nurse practitioner degree. 

Not only do I possess knowledge of clinical practices and procedures, but I also am well-versed in health policy, advocacy, and team management. Additionally, I thrive when faced with challenges that require problem-solving or critical-thinking skills. As such, if accepted into your esteemed program, I will bring diverse perspectives and insights based on my past experiences. My ultimate goal is to provide excellent patient-centered care while advancing my professional career by expanding my scope of practice.

Final Thoughts

By taking into consideration these tips and referencing the provided samples, you can create a compelling personal statement.

If you need more help, you should consider using the new Hey INK tool . It is an AI-powered writing assistant that turns your simple instructions into well-written content.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Tips for Writing a Great Nursing Personal Statement

When preparing to apply to a graduate nursing program, there are many requirements and submission guidelines to remember. The component that allows you to tell your unique story — your personal statement — is one of the most important.

Writing a compelling personal statement for an MSN program, like the Nursing@Simmons online  Family Nurse Practitioner  (FNP)  or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs, takes time and can be challenging for some applicants. Just as a poorly written essay can hinder your chances of acceptance, a great one can set you apart from other applicants. Below are three steps to writing a personal statement that will make a positive impression on any admissions committee.

1. Plan Your Story

Very few people can sit down at a keyboard and craft the perfect personal statement without preparation. It may take several weeks of thinking about how to communicate your story, so give yourself plenty of time to plan, jot down thoughts, and make an outline as ideas come to you. Use the following tips to gather the information you’ll need to create an excellent statement.

• Consider how your work experience as a registered nurse (RN) has influenced you and shaped your goals for the future.  How will an advanced education promote your professional growth and help you transition into the role of an FNP or PMHNP?
• Think beyond your resume.  What traits, strengths, and accomplishments aren’t captured there? Consider your interests, including how they will contribute to your success in the program. Provide examples of nursing goals, leadership, mentorship, or growth you have accomplished or experienced. Write these down and keep them in mind as you begin your draft.
• Choose appropriate topics for your statement.  Avoid soapbox issues, and don’t preach to your reader. This kind of statement can come across as condescending and obscure the point you’re trying to make.
• Research the program.  Make sure you understand the school’s values and reputation. Do they align with yours? How so?

2. Create Your Draft

• When it is time to start putting your thoughts on paper, try to avoid overthinking your work.  Strive for a natural voice. Pretend you are talking to a friend and write without fear — you can edit and polish your piece to perfection in the next stage.
• Avoid cliches and nursing generalities.  Generic descriptors, such as “caring,” “compassionate,” “people person,” and “unique,” have been so often overused that they no longer carry much weight with an admissions committee. They also don’t address your personal experience in the nursing sphere. Try not to start your story with phrases like “for as long as I can remember” or your audience may stop reading.
• Show, don’t tell.  Strong storytelling is grounded in personal details that illustrate who you are, both as a nurse and a person. Be specific by describing how many patients you managed, how you earned promotions, or a time when your supervisor praised your professionalism and clinical abilities. Here are examples that illustrate the difference between telling and showing: 

“I perform well under pressure.”

“Although my patient arrived for a different ailment, I suspected that her symptoms were consistent with a serious infection. As a result, I was able to advocate for a care plan that prevented further damage.”

• Use specific examples when talking about your experience with direct patient care and evidence-based practice.  Provide details about how your clinical experiences have demonstrated patient advocacy, leadership, communication, or confidence.
• Discuss how earning a  Master of Science in Nursing  aligns with your career plans and why you want to become a FNP  or PMHNP .  Explain that you understand the commitment required and that you have the skills and dedication to become an FNP   or PMHNP. Be sure to let the admissions committee know why you are choosing their program and what makes their program stand apart from the rest. Reflect on the school and program research you did during your planning stage.

3. Edit and Perfect

Even the best writers have to edit and polish their work. Reviewing and revising your personal statement ensures that the piece is clear, organized, and free of errors.

• Once you have written your first draft, take a break and distance yourself from your work.  This will allow you to return to the draft with a clear head to review objectively and spot potential issues and errors.
• Read your statement aloud.  Does it sound like you? Does it reflect your best qualities and the strengths you’ll bring to a nursing program?
• Always use spell check on your essay, but be careful as it won’t catch every spelling error.
• Use a grammar editing tool, such as  Grammarly .
• Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to review your statement. This is a great way to catch errors or awkward phrasing that you may have missed.

Your nursing personal statement should be a window into your life. Use it to share specific experiences that have influenced your decision to advance your nursing education. Adhering to professional standards and presenting yourself in a positive, open, and honest way will help the admissions committee determine your fit and future in an FNP or PMHNP program.

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Application Fee

A $75 non-refundable application fee must be paid through the application system after the application is submitted.

Fee waivers are granted to military service members and veterans, members of the Peace Corps and Americorps, Columbia Nursing alumni, and applicants who can demonstrate financial hardship. Applicants can complete the Fee Waiver Request Form at least three weeks prior to the application deadline.

Transcripts

All transcripts from post-secondary schools attended or in which credit was received must be uploaded to your online application. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted at the time of the application. Official transcripts are required at time of admission. Please do not mail in any paper transcripts to the Office of Admissions.

If you have attended a school outside of the United States, you must upload a course-by-course transcript evaluation conducted by the World Education Services (WES)

Written Essays

Two written essays are required on the application. The essays should be uploaded to the application as PDF files. 

• Essay Requirements: Two double-spaced pages (12-point font/one-inch margins) 
• Essay Requirements: One double spaced page (12-point font/one-inch margins) 

Video Essay

Applicants will be recorded answering two video essay questions. The questions are:

• Please tell us about a time that you have overcome an obstacle in your life, how you dealt with, and what you learned from the experience.
• In nursing, ethics serves as a strong component. Drawing from either a personal experience or creating a scenario, please discuss an ethical dilemma and your solution for it.

The video essay is recorded live within the application, so applicants will need a webcam that is directly attached to their device and a web browser that supports Flash. Applicants are not able to upload a pre-recorded answer.  

Guidelines to support recording the video essay: 

• A good internet connection is needed. Direct wire connections to router are best. If you are using WiFi, it's recommended that you set up your recording space as close as possible to your router. 
• Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure the background where you will be recording your video is neat, and if applicable, remove any items you do not want on camera. 
• Place your camera level with the top of your head for the best angle. 
• Have your light source facing you – placed right behind your computer/camera. This is best in order to provide good lighting. 
• Be aware of your surroundings and environmental sounds when recording audio. Use an external microphone if you have one (this may provide better sound quality). 
• Make sure to dress professionally and as if you were delivering your video essay in person to the Admissions Committee. 
• Don't rely on reading directly from any notes or a script when delivering your video essay. 
• Use the practice round of the video essay. This is an opportunity to work out any kinks before the actual recording starts. 
• Feel free to introduce yourself at the beginning of your video essay, and be mindful of the topics you decide to share when answering the question. 

Timed Writing Sample

Applicants will be asked to answer a short essay question in a period of 10 minutes (two minutes to think about the response and 10 minutes to write the sample) within the application. A random question will be generated by the application site so applicants cannot prepare the essay in advance. Essays are evaluated on the content and structure of the applicant's response.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required. One of these references must be an academic reference; the remaining two may be academic, professional, or a combination of the two. Two of these references must be recent, from within the last 12 months. References should be written for the purpose of the applicant's application. Academic references should know you as a student and professional references should know you in a job setting, preferably in a supervisory role. Personal references from friends or family members do not meet the requirement. 

References selected must align with the experience the applicant has accounted for in their application (ie. if selecting a supervisor as a reference, the job in which you worked at should be listed on your resume).  

Recommendation letters must be submitted through the application portal. The applicant will be required to provide the recommender's name and email address on the application. The recommender will receive an email from the Office of Admissions directing them to complete the online reference form. They can also upload their letter through this form as a Word document or PDF file. 

As part of the admission process, all references will undergo a verification process.  After submission of an enrollment deposit and before orientation, we will reach out to your recommender to verify the authenticity of their submission. 

Resume or CV

Applicants will be asked to provide their professional affiliations, awards/commendations, interests, hobbies, and community service involvement on the application. Applicants will also be asked to upload their resume/CV to the application portal. The resume/CV should be uploaded as a PDF in order to ensure proper formatting.

There is no page limit required for the resume/CV. In addition to academic and professional experience, applicants should include hobbies, interests, honors, awards, and travel experience. This type of information will give the review committee an opportunity to gain a more holistic understanding of the applicant.

GRE exam scores are not required. Applicants who wish to submit these scores can upload an unofficial copy of the scores directly on the online application.

Additional Documentation Not Required

• Addendum: Applicants can submit a brief statement explaining substantive extenuating circumstances that they feel could impact their application. Information related to academic circumstances that have affected an applicant's performance should be addressed in this section.
• Optional Essay: Applicants can submit a one-page essay (double-spaced/12-point font) focused on non-academic topics.
• Communications: If an applicant has corresponded with our Admissions Office regarding any parts of their application or program requirements (i.e. prerequisite course review), they can upload the email communication in this section.

Additional Information Regarding Application Processing and Review

Note that the applicant must submit all materials directly, not through an agent or third-party vendor, with the following exceptions: submission by the U.S. Department of State's Fulbright program; submission by Danish-American Fulbright (DAF); and submission by Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD).

The applicant will be required to attest to the accuracy and authenticity of all information and documents submitted to Columbia. If you have questions about this requirement, please contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected] .

• Failure to submit complete, accurate, and authentic application documents consistent with these instructions may result in denial or revocation of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, expulsion, or eventual revocation of degree. Applicants may be required to assist admissions staff and faculty involved in the admission reviews in verification of all documents and statements made in documents submitted by the student as part of the application review process.
• All application materials will be verified by the Office of Admissions or a third-party vendor for enrolling applicants. Detailed information regarding this process will be distributed upon publication of admission decisions.

DNP Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement Tips

Writing a statement of purpose and personal history statement for any doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program can be a challenge, especially if you are not used to writing. However, it is an important opportunity to illuminate parts of yourself that may not be on your application.

Instead of detailing accomplishments on your curriculum vitae, your statement of purpose and personal history statement should be a compelling narrative of your personal and academic achievements.

By the end, the admissions committee should have a better understanding of who you are as a person, what drives you and what led you to apply for admission to the UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing DNP program — Post Master’s or Family Nurse Practitioner tracks.

It is worth the time spent preparing to write a statement that truly makes you stand out.

Writing tips

• Before starting, make sure you carefully read the prompts provided by the program for the Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement.
• Brainstorm ideas and develop an outline.
• Review UCI Nursing’s mission and vision to ensure they align with your professional aspirations.
• Know your audience — you are writing to the admissions committee rather than a friend.
• Consult with a mentor about your professional development. Your mentors can be a great source of advice about your aspirations to become a doctorally-prepared nurse.
• Read other statements for inspiration.
• Adhere to any word limits and instructions outlined on the application.
• Capture the reader’s attention in your opening paragraph. The most compelling aspects of your story should be highlighted first.
• Show, don’t tell. Back up your statements with specific examples and evidence (e.g. “I demonstrate leadership capabilities in my role” vs. “Leadership comes naturally to me, as evidenced by…”).
• Be clear, concise and selective in your word choices.
• Show where you have come from and where you plan to go. Explain how the DNP program will help you achieve your goals.
• Use first person, “I” language (e.g., “I am interested in…” or “I would like to study…”).
• Avoid being overly general, clichés and informal (using slang).
• Make your statement of purpose and personal history unique.
• Review your writing closely for mistakes in grammar and spelling.
• Ask for feedback on your statement and history. Have colleagues, friends or family read it.
• Read your essays out loud.

The Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement are not:

• A list of activities
• A life story
• Fiction or creative writing

Note: While following this guide may be helpful, it does not guarantee admission to our program.

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Sample of nurse practitioner’s entrance essay

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Educator, Research Writer. Masters Degree in Nursing

Sep. 20, 2023

Sample Question

Sample of nurse practitioner’s entrance essay

Question Explanation

In the report titled “ The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health ” the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in collaboration with Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) developed four key recommendations.  One of the recommendations was that nurses should be empowered to practice to their full capacity of their educational and training achievements.  Secondly, nurses should attain higher levels of education and training in an enhanced education system, which encourages scholarly progress. The goal of the IOM recommendations is to build the capacity of the nursing profession to address   the emerging challenges and demands of the American healthcare system (IOM, 2011).

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LEAVITT SCHOOL OF HEALTH | ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Directions for Completing FNP Application Documents

Application essay.

The purpose of the application essay is to demonstrate to the FNP Admissions Committee your understanding of the family nurse practitioner role, justifications for the family nurse practitioner role in delivering high-quality and cost-effective healthcare, and how the WGU FNP programs might prepare you to meet the healthcare needs of your local community or population of interest. This is an opportunity for you to communicate directly with the admissions committee, highlighting how your life and professional experiences have prepared you for the transition from the role of Registered Nurse to Family Nurse Practitioner.   

Use your personal and professional preparation to answer the following questions in your application essay for the WGU FNP programs:  

• Why do you want to become a nurse practitioner at this time in your life?   
• What type of clinical practice will you pursue upon graduation from the WGU nurse practitioner program (FNP or PMHNP)?   
• What is the role of nurse practitioners in delivering high quality, cost-effective healthcare?   
• How do you plan to balance the demands of a rigorous nurse practitioner program with other personal or professional commitments? Please provide specific strategies you have used to manage your time effectively.  
• If you have a significant life change, how will you adjust your time and priorities to ensure you are dedicating the time necessary to be successful in the NP program?   

As you answer the questions above, we will examine your application essay to ensure your writing meets the following criteria: 

• Plagiarism will result in an automatic decline during the competitive selection process . 
• Originality and uniqueness are expected.  Writing is self-reflective, creative, innovative, and diverse.
• Writing directly addresses all four application essay questions.
• Writing is clear and appropriate for the purpose of the assignment. 
• All evidence and examples are used effectively and are specific and relevant. 
• Ideas are coherently and logically organized with well‐developed paragraphs and effective transitions. 
• All sentences are well written with varied sentence structure and are free of errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. 
• Maintains appropriate tone, diction, and vocabulary for various modes of writing. 
• Work demonstrates clear understanding of the target audience.  

The purpose of the CV/résumé is to directly tie your previous and current life and professional experience, as noted in your résumé or CV, to the WGU FNP program.   

CV/Résumé Criteria

• Audience and purpose of the résumé are strong and clear.
• Format of the résumé is clear. Each major section includes required information (names, dates, locations, etc.).
• Résumé shows a very professional appearance, tone, and style.
• Writer follows all guidelines for spelling, grammar, usage, mechanics, etc. Sentences are strong and have a varied structure.

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Avoid These 4 Mistakes on Your NP Program Application

Isn’t writing NP program admissions essays the worst? The vague, nuanced questions leave you wondering what exactly faculty are looking to see in your responses. You must walk the fine line between bragging about your accomplishments and seeming like your credentials are lacking. You know you have overcome some challenge or obstacle in life, but of course can’t think of it when you sit down to draft your admissions app. 

While writing your NP program admissions essays can seem like a daunting task, there are a few things nurse practitioner programs consistently look for in your responses. And, there are a few common red flags admissions faculty notice that can land your app squarely in the recycle bin. What common mistakes should you avoid in writing your NP program admissions essays and personal statements?

1. A misguided perception of the nurse practitioner career

The number one, numero uno, highest priority, top thing admissions staff are looking to see in your personal statement and other application essay responses is that you understand the nurse practitioner role . If you mention you want to become a nurse practitioner because you “couldn’t get into medical school”, you won’t be accepted to an NP program either. 

Your personal statement and essay responses must show that you understand what nurse practitioners do on a day to day basis and how they fit into the healthcare system as a whole. If you aren’t quite sure exactly how NP’s fit in or what the nurse practitioner career looks like, job shadow an NP before drafting your response . Also, be sure your stated career goals match the specialty to which you are applying. Don’t state you want to work in the ICU when applying to a Family Nurse Practitioner program . Your career plans and personal statement must be aligned. 

2. Drama, drama, drama

Kim Hammonds, an admissions faculty member from Trevecca University, informed me in an interview a few months ago that personal statements have gotten a bit crazy lately. “It seems someone out there is advising students to tell dramatic stories in their personal statements” she said. “We don’t want drama, we want to see the real you” she continued. 

In drafting your personal statement you must walk the fine line of informing admissions faculty of your experience and qualifications while maintaining honesty. You must detail personal and professional goals while being practical. Even if the biggest challenge you have overcome in life is managing to live with a roommate who refuses to clean out the fridge or dealing with a drunk sorority sister, choose something more relevant to discuss on your application. Talk about past work experiences and how they have prepared you for the rigors of a nurse practitioner program. Treat your NP program application as you would a job application. 

3. Cutting yourself short

Extracurricular experiences won’t secure your admission to a nurse practitioner program quite like grades and GRE scores , but they certainly can help. Presenting these activities in a way that makes them relevant to your goal of becoming a nurse practitioner will boost your credentials even further. Pointing out that you were in a sorority on your application, for example, means nothing to admissions faculty. Outlining that you managed a substantial budget and lead the planning of multiple social and charity events every year including lining up vendors and delegating to other sorority members gives your experience some cred in the eyes of admissions staff. 

Give your extracurricular activities some oomph on your app by mentioning the specific management and leadership skills they entailed. This way, you draw the connection to how your experiences, although sometimes seemingly insignificant, are helping you achieve your ultimate goals. 

4. Neglecting to edit

Even if you have put together the perfect personal statement, have years of nursing experience, and once volunteered with AIDS orphans in the Peace Corps , nothing will ruin your nurse practitioner application quite like sloppiness. Graduate programs are writing-intensive. If your essay responses are crap, admissions staff will seriously doubt your ability to succeed in graduate school. Nothing will have a skinny envelope from your NP program of choice on its way to your mailbox quicker than bad grammar, punctuation mistakes, and a poorly written essay. Read and re-read your essay responses. Have a friend or family member go over them as well. Taking time on your essays and editing them to perfection will be worth the effort. 

You Might Also Like: 4 Reasons You Were Rejected from Your NP Porgram (and How to Fix Them)

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Nurse — Nurse Practitioner Admission Reflection

Nurse Practitioner Admission Reflection

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DNP-FNP entrance essay

Specialties NP

Updated: Jul 23, 2023   Published Jan 20, 2020

Hello, I am applying for a DNP -FNP program and would love some feed back on my essay.

Specifically I would like to be reviewed for the following but am open to other suggestions

1) Did I answer the prompts appropriately?

2) Is the writing concise, easy to understand and has decent flow? I had some trouble with transitioning in the last few paragraphs as I wanted to answer the prompt in order. I also feel my opening is a little abrupt, but again, trying to be concise and answer the prompt appropriately.

PROMPT: Please describe (1) Your understanding of the family nurse practitioner role and why you are interested in this role, (2) Your perception of what the doctorate of nursing practice education adds to advanced practice nursing, and (3) Your understanding of integrative health and how it blends with the nurse practitioner role.

I believe the primary role of the family nurse practitioner is to function as a central part of an interdisciplinary team to promote and direct primary healthcare for individuals of all age groups. Unique to the role and purpose of nurse practitioners is the merging of the nursing/psychosocial model of care and medical/pathophysiological model. It is the marriage of the two modalities that allows the provision of the highest quality patient centered care. I feel this role highlights our ability to treat diseases and illnesses as they arise, while simultaneously addressing the individuality of patients in context to their culture, economic status, belief and social system.

Personally my interest in becoming a family nurse practitioner stems from my passion for public health especially in sub urban and rural communities having grown up in one myself. I feel strongly that access to primary and preventative health care is a core foundation of a healthy individual and a healthy community. The most rewarding aspect of my current job as a home health case manager is assisting in creating and directing an individualized plan of care for my patients that addresses every aspect that may present as a barrier or support for their success, such as financial status, living environment, or social support, and working with providers and other disciplines to best achieve our goals. Becoming a FNP would allow me to continue this aspect of my career with an expanded scope of practice, advanced clinical skills, and a strong basis of leadership, advocacy and scientific inquiry. My hope is that with a FNP license I can better assist in expanding high quality primary care to areas and populations of STATE that experience difficulties with accessibility.

I feel what the DNP degree adds to advanced practice nursing is a strong core of leadership and advocacy for both our patients and profession. From general coursework to the final research project, the DNP degree seems to focus on the development of strong leaders in healthcare to assist in the promotion and advancement of quality patient care. Being the terminal clinical degree available, it allows nurses who pursue this avenue to function in the highest healthcare settings and assist in policy making, quality review and various other leadership roles which are much needed in the fast shifting area of healthcare today.

One of the central components of my personal practice as a Home Health RN is the incorporation of integrative health. My understanding of integrative health stems from my own cultural background and upbringing being Chinese-Taiwanese. Growing up my family practiced various different types of Eastern and Traditional medicine ranging from acupressure to herbal remedies in combination with seeing providers for traditional Western Medicine. I believe integrative health to be the recognition and use of all different types and modalities of health promotion with a patient centered approach. It is an expansive, inclusive and culturally sensitive practice and by recognizing and including these alternative practices we are better able to create comprehensive treatment plans with cohesive care. As nurses I feel we are always striving to provide holistic health, or health to the whole person, body and mind. By utilizing an integrative health framework as a nurse practitioner we would be adding tools to our toolkit for treating patients as a whole, fostering better outcomes and satisfaction.

Thank you for your consideration for my entrance into the DNP -FNP program at the SCHOOL. I would be honored to one day practice at the highest level of the nursing profession, bringing with me my skills, passion and knowledge as well as experience and leadership that will be gained during my schooling.

• + Add a Comment

Yes on both your questions! Concise, easy to understand, and well written. Best of luck! ?

kcheck5, MSN, APRN, NP

I think it answers all of the questions and flows well.

This is for U of P, yes? I pulled out my application and will be applying for next year. Timing isn’t right anymore for my little family. Good luck!!!

18 hours ago, kcheck5 said: I think it answers all of the questions and flows well. This is for U of P, yes? I pulled out my application and will be applying for next year. Timing isn’t right anymore for my little family. Good luck!!!

Thank you, and yes it is! I have 1 recommendation waiting before my app is complete. If I don't get in this year I will definitely be reapplying next year, so we very well may be in the same cohort. Best of luck when you apply! Hopefully it will be better timing

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Our Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is designed to provide the clinical skills and academic knowledge to promote health and treatment of physiologic and psychologic health, disease prevention, advanced physical assessment, and management of common acute and chronic illnesses.

In many states, including Colorado, FNPs can practice independently, including the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illness and the ordering and interpretation of diagnostic tests across the lifespan. FNPs also practice in a variety of clinical settings such as primary care, home health, urgent care, ambulatory care, school-based clinics, retail health clinics, and community health departments and clinics.

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Family Nurse Practitioner plans of study.

• MS: FNP Plan of Study (PDF)
• BS-DNP: FNP Plan of Study (PDF)
• Post-Graduate Certificate: FNP Plan of Study (PDF)*
• Masters requirements
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A post-graduate certificate is available in this specialty.

Gainful Employment and Program Statistics for Post-Graduate Certificate

For more information regarding graduation rates, the median debt of students completing our certificate programs, and other important information, please visit the University of Colorado Denver Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness .​​​​​​​​

Program Highlights

• Online coursework with on-campus intensives
• Cohort model encourages student connections and community building
• Clinical placements are provided for students who live in the Denver metro area​
• Global health opportunities and interprofessional learning activities​
• Outstanding record of first-time pass rates on FNP national certification exam
• Graduates find employment quickly

Graduates of this specialty track are eligible to apply for national certification by examination. You will learn more about the certification organizations appropriate for this specialty during the completion of your program. Upon successful completion of the certification examination, Family Nurse Practitioners are eligible for licensure in all 50 states, including Colorado (visit the Colorado Board of Nursing APRN application forms page), where licensure is granted as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and is required for practice.

​When do you accept applications?

How long will it take to complete the family nurse practitioner program (fnp)​.

Please see the posted FNP Plans of Study.

• FNP MS Program is completed in less than 2.5 years (8 semesters) as a full-time student.
• FNP BS-DNP program is completed in a little more than 4 years (12 semesters for Spring admits, 13 semesters for Fall admits). Students are able to receive their MS at less than 2.5 years (8 semesters) into the BS-DNP program and are then eligible to sit for the national certification examination.
• FNP Post-Graduate Certificate program is completed in just over 1 year (5 semesters).

The FNP program is completed full-time in a cohort, meaning in the Fall and Spring, students admitted enroll in the program at the same time, complete all courses in a sequence together, and graduate together.

Is the FNP programs offered completely online or in class?​

Will i be required to travel to colorado, ​does the fnp programs have a clinical requirement, ​do i have to find my own clinical placement.

The University of Colorado College of Nursing is responsible for ensuring adequate and sufficient clinical experiences for students in all programs, including students enrolled in distance programs. Clinical placements are arranged by the College of Nursing for students who live in the Denver Metropolitan Seven-County area (Denver, Jefferson, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Broomfield, and Boulder counties.)

For those who live outside of the Denver Metropolitan area, the students are asked to take the primary role in identifying their preceptors. The Specialty Director will assess the preceptor qualifications and student learning needs and will make the final determination regarding student- preceptor match.

In the unusual situation that a rural or out-of-state student is unable to find a clinical preceptor, a student may be required to complete clinical experiences in the Denver Metro (seven counties) area to assure timely academic progression.

This process can take several months to achieve an affiliation agreement, so we highly recommend providing information about an institution to your Specialty Director shortly after program admission. However, if a rural or out-of-state student is unable to find a clinical preceptor(s)/site, the College of Nursing will provide a clinical site, which may NOT be in the geographic location of the student but will provide the student an adequate experience to meet the program outcomes.

Additionally, if there is a concern of a clinical practice, a student may be asked to complete the clinical time in the Denver Metropolitan area for more direct observation and assessment by the College of Nursing faculty/Specialty Director.

Will this prepare me to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification?​

Can i take a course before i apply​.

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Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master's Certificate

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At the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, future family psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners learn to apply the nursing process and medical/medication management to promote optimal mental health while engaging in active, ongoing collaboration with clients, their families, significant others and the interprofessional team.

Students pursuing the family psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program at SLU work with children, adolescents and adults of all ages with acute or complex mental health needs or psychiatric diagnoses. The family psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program encourages evidence-based, culturally sensitive, recovery-oriented and holistic care.

At the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, we partner with our students on clinical placement. Besides being paired with a faculty mentor with expertise in the students' desired field of study, Saint Louis University helps students obtain preceptors for their clinical rotations.

SLU's School of Nursing is renowned for excellence in nursing education. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks our M.S.N.-NP program as a top program in their Best Graduate Schools survey.

Curriculum Overview

Our post-master's nurse practitioner certificate programs are conducted almost completely online, requiring only one visit to the St. Louis campus.

A minimum of 15 credits is required for completion of a post-master's nurse practitioner certificate program. The total number of credits varies, depending on the nurse practitioner specialty certificate pursued. At the school's discretion, students may transfer three to six credits of graduate-level coursework to be applied toward their post-master's certificate program of study.

Student files are individually reviewed. Students may be able to petition for advanced standing in courses such as “Advanced Health Assessment,” “Advanced Pathophysiology” and “Advanced Pharmacology.”

Upon completion of the post-master's nurse practitioner certificate program, you will qualify to take the national certification exam through your specialty certification board.

T he median salary of nurse practitioners in 2022 was $ 12 5 , 900 . The best-paid 25% of nurse practitioners made $ 135,470 that year; the lowest-paid 25% made $ 103,250 . The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 38% employment growth for nurse practitioners between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 292,000  jobs are projected to open in the nurse practitioner profession.

Admission Requirements

• A master's degree in a nursing specialty, preferably from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency
• A college cumulative grade point of 3.0 or higher
• Completion of a graduate-level physiology or pathophysiology course and a beginning health assessment course, or the equivalent 
• Experience in an advanced practice role in nursing
• Proof of completion of an American heart care provider course and negative drug screening is required after acceptance.

The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing adheres to the principles of a holistic admission process in which selection criteria are broad-based and linked to our University’s and school’s mission and goals. While we do consider academic metrics we also look at applicant experiences, attributes, potential for success, and how applicants may contribute to the school’s learning environment and to the nursing profession.

The curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the State of Missouri. Note that the Missouri Board of Nursing may impose additional requirements on candidates prior to granting a license; we encourage you to investigate these requirements.

The School of Nursing has not determined whether the curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for nursing licensure in any other states or territories. However, graduates of our APRN programs are eligible to sit for National Board Certification Exams in all states and territories. We encourage you to investigate the requirements in your state or territory prior to accepting an offer of admission.

SLU accepts applications to the post-master's certificate program from students living in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Depending on the state, clinical fees may be required.

Application Requirements

Please follow the five steps outlined below to apply:

• Step 1: Application Submit the application form and pay the associated fee through NursingCAS . Select Saint Louis University. 
• Step 2: Transcripts Please submit your official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended directly to NursingCAS . They will provide details when the application is initiated.
• Step 3: Resume or Curriculum Vitae Attach your CV/résumé documenting your education, clinical nursing experience and service to the nursing profession/community within the NursingCAS application.
• Step 4: Professional Goal Statement Attach your professional goal statement within the NursingCAS application. The goal statement should outline your short- and long-term goals as a nurse practitioner and include an explanation of why you've decided on that path. The statement should be one-to-two pages and double-spaced.
• Step 5: RN License Attach a copy of your unencumbered registered nurse license in the state in which clinical experience will be done within the NursingCAS application.

Requirements for International Students

International students on F1 or J1 student visas are not eligible for admission, as these programs are conducted entirely online. For additional information, contact the Office of International Services .

Application Deadlines

Admissions are rolling, with the following deadlines:

• Fall semester start: August 1
• Spring semester start: January 1

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financing for this program may be available through grants, scholarships, loans (federal and private) and institutional financing plans. For price estimates, please review the SLU Cost Calculator .

The Saint Louis University Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing offers scholarship and graduate research assistantship opportunities to eligible graduate students. Additionally, most nursing students will participate in a tuition assistance program provided through their employer.

For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services .

Accreditation

The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice at the Valentine School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing . To achieve its educational objectives, the school uses the hospitals within SSM Health and many health care organizations in the greater St. Louis area.

Graduates will be able to implement collaborative strategies to provide ethical, high-quality, safe, cost-effective, patient-centered care. 

Graduates will be able to use scholarly inquiry including evidence-based practice and research application to improve decision-making and health outcomes.

Graduates will be able to integrate advanced competencies, skills, theories, and cultural sensitivity in relationships with patients and professionals.

Graduates will be able to provide quality care to achieve measurable, effective patient outcomes across transitions and throughout the health-illness continuum.

Graduates will be able to facilitate the improvement of health care through leadership within health care systems and communities.

Graduates will be able to demonstrate competence for full practice authority in a specialized area as an advanced practice nurse. 

Graduates will be able to utilize health care informatics and technologies to support and enhance practice.

Graduates will be able to analyze the social and structural determinants that influence policy development to improve population health and advance health equity

Graduates will be able to demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning, and exhibit integrity and professionalism as an advanced practice nurse in the clinical setting and within the inter-professional team.

May be waived for Post‐ Master of Science in Nursing  students who are already nurse practitioners depending on the experience and time since relevant course content.  Will be required of a P ost-Master of Science in Nursing Certificate Nurse Practitioner student if the student’s clinical experience is not current, or the specialty is not primary care or adult‐gerontological acute care.  

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact the School of Nursing's recruitment and enrollment staff:

Undergraduate Inquiries 314-977-8995  [email protected]  

Graduate Inquiries 314-977-8976  [email protected]

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Nurse Practitioner Program, Admission Essay Example

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It is, I must confess, virtually impossible for me to convey why I am pursuing the Nurse Practitioner program, simply because doing so would require a distancing of everything that I am. Identifying actual reasons and motivations is difficult when the matter in question goes to personal essence. Being a skilled Nurse Practitioner is more than a goal for me; it translates to my becoming the person I feel I must be. That said, I can offer a more pragmatic, and hopefully more useful, rationale: what you offer is the best in the field and, in committing to it, I will be nearer to attaining that state of being for myself. I am keenly aware of the demands of the profession, and this awareness compels me to pursue the highest degree of education available. Having done my homework, I then apply for this graduate course.

In regard to career goals, I am both optimistic and exceedingly open. In a sense, obtaining my degree will be a culmination of the most important goal, in that working as a Nurse Practitioner in any environment will fulfill my dream. I cannot even generally indicate at this point where I would seek to practice, simply because I believe that the education I receive will introduce me to new possibilities and avenues as yet unknown to me. Wherever my career takes me, I will be looking to be challenged, and encouraged to reach beyond my abilities. I am also committed to working in a situation in which my learning never ceases, as I believe that real learning for a nurse is not a process that is ever completed. Whether it lies ion technical proficiency or in developing talents in perception and caring for patients, there is always something to take in, and than translate into nursing.

If there is anything specific I would wish to communicate to the program director, it is the scope of my interest and the degree of my commitment. I am intelligent, dedicated, and my calling to the profession fuels my dedication. Very simply, there is no attribute of myself I am not eager to invest in the field, for only by giving so fully of myself can I hope to attain my dream, and be the Nurse Practitioner I so desire to be.

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Exam Bulletin - Nurse Practitioner, Correctional Facility

Exam Code: EX-3124

Examination Plans Included:

• NURSE PRACTITIONER, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

View the NURSE PRACTITIONER, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY classification specification.

Application Instructions

Who should apply:.

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months :

Exam Code(s):

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

Possession of a current license as a Registered Nurse in California. (Applicants who do not meet this requirement will be admitted to the examination, but they must secure the required license before they will be considered eligible for appointment.) And Possession of a current certification as a Nurse Practitioner by the Board of Registered Nurses. (Applicants who do not meet this requirement will be admitted to the examination, but they must secure the required certificate before they will be considered eligible for appointment.)

Special Personal Characteristics:   Empathetic understanding of patients of a State correctional facility; willingness to work in a State correctional facility; emotional stability; patience; tact; alertness; and keenness of observation.

Special Physical Characteristics:  Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental, and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees or that of incarcerated patients.

Assignments may include sole responsibility for the supervision of incarcerated patients and/or the protection of personal and real property.

State Civil Service Out of Class Experience:   A completion of an “out-of-class (OOC) assignment memorandum”, dated within one year of assignment completion, is required to use OOC experience to meet the minimum qualifications for examination purposes.  Employees may obtain this documentation from their Classification and Pay Analyst or institutional Personnel Liaison.  OOC experience without the required documentation cannot be considered for examination purposes.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:  The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to building an inclusive and culturally diverse workplace. We are determined to attract and hire more candidates from diverse communities and empower all employees from a variety of cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts to increase representation at all levels of the Department. 

Position Description

00109278 - NURSE PRACTITIONER, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

A Nurse Practitioner, Correctional Facility, under the supervision of a physician, in a State correctional facility in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, provides direct and indirect patient care services under written and approved standardized procedures; maintains order and supervises the conduct of incarcerated patients; protects and maintains the safety of persons and property; and does other related work.

Positions exist statewide.  

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:

• Current trends and concepts of professional nursing practices;
• Laws and regulations relating to the nurse practitioner scope of practice;
• Principles and practices of clinical assessment of common health problems;
•   Principles of mental health;
• Causes, treatment, and prevention of communicable diseases, chronic diseases, mental illness, and other disabling conditions;
• Continuity of patient care and the community health care resources.
• Work effectively with individuals to assist them in solving physical, mental, and social health problems;
• Communicate effectively;
• Prepare clear and concise reports;
• Recognize social problems which affect health;
• Instruct in the prevention of disease, good health practices, and the health care of an ill or injured person;
• Participate in the development of standardized procedures;
• Construct and interpret a medical history, perform a physical assessment, evaluate patient behavior, perform and interpret laboratory tests, and identify problems and develop and implement treatment plans for patients;
• Maintain effective working relationships with health care professionals and others.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the NURSE PRACTITIONER, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY Classification will be established for:

• California Correctional Health Care Services

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

• A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
• A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov , and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Preview the Nurse Practitioner, Correctional Facility Exam

1.   Consult with patients on their physical, developmental, and/or psycho-social health status to compile a complete medical history and make appropriate referrals. 

2.   Consult with physicians on professional matters pertaining to patients' care and treatment. 

3.   Collaborate with physicians and other health care providers to develop appropriate treatment plans for patients. 

4.   Develop appropriate treatment plans, including ordering appropriate diagnostic tests (e.g. Laboratory, x-rays, electrocardiograms). 

5.   Develop a patient education plan, promoting patient participation in the plan of care (e.g., counseling, self-care skills, treatment options). 

6.   Document all treatments, medications, vital signs, etc., in a patient’s health record to maintain adequate patient health care history. 

7.   Ensure patients receive treatments (e.g., medication, therapeutic agents) as prescribed by their physician and other health care providers. 

8.   Examine patients with medical complaints to provide treatment. 

9.   Monitor status of patients' current health problems, behavior, and chronic illnesses to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and the effectiveness of the plan of care. 

10.  Monitor treatment of patients in inpatient and/or outpatient settings to obtain relevant medical histories. 

11.  Provide appropriate patient referrals to other health professionals (e.g., mental health, specialty services, dentistry). 

12.  Provide clinical direction to other nursing personnel (e.g., certified nursing assistants, licensed vocational nurses). 

13.  Provide nursing care to patients’ (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment of episodic and chronic illness, health promotion, and general evaluation). 

14.  Provide patients with instructions and information on self-care tips for Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), etc. 

15.  Reassess and modify the plan of care to achieve patients' medical health goals and formulate the appropriate diagnosis. 

16.  Read and interpret medical/mental health records as part of the patient assessment to determine the appropriate level of care and treatment goals. 

17.  Review medical/mental health records as part of patients' assessment to determine the appropriate level of care, treatment goals, etc.

18.  Review patients' medical history to determine the need for early intervention and appropriateness of treatment plans. 

19.  Write referrals to address patients with urgent health conditions that require additional evaluation and treatment.

Testing Departments

Contact information.

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Drug free statement, general information.

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

California Correctional Health Care Services reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.

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