nursing student sample application letter for nursing school admission

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• Express your desire to apply for a nursing school.
• List down the qualifications and or requirements which you have and which make you eligible.
• End on a good note.

SAMPLE LETTER

[Letter Date]

[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-

Dear [Recipients Name],

I am writing to you to express my interest in applying to your prestigious school for nursing. I believe that my skills, passion, and interest in the field of nursing will be an asset to your honorable school. Please find attached a list of my qualifications which you can peruse. I look forward to being a part of your school this coming school year.

Sincerely, [Senders Name] [Senders Title] -Optional-

[Enclosures: number] - Optional - cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -

Application letter for nursing school. Sample letter.

Further things to consider when writing application letters to schools

Application Letters

Application letters are letters that you write to formally request for something from authority, apply for a job, or join an institution. Effective application letters will give a detailed explanation for your interest in the specific item, company, or institution. They showcase your abilities and strengths and illustrate your experience. In most cases, people write application letters to express their interest in receiving a position, attending an institution, or when applying for a visa, for instance. In all scenarios, application letters must be accompanied by the relevant documents. Application letters are the perfect tool to demonstrate something of your personality. Therefore, you should write in a professional tone setting a clear outline that allows the reader to scan the primary data quickly. Introduce yourself and briefly explain your intent and reason for the application. Address the letter with a title or name of the recipient. If your application is for a job or to join an institution, for example, you need to highlight your experience and qualification; if you are applying for a travel visa, make sure to state a clear intention for your travel. End with a positive tone and invite the recipient to contact you.

Letters to Schools

Letters to schools are letters written to institutions designed to provide learning environment and spaces to pupils and students. There are many times when you may feel the need to write to a school administration. Maybe you want to recommend a student or employee or want to apply for an academic program. Perhaps your child has a disability, and you want to make sure that he/she is receiving special education services. Whatever the issue, putting your thoughts in writing avoids confusion since it provides you and the recipient with a record of your request. It is, therefore, crucial to keep a copy of any letter you send. All letters to schools must use the standard business letter style. Start your letter with the proper address and salutation. Introduce yourself and explain the reason for your letter clearly and concisely. Depending on the content of your letter, provide any documentation that gives the recipient reference to the case or clarifies your concerns. Keep the tone polite, respectful, and professional. Close by thanking the recipient for his/her time and with a note of anticipation of positive feedback. Sign off and proofread the final draft before sending it.

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Nursing School Letter of Intent

Email delivery.

Last updated March 6th, 2023

• Letter of Intent (LOI) »

A nursing school letter of intent  is written to express a nursing school applicant’s commitment to a program. The letter communicates the individual’s qualities and experiences that make them a suitable candidate for admission. The formatting and content requirements vary from school to school, though they typically include an applicant’s reasons for choosing nursing ,  volunteer work , and examples of relevant skills and traits that would be beneficial to the field of nursing .

How to Write

While the letter requirements for each school are different, most will expect the following information :

• Motivations . Applicants should explain their reasons for wanting to become a nurse, and why they have chosen the school they’re applying to.
• Experience . If applicable, applicants should detail any experience or volunteer work relating to nursing (e.g., volunteering in a nursing home, shelter, or healthcare non-profit abroad, etc.).
• Personal qualities and skills . The candidate’s qualities and skills related to the field should be provided as well, with examples of situations where they were applied.

Download:  PDF ,  Word (.docx) ,  OpenDocument Click to Copy Sample Copy to Clipboard

NURSING LETTER OF INTENT

[MM/DD/YYYY]

[SENDER NAME] [SENDER STREET ADDRESS] [SENDER CITY, STATE, ZIP]

[RECIPIENT NAME] , [RECIPIENT TITLE] [INSTITUTION NAME] [INSTITUTION STREET ADDRESS] [INSTITUTION CITY, STATE, ZIP]

Dear [ RECIPIENT NAME ] , 

My name is [NAME], and I am applying to enroll in the nursing program at [INSTITUTION] . I have chosen [INSTITUTION] because of [REASON], which will equip me with the necessary skills to succeed as a nurse. I’m confident that nursing is my calling as I’ve always been passionate about helping those in need.

I have volunteered at [ORGANIZATION] for [#] years, where I developed essential skills including [SKILLS] through my responsibilities handling [SITUATIONS] . I also have [ACHIEVEMENTS] and obtained certifications in [CERTIFICATIONS] in [YEAR] . I believe these experiences have provided me with a strong foundation for nursing and prepared me for my life as a student at [INSTITUTION] .

Nursing is important to me because of [REASON], and I aspire to contribute to the wellness of others in the future. If I am accepted into [INSTITUTION] , I can assure you that I will  make the most of my studies. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply at [INSTITUTION], and I appreciate you taking the time to read this letter.

Signature: ___________________

Thank you for downloading!

How would you rate your free form, when you're ready, visit our homepage to collect signatures or sign yourself - 100% free.

How to Write an Admission Essay for Nursing School

The nursing school admission process is rigorous. One of the critical requirements for new applicants is an application essay, and writing a compelling nursing essay will give you a major head start over other nursing school candidates.

Once you have figured out why you want to be a nurse, all your memories, accomplishments, ambitions, and goals will align. Therefore, writing an essay on why you are interested in becoming a nurse and selecting a specific nursing college or university allows the admissions team to understand why they should choose you over other candidates.

A well-written, organized, and polished nursing school essay automatically increases your chances of acceptance. With thousands of applications destined for assessment and judgment by the admissions committee, you would want to make your application essay for the nursing school admission stand out.

We have admission essay-writing experts and consultants who, luckily, have compiled this intensive guide to help you write an intentional, focused, and perfect essay for nursing school.

Note: If you are in a hurry or you need direct assistance in writing your nursing college essay, please place an order and let our expert essay writers craft for you an original, engaging, and compelling nursing essay!

What Is a Nursing School Essay?

A nursing school essay is a written piece that demonstrates your interest in a nursing career and elaborates why you are the perfect fit for a specific nursing program.

Most nursing schools (colleges and universities) require aspiring students to write an application essay for nursing school admission. It is a personal essay submitted as part of the application process, which the admission officers review to determine if you can be accepted.

A good nursing school essay shows your interest in the nursing field, your chosen career path, why you want to pursue your nursing education through a specific nursing school program, and why you believe you should be accepted into the institution. It has to show why the entire process is crucial to you and why you are a worthy candidate to select for the nursing school program.

Sometimes, it is the only hope one has left, especially if the competition is stiff. Imagine a situation where the application materials such as grades, resumes, test scores, or recommendation letters are all qualified; a nursing school essay will be the only means to select the best out of the rest fairly.

Writing a perfect nursing essay will demonstrate that you are ready to go down the thorny path of training to become a nurse. Nursing education entails research and writing assignments, and a well-written essay demonstrates your readiness.

Helpful Information to Include in a Nursing Admission Essay

You are probably wondering what goes into an application essay for nursing school admission. Well, your nursing essay will answer an essay prompt from the university. Most colleges will specify the essay questions for college of nursing applicants for various levels of study (MSN, DNP, BSN, Ph.D., or ADN).

Below are some examples of what might be expected:

• Your goals and ambitions for a successful nursing career
• How do you plan to achieve your academic goals
• The specific reasons why you want to join the nursing field
• Reasons you are selecting the particular nursing school or program
• Personal accomplishments that set you apart as the right candidate
• Experiences and encounters that make you love nursing career
• Plans for the future once accepted
• Experience with medical training or patient care
• Character traits aligned to being a nurse
• How you are prepared to become a successful nurse
• Academic, personal, and career interests
• Any other reasons to convince the admissions committee to approve your admission

In some quarters, a nursing school application essay might be a statement of purpose, personal essay, or letter of intent. It is a chance to plead with the admissions committee to accept you into your dream nursing college or program. Having looked at what goes into it, it is also essential to cover the steps to writing a perfect and comprehensive admission essay for nursing school.

Structure of a Nursing School Essay

A nursing essay for admission into a nursing program or school follows the typical format of an academic essay. It is organized into three main sections: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

• This is the opening paragraph that has to impress your readers (admissions officers)
• It can make or break your admission essay or personal statement
• It should be direct to the point
• It is a roadmap that helps the readers to know what to expect as your story grows.
• Open it using an enticing quote, event, anecdote, or statement
• You are allowed to use personal pronouns such as I in the introduction and the rest of the essay
• It has 2- 3 and sometimes five paragraphs
• Elaborates the introduction
• Every paragraph has a unique opening sentence that is a mini-thesis statement.
• Bears the best ideas yielded in your brainstorming session
• It can be as long as your word limit allows but contributes to at least 70-80% of the word count
• Focuses on quality over quantity
• Has one idea or experience per paragraph
• You should mention the skills you intend to develop and how they will help you become a successful nurse
• Connect the skills and experiences to the program and your future career
• Summarize and emphasize the main ideas
• It should be captivating and insightful
• Conveys a sense of closure to the readers
• Invites the readers to reflect on the ideas in your essay
• Creates one last lasting impression on the readers

Outline for a Nursing School Essay

A good nursing school essay outline should give you directions that help you visualize what the essay will look like in its final draft.

If you are writing a nursing essay, having the outline is the first thing you do after brainstorming (as shown in the steps).

It helps you to figure out how to arrange the ideas and points in the essay for a better flow. You can develop each section independently, regardless of the sequence, and still have a quality essay. 

In most cases, the outline is meant for personal consumption, especially when writing a personal statement. However, if you are writing a nursing essay on a given nursing topic , you might be required to write an outline, annotated bibliography , and the nursing essay , and each will be graded separately.

Given the structure, you can outline your nursing school essay as follows:

    Introduction paragraph

• Hook (quote, statement, or anecdote)
• Background information
• Thesis statement
• Transition sentence

    Body paragraph 1

• Topic sentence
• Evidence, data, and facts
• Transition to the second body paragraph

    Body paragraph 2

• Transition to the third body paragraph

    Body paragraph 3

• Transition to the conclusion

    Conclusion

• Summary of the main ideas
• Restate the thesis statement
• Last impression (call to action to the admissions committee)

Steps for Writing a Nursing School Essay

Optimizing your application essay increases your chance of getting accepted into the nursing program or nursing school. The essay should elaborate on your person (who you are as an individual) by providing a comprehensive perspective of your career ambitions, goals, and plans related to your passion for nursing. You should elaborate to the admissions committee why you are a good fit for their nursing program. Students at the ADN, BSN, ABSN (Accelerated BSN), MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. might be required to write an admission or personal essay, and here are the five steps to make it successful.

• Read the prompt
• Brainstorm for ideas
• Plan your essay
• Write the first draft
• Edit and Polish your Essay

Let's explore all these steps before delving into the tips to help you write the essay better.

Read the Prompt

If you are considering applying to a specific nursing school, you need to begin by researching the application process to know when you will be expected to submit your application essay.

In most cases, the nursing schools have essay prompts and instructions for the potential nursing candidates published on their websites. The prompts might vary depending on the programs you are interested in pursuing and the institutional preferences. Therefore, it is vital to begin by locating the nursing school essay guidelines. A quick search online can help, or you will also find it enclosed in the email sent to you by the school's admissions committee.

Read the instructions thoroughly with a specific focus on the essay question, word limit, and topics you must cover. If you apply to many nursing schools, you should locate and read each prompt before moving to the next steps.

Reading and understanding the instructions is the first step in writing an excellent application essay. Besides, it helps you to customize the essay to the requirements and not the other way around.

Brainstorm for Ideas

Now that you know what is expected of you, you need to decide what to include in your nursing essay to make it stand out. For this, get into an idea-generation marathon where you brainstorm ideas based on the prompt and the requirements.

Give every idea a thoughtful consideration and make shorthand notes so that you have all the ideas condensed. Consider your ambitions, accomplishments, drive, passion, preferences, strengths, weaknesses, character traits, and other attributes that might relate to your urge to pursue nursing as a career.

Also, research the nursing program and relate it to your personal ambitions and desires. Such information will help you spot the specific things you like about it. You can then tailor your experiences and encounters to the requirements. Look at the program's website and examine 2-3 aspects that stand out. This will help you focus on what you have that makes you the best pick for the program. You can also reference experiences, events, or traits related to the program.

Consider the environment and people around you and relate them to your desire to become a nurse.

Experiences, encounters, and events can inspire ideas to pen into your nursing school essay.

You can also research some well-written examples of nursing personal statements and essays to get inspired when brainstorming ideas for yours. Besides, you can also ask people in your network, such as family, friends, or peers, for ideas that can stand out and then choose the best.

To get the most robust ideas, rate them depending on how best they answer the prompt; this is the fodder for the entire application essay. Choose 3-5 strongest points and make them the central focus of your essay.

Plan your Essay

As a nurse, planning is everything, even when it comes to clinical decision-making. And because you are destined for this noble career, planning your personal essay won't hurt. Instead, it helps you know what to put and where to engage the admission officers from the beginning to the end of your nursing school essay.

With the ideas in mind, create a rough outline and adjust it until you are fully satisfied that your thoughts, facts, and opinions are well-organized. The outline will help you to structure your essay, avoid derailing it, and write a draft that bears all the quality ideas.

A good step is to organize the essay into paragraphs that align with the word count (often given as the minimum or maximum number of words, exact number of words, or characters).

Include an introduction to give your readers a clear understanding of the focus of your essay. Yes, a good nursing essay has a thesis statement that shows your central claim or the main idea you are focusing on the entire essay.

You should include the body paragraphs, each with a topic sentence supporting the thesis and a series of supporting facts such as examples, evidence, and illustration.

Finally, include a conclusion as the last paragraph that reverberates the thesis, summarizes the essay, and has a call to action to the admissions committee.

Write the First Draft

After the outline, you must begin writing your essay sentence by sentence and paragraph after paragraph. Whatever approach you take, ensure that every detail covered in the outline ends up in your essay as long as it is valid.

Write the introduction paragraph by giving a hook or attention grabber. You can begin with a quote from a famous nurse or a scholarly nursing article. You can also state facts or give statistics if they matter to your application. You should also elaborate on your selected topic, especially if the prompt provides options. End your first paragraph with a thesis statement that describes the focus of your nursing school essay. The introduction should account for 10-15% of the word count.

Each body paragraph has a unique, unmistakable, and concise topic sentence followed by supporting details and a concluding sentence that transitions to the next paragraph. Ensure that you have at least two body paragraphs considering that you can write either a three-paragraph or a five-paragraph nursing essay. Collectively, the body section should be 70-80% of the essay's word count. The body paragraphs should outline your encounters, experiences, and events and how they relate to the specific nursing program.

The final part is the conclusion, where you summarize the main ideas in the essay. for this, avoid the clich� conclusion starters such as "in conclusion," "to sum up," or "in summary." Instead, use conclusion opening sentences that demonstrate to your reader that the essay has ended � it gives the best closure and helps close the information loop in your essay. Rephrase your thesis and summarize the main ideas before appealing to the admissions committee to accept you into their nursing program. It should be 10-15% of the word count, like the introduction paragraph.

Edit and Polish the Essay

Now that you are done with your first draft, it is only the beginning, and you are far from being done. You need to take a break to cool down your frustrations, anxiety, and adrenaline developed when writing. It is a chance to establish an objective mind to look at things from a broader perspective when you settle for editing and proofreading.

If you are not good with editing and proofreading, you can hire a professional proofreading and editing expert to look at your essay and suggest changes to make. You can also use friends and family as a second and third eye to see what you cannot see. Using their feedback will help you optimize the essay for better results. You can incorporate the suggestions and proceed to editing and proofreading.

As for editing and proofreading, you can take advantage of tools such as Grammarly, Ginger, Hemingway Editor, and other editing and proofreading tools available by students and professionals. Revise the essay until it meets the requirements and addresses the prompt. If anything, do not be afraid to do away with an entire paragraph or a few paragraphs that don't make sense.

It is better to start over again than submit a subpar nursing school essay that will be a laughingstock of the admissions committee. The only way to entertain the admissions officers is to write an outstanding nursing school essay that will automatically dial you into the nursing program of your choice. Best of luck!

Example of Nursing School Essay Prompts

• Discuss your interest and understanding of the clinical nurse leader role. What's your story? And what experiences have contributed to your interest?
• The DNP program aims to prepare nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice. Describe experiences that exhibit your formal leadership role or informal leadership skills.
• How will the program help you achieve your academic and career goals?
• What experiences have influenced your interest in pursuing a clinical specialty you have chosen?
• The DNP program aims to prepare nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice. Describe experiences that exhibit your leadership skills.
• Why have you chosen to pursue a nursing research doctorate?
• How does becoming a nurse fulfill your ambitions?
• What does becoming a nurse mean to you?
• What drives you to become a nurse?
• Why do you want to become a nurse?
• What is your nursing philosophy?
• What was your reason for choosing nursing as a career? Do you have any additional information that you would like the admissions committee to know about you that has not been previously considered in the application?
• What are your professional goals? How will this accelerated nursing program help you materialize those goals?
• Discuss a specific leadership position (e.g., manager, director, associate dean) you wish to attain within three to five years after completing the DNP program.

Note: Some of these prompts have been rephrased from the Rush University Website . They keep changing depending on the preferences of the admissions committee. Inquire with your university or college of nursing to get specific directions on the most current prompts and instructions.

Related Reading: Ideas for a nursing capstone project.

Tips for Writing an Effective Nursing School Admission Essay

When grades, test scores, and other material entries don't count , a nursing school essay, referred to as a personal statement, suffices. In this case, a great nursing school can only be your hope for getting into nursing school. If you want to get ahead of the competition, these proven tips will significantly help you.

1. Plan Well

To pen an excellent nursing school essay that gets you accepted, you need to plan the essay.

Read the instructions, brainstorm as you take notes, research widely, and create an outline.

And even when done, the purpose is to have a reverse outline to help you score the essay against the requirements. Planning helps you to know what attention-grabbing statement to begin the essay with, the sequence of the body paragraph ideas for a logical flow, and what specifics to include in the conclusion.

Having an outline will help you save time when writing the first draft and help you to stay focused when writing.

2. Show, Don't Tell!

All effective nursing school essays express your personality, experiences, and encounters while convincing the admissions officers that you are the best fit for the program.

You should not focus on telling your story alone. Instead, show how your account relates to the prompt.

Discuss experiences, encounters, and events but show how they have impacted your choice of the program and desire to become a nurse.

If you are applying to a specific program, enlighten your readers on why you are specifically interested in the program and what that means.

It could be the hybrid learning model that entails both online and classroom learning or the history or reputation the school has, parental preferences (if they were a graduate), mentor recommendation, etc.

3. Choose Information Wisely

Ensure that every idea or information in your essay is unique, authentic, and original. Don't just write fictitiously.

If you have no past experiences directly related to nursing, you can introduce them and twist them to fit the context.

Impress the admissions committee with your wits, not just a summary of what others have written online.

Standing out in your presentation of facts will always carry the day. Genuinely share your story about what made you want to become a nurse.

4. Avoid Excuses

Even if you don't have appealing past encounters with medicine, hospitals, or anything related to nursing, tell your story as it is.

Do not excuse yourself for telling the truth. After all, you are on your journey to becoming a nurse; all you are seeking is training to develop the knowledge and skills.

If you have cared for your family members at home, babysat your siblings, or have compassion for the suffering, these are the most authentic stories you have, and they can spell meaning on your ambition. Therefore, prove your strong candidature by stating things as they are without clutching at things that do not matter.

5. Let it Flow!

Instead of forcing things such as humor or stories, write plainly about your experiences, encounters, and past events that made you want to become a nurse.

Most "why I want to be a nurse" essays don't have to have any humor. If it clicks well and is good, if it doesn't, don't force it.

As well, avoid exaggerating things when writing your nursing school essay. You should focus on making it as interesting, engaging, and convincing as can be but be truthful.

Avoid mixing up stories. A good way is to focus each paragraph on the main point that relates to your thesis.

6. Show you care about People and Yourself

Nursing is a noble career that entails caring for oneself as you care for others. Your full-time attention and job will be to care for people to help them achieve better health outcomes.

You must show empathy, selflessness, and determination to be a nurse. You can bring examples of when you took care of others and yourself.

Let the committee know that even when training as a nurse, you understand self-care as much as you understand caring for others.

7. Bring in Current Issues

If there is a chance that you can introduce nursing concepts or ideas from current events, it will beef up your nursing school essays.

Get facts from well-established nursing organization websites such as the American Nurses Association, National League of Nursing, Emergency Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau, or National Black Nurses Association, etc.

Intrigue your readers by understanding the challenges and opportunities in the nursing field.

You can relate your application to nursing shortages, medical errors, nursing burnout, continuing education, evidence-based practice, etc.

8. Briefly Explain your Qualifications

Since you have already provided material such as transcripts, resumes, and test scores, it is imperative to briefly expound on the qualifications without going into details. Tell them about your experiences, your education, and how you have set yourself up for success in nursing school . For instance, elaborate on how volunteering and internships helped you develop a sense of becoming a nurse or how they developed skills you will apply in nursing school.

9. Share your plans

Everybody has plans. You have short, medium, and long-term goals as you prepare to enter nursing school. You should include them in your essay and demonstrate how the program or school will help you achieve them. Admission officers are always wowed by hearing about goals, especially if they relate to their schools or programs. As you do this, be very specific with the goals and how you intend to achieve them.

All set, but before You Go �

As you contemplate entering nursing school, you must understand that it will never be a walk in the park. There is so much to learn within the specified time frame, and you must show your preparedness. A nursing school personal essay is one of the ways to do so.

Related Article:

• Writing a nursing philosophy ( a student's guide)
• Writing a nursing student resume (a guide)

Lucky for you, our nursing admission essay writers have shared insights, tips, and steps that can help you write an exceptional application essay for any nursing school or program. If you follow them, you will write a seamless admission essay that increases your chances of getting into the nursing school of your dreams.

We wish you luck in your endeavors and promise that were available in case you need a well-written, organized, and plagiarism-free admission essay tailored to your experiences and the specific nursing school or program requirements.

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How to write a personal statement for nursing school.

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 6/19/23

Writing a personal statement for nursing school can be a daunting task, but we’re here to help! Here’s everything you need to know about writing a personal statement for nursing school.

Writing your personal statement is a nerve-wracking experience, no matter what program you’re applying for . You may be wondering: “what are nursing schools looking for in a personal statement?” or, “how can I make my personal statement for nursing school stand out?” Lucky for you, we’ve got some answers. 

Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about writing a personal statement for nursing school. We’ve included a breakdown of the components to include, examples of nursing school personal statements, and tips to improve your own. 

Let’s get started!

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

What Is a Nursing School Personal Statement?

When applying to nursing schools , you’ll most likely notice that most applications require a personal statement. A personal statement is a short essay, typically no longer than two pages, that tells your target schools a little bit about who you are. 

Each school has different expectations for the length and contents of your personal statement, so make sure to check the specific requirements of your target schools. Some common topics include your personal goals for nursing school and why you want to become a nurse.

Nursing School Personal Statement Format

Before writing your personal statement for nursing school, you should plan out what you want to include. If your school does not ask you to answer a specific question with your essay, here is a list of what you should include in your nursing school personal statement.

An Introduction

The introductory paragraph should focus on what brought you to this point. Your school primarily wants to get to know you as a candidate through your personal statement. Your intro should include things like:

• How you first became interested in nursing
• What inspires you about becoming a nurse
• What you intend to achieve through a nursing degree

In this paragraph, your main goal is to introduce yourself and give the admissions committee a bit of background on your passion for nursing. Perhaps you have a family member who inspired you to pursue nursing, you grew up near a hospital, or you’ve struggled with health issues yourself - these are all great examples of an origin story. 

Think to yourself: “If my journey into nursing school was a movie, how would it begin?”

Body Paragraph(s)

In the body paragraph(s) of your nursing school personal statement, you can include a bit about your achievements. However, this isn’t the place to simply list your achievements. 

Think about how your experiences helped you to develop skills for nursing school . Include things like:

• How you’ve furthered your interest in nursing through experience (both in and out of school)
• How your achievements make you a good fit for the program
• Specific things about the program that interests you

The body portion of your essay should contain the majority of the information you want to include. Make sure to only include accomplishments if they help to explain how you’ll contribute to the program. Your CV will list any other achievements that don’t come into play here.

A Strong Conclusion

Your personal statement should end on a positive note. Think about summarizing your statement by looking toward the future. Include things like:

• Your future ambitions following nursing school
• What you’ll be able to contribute to the program 

The end of your body paragraph(s) should mention what you hope to achieve in the future with your nursing degree and lead into your conclusion. The final sentences of your personal statement should further state your passion for your program and how you’ll be a great fit at your target school. 

What Not to Write in a Personal Statement for Nursing School

Before getting into our tips and examples, let’s go over what not to include in your personal statement for nursing school. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when crafting your personal statement. 

Keep it Simple

Your personal statement should be authentic and genuine, but make sure to keep the brief in mind while you’re writing. As mentioned above, a personal statement is typically no longer than two pages in length. 

You should absolutely include some personal anecdotes; in fact, we encourage it! Just make sure to stick to the relevant parts of your story and not to elaborate too much on areas that are not relevant to your application. 

Do Not Reiterate Your CV

Your personal statement is an essay, not a resume. Keep in mind that your application already contains all of your achievements on your CV, transcripts, and other application materials. 

Your personal statement is about understanding your passion and motivations. You can use examples from your CV to further assert your interest in the program, but only if you can elaborate on how they’ve specifically helped you on your journey to nursing school. 

Tips for Writing a Stellar Nursing Personal Statement

Let’s go over a few tips on how you can improve your personal statement. Using these tips can help to make your personal statement and essays for your nursing school application stand out while remaining authentic and genuine. 

Create A Timeline

When writing your personal statement, your focus should be on telling your story. Creating a clear timeline of events can help to effectively tell the story of how you decided to apply for nursing. 

Start with how you became interested in nursing, develop your story with experiences that have cultivated your knowledge, and conclude by talking about your program and your future goals. A timeline will make your essay easy to read and give the admissions committee a good idea of your journey so far.

Stick To the Brief

If your target school(s) give you a specific prompt for your personal statement, make sure to refer back to the prompt while writing your essay to ensure you’re staying on track. 

For example, if your prompt asks you a question, be sure to answer the question at the beginning, the end, and throughout your essay. Your personal statement shouldn’t be vague or veer too far off course. 

Speak From the Heart

It is crucial in your nursing personal statement to share what makes you unique . This is your chance to show the admissions committee why you’d be a perfect fit in their program and demonstrate what you bring to the table. 

Include genuine experiences that have pushed you toward nursing throughout your life. Conveying your passions and motivations is critical in your personal statement for nursing school.

Do Your Research 

One great way to make your nursing personal statement stand out is to do thorough research on your program and include it in your piece. Showing your passion for the specific program. you’re applying to can give you an edge over others and impress the admissions committee. 

When you include your research, be sure to add it organically into your writing. Use your research as a way to connect your personal experiences to the program rather than simply listing information.

Nursing School Personal Statement Examples

Here are two nursing personal statement examples that were written successfully. We’ve also included explanations of how they are good examples to help you improve your own personal statement. 

*Important note: Do not use our samples in your nursing school application. These examples are meant to serve as a guide when crafting your own original personal statement for nursing school. 

Example #1: Indeed ’s Nursing School Personal Statement Sample

“I walked backward down the hill, my arms supporting the weight of the wheelchair as its wheels rolled slowly in reverse. Sunlight danced through the trees around us and shone in my grandmother's hair as she sat inside the wheelchair. I couldn't see my grandmother's face from that angle, but I could hear her laughing with joy as she enjoyed the outdoors for the first time in weeks. My grandmother came to live with my family two years ago after breaking her hip. Although she completed much of her recovery at our home, Nurse George came by every day to perform my grandmother's personal care tasks, monitor her vital signs and assist with her physical therapy exercises. George also taught me some basic patient care practices, such as how to support a wheelchair correctly while going downhill. I had never considered a career in nursing before, but George helped me see the rewards of helping people with their medical conditions and injuries. I am excited by this opportunity to apply to Fern Hill's College of Nursing because I appreciate your program's specialization in rehabilitation nursing. Being a part of my grandmother's recovery team has inspired me to pursue a nursing career that helps patients recover from injuries or medical conditions. I believe that your school's emphasis on assisting patients in regaining their independent skills can help me achieve these professional aspirations. Since realizing that I want to become a nurse, I have become a regular volunteer at Jefferson Rehabilitation Center. I mentor young people struggling with drug addictions and provide childcare for the children of rehabilitation patients. There is no feeling comparable to when a mentee or outgoing patient offers you a sincere "thank you." I can no longer imagine pursuing a career where I do not get to help people overcome their challenges and navigate their way to recovery. My experiences helping my grandmother and patients at Jefferson have taught me the value of empathy and communication. Frequently, my mentees simply want someone to listen to them. I do my best to give them a judgment-free space in which to share their stories. Whether the medical issue is emotional or physical, patients appreciate working with flexible and considerate people. I believe I embody these qualities by actively listening and letting patients talk at their own pace. I am ready to pursue a nursing career and learn about helping patients in a more professional and technical capacity. Fern Hill's College of Nursing is the ideal place to prepare for my future nursing career.”

Why this is a good example: In this example, the writer has done an excellent job of telling the story of how they became interested in nursing. They also develop a clear timeline of events from when they first thought about nursing to how they began developing their skills through volunteering. 

Most importantly, the candidate mentions specific reasons why they’re interested in the program and how they feel they can contribute to the school and field. 

Example #2: Johns Hopkins University Nursing Personal Statement Sample

“I grew up close to a hospital, where I watched patients go through the double doors for a variety of ailments. From a young age, this drove me to develop a strong interest in the field of medicine. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the future that would allow me to take care of those in need. Through my courses in the natural sciences as well as social studies, I have continued to develop my knowledge in the field in order to be ready to continue my education. Now, I am ready to take the next step in my education by applying for the Nursing program at Johns Hopkins University.  Three years ago I completed a nursing shadowing internship that opened my eyes to many of the daily struggles of being a nurse. During my time in the clinic and on the wards, I had the opportunity to work In the critical care and trauma ward as well as In obstetrics and geriatrics. These various experiences showed me the diverse role that nurses play in a healthcare setting, and emphasized the importance of empathy and dedication to patient care.  Johns Hopkins University Is known worldwide for its focus on patient wellness and medical research. As a nursing student at Hopkins, I hope to not only further the institution's goal of providing exceptional patient care, but also to assist with the many clinical trials ongoing at the hospital that pave the way for new treatments. Through hands-on training with knowledgeable staff, I know that I will be able to make the most of my nursing training at Johns Hopkins and become a nursing professional that is capable of enhancing patient wellness in a healthcare setting.”

Why this is a good example: In this example, the writer develops a clear timeline and clearly defines their relevant information. The writer covers when they first became interested in nursing, courses they’ve taken, and what experiences have made them get serious about the profession. 

Finally, they include why they are specifically interested in the program at Johns Hopkins and conclude by adding what they will add to the program as a student.

FAQs: How to Write a Personal Statement for Nursing School

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about nursing school personal statements. 

1. Do All Nursing Schools Require A Personal Statement?

Almost all nursing schools require a personal statement, which can typically be described as a short essay (2 pages or less) that explains who you are and why you want to attend the school’s nursing program.

2. Is a Personal Statement for Nursing School an Essay?

Yes, a personal statement is a short essay that briefly describes your past, present, and future experiences in relation to nursing.

3. How Long Should A Nursing Personal Statement Be?

Each nursing school has different length requirements, which can typically be found in the prompt. If no length is specified, two pages or less is recommended. 

4. What Should I Include In My Nursing School Personal Statement?

Your nursing personal statement should include:

• Why you want to become a nurse
• What inspires you about nursing
• Elaborate on the experiences you’ve had that have taught you about nursing
• Program-specific reasons for your interest in the school
• How you intend to contribute to the program and the field of nursing

If your school’s personal statement asks a specific question, that question should be answered throughout your essay. 

5. Does Nursing Require Essays?

Yes, most nursing program applications require personal statement essays, and some require secondary (or supplemental) essays as well.

6. When Should I Write My Personal Statement for Nursing School?

You should begin writing your personal statement(s) for nursing school as soon as you receive the prompt. Make sure to give yourself an adequate amount of time to complete all sections of your application before the deadline.

7. How do you Start a Personal Statement for Nursing School?

To start a compelling nursing personal statement, there are a few different writing techniques you can use. You can start by introducing yourself, start by talking about how you became interested in nursing, or you can start “in the action” by cutting right into your story. 

Final Thoughts

Your personal statement for nursing school should be genuine, heartfelt, and express how you will make an excellent addition to your target school’s nursing program through a series of examples. 

Each personal statement you write should be adjusted to suit the individual program you are applying for. Sending a general personal statement with every application you submit is impersonal and not recommended. Make sure to follow your brief closely and map out your essay before writing it to ensure you include all of the relevant information. 

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How to Write a Winning Nursing Application Essay

Nursing February 23, 2024

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

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

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

Importance of the Nursing Application Essay

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

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

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

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

Tips for Your Nursing Admission Essay

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

1. Follow Instructions Carefully

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

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

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

2. Don’t Procrastinate

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

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

3. Don’t Be Intimidated

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

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

4. Make the Essay Yours

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

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

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

Pursue Your Dream of Becoming a Registered Nurse

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

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

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

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

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10 Tips on Writing a Nursing School Admission Essay

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Your essay is a crucial part of your application, as it allows the admissions committee to learn more about you, your passion for nursing, and your goals.

In this article, I’ll share some of my best tips on writing a standout nursing school admission essay.

Tips for Writing a Nursing School Admission Essay

1. understand the prompt.

Before you start writing, make sure you understand the essay prompt or question. Take the time to read and analyze it carefully to know exactly what the admissions committee is looking for in your essay.

The prompt may ask you to discuss your reasons for choosing nursing as a career. It may ask you about your experiences and accomplishments that have prepared you for nursing school. Maybe your future goals as a nurse.

To fully grasp the prompt, break it down into smaller components and consider each part separately.

For example, if the prompt asks you to describe a challenging situation you’ve faced and how you overcame it, think about what the admissions committee wants to learn about you through this question.

They might be interested in your problem-solving skills, your resilience, or your ability to learn from difficult experiences. Understanding the underlying purpose of the prompt will help you craft a more focused and relevant response.

Additionally, research the nursing school you’re applying to, as this can provide valuable context for your essay. Learn about the school’s mission, values, and the qualities they seek in their students.

This information can help you tailor your essay to align with the nursing program’s expectations and showcase your fit for the school.

2. Plan and outline your essay

Creating an outline for your essay is a crucial step in writing. Organizing your thoughts and ideas into a logical structure helps ensure your essay flows smoothly and stays focused on the main topic.

An outline can also save you time and prevent writer’s block by giving you a roadmap to follow as you write your essay.

Start by brainstorming the main points you want to cover in your essay. Think about how these points relate to the prompt and how they support your overall message. Once you have a list of ideas, prioritize them based on their importance and relevance to the prompt.

Next, organize your ideas into a logical order. An essay typically has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

In the introduction, you’ll want to capture the reader’s attention and introduce your main point or thesis statement.

The body paragraphs will expand on your main point, providing evidence and examples to support your argument.

Finally, the conclusion will summarize your main points and provide a closing thought.

Create a subheading or bullet point for each body paragraph in your outline.

Underneath each subheading, jot down a few notes or key phrases you’ll expand upon in the paragraph.

This will give you a clear structure to follow as you write, ensuring that each paragraph stays focused on a single topic and contributes to your overall message.

Remember that your outline is a flexible tool. As you write, you may need to adjust your outline to better fit your ideas or to more effectively address the essay prompt.

Don’t be afraid to revise your outline as needed to create the strongest essay possible.

3. Start with a strong introduction

Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your essay.

It’s essential to make a strong first impression, as the introduction will shape the reader’s perception of your essay and determine whether they continue reading with interest or not.

To create a captivating introduction, consider starting with a compelling anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful statement that relates to your main point or thesis.

This “hook” should engage your audience and make them want to read more.

For example, you might share a personal story about a meaningful experience that inspired your passion for nursing or ask a question that challenges common misconceptions about the nursing profession.

Once you’ve captured the reader’s attention, provide some context for your essay and introduce your main point or thesis statement.

This statement should clearly and concisely convey the central idea you’ll explore throughout your essay.

It serves as a roadmap for your reader, guiding them through the main points you’ll cover in your essay and helping them understand your overall argument.

4. Be authentic

When writing your nursing school admission essay, your storytelling must be authentic and genuine. The admissions committee wants to learn about the real you, not just a polished, idealized version of yourself.

Being honest about your experiences, goals, and aspirations will create a more compelling and memorable essay that stands out from the competition.

Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable ( within reason, of course ) and share your personal story, including any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced along the way.

This can demonstrate your resilience, perseverance, and growth as an individual. Remember that nobody’s perfect, and the admissions committee isn’t expecting you to be either.

They want to see your passion for nursing and your commitment to overcoming adversity in pursuit of your goals.

Also, avoid using cliches or generic statements that could apply to any nursing school applicant. Instead, focus on what makes you unique and why you’re an excellent fit for the nursing program you’re applying to.

This might include your background, personal experiences, specific nursing interests, or long-term career aspirations.

5. Show, don’t tell

One of the most effective ways to make your essay engaging and memorable is to use descriptive language and vivid examples to illustrate your points.

This technique, known as “showing, not telling,” allows the reader to visualize your experiences and emotions, making your essay more compelling and personal.

For example, instead of simply stating that you’re compassionate and empathetic, show the reader how you’ve demonstrated these qualities in your life.

You might describe a specific situation where you provided emotional support to a friend going through a difficult time or volunteered at a nursing home, connecting with residents on a personal level.

When using examples, be specific and focus on the details that will help the reader understand and relate to your experiences.

This will not only make your essay more engaging but also provide evidence that supports your claims about your personal qualities and experiences.

6. Stay focused

It’s essential to keep your essay focused on the prompt and avoid going off on unrelated tangents.

Including irrelevant information or anecdotes can distract the reader and weaken your overall message.

To maintain focus, continually refer back to the essay prompt as you write and ensure that each paragraph contributes to your main point or thesis statement.

When writing your essay, resist the temptation to include every detail about your life or accomplishments.

Instead, select the most relevant and impactful experiences that directly relates to the prompt and showcase your suitability for the nursing program.

By staying focused and concise, you’ll demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, a crucial skill for nursing professionals.

7. Be concise

Adhering to the word limit for your essay and being concise in your writing are important aspects of crafting a strong nursing school admission essay.

Admissions committees review many essays, so keeping yours clear, focused, and easy to read is essential.

To be concise, focus on presenting your ideas and experiences clearly and straightforwardly.

Avoid using overly complex language, jargon, or unnecessary filler words. Instead, choose words and phrases that accurately convey your message without being overly verbose.

When editing your essay, look for areas where you can eliminate repetition or condense your ideas without losing the overall meaning.

This may involve rephrasing sentences, removing redundant words, or combining ideas into a single, cohesive statement.

Being concise will make it easier for the admissions committee to understand and appreciate your essay, increasing your chances of making a positive impression.

8. Edit and proofread

Carefully editing and proofreading your essay is essential to making a strong impression on the admissions committee.

A polished, well-written essay demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

First, take a break after completing your initial draft to give yourself some distance from your work. This will make it easier to approach your essay with fresh eyes and a more objective perspective.

When you’re ready to begin editing, read your essay out loud to yourself or have someone else read it to you. This can help you identify awkward phrasing, unclear sentences, and areas that need improvement.

As you edit, focus on your essay’s overall structure, coherence, and flow.

Make sure your paragraphs transition smoothly from one idea to the next, and ensure that your evidence and examples effectively support your main points.

Remove any repetitive or irrelevant content, and revise vague or confusing sentences.

Once you’ve made revisions to the content and organization of your essay, proofread it carefully for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

You can use an online grammar checker like Grammarly, but don’t rely solely on these tools.

They can miss errors or suggest incorrect changes, so it’s essential to review your essay carefully yourself or enlist the help of someone with strong writing skills.

9. Get feedback

Seeking feedback on your essay from trusted friends, family members, or mentors can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

When you’re immersed in the writing process, it’s easy to overlook issues or become attached to certain ideas. Getting an outside perspective can help you identify areas that need clarification or revision.

When you ask for feedback, be specific about the type of input you’re looking for.

For example, you might ask your reviewer to focus on the clarity of your main point, the effectiveness of your examples, or the overall organization of your essay.

Encourage them to provide honest constructive criticism and be open to their suggestions.

Take the time to thoughtfully consider the feedback you receive and decide which suggestions to incorporate into your essay.

10. Give yourself time

Avoid waiting until the last minute to write your essay.

Giving yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, edit, and revise will help you submit the best possible essay with your nursing school application.

Rushing through the process can lead to mistakes, missed opportunities, and an essay that doesn’t effectively showcase your passion and potential as a future nurse.

Create a timeline for your essay-writing process that includes deadlines for brainstorming, outlining, writing, revising, and proofreading deadlines.

This will help you stay on track and ensure that you’re dedicating the necessary time and effort to each stage of the writing process.

Additionally, giving yourself ample time allows for breaks, which can help you maintain your focus and motivation as you work on your essay.

Be Successful in Nursing School

Writing a standout nursing school admission essay is a critical step in your journey to becoming a nurse, but it’s not the last step. Once you get in, you’ll want to have the right tools to be successful.

Have You Read These Yet?

• How to Go to Nursing School and Work Full Time
• How to Apply to Nursing School
• How to Become a Nurse Right After High School
• What Math Classes Are Required For Nursing School?

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Nursing School Recommendation Letter Example

Reading a nursing school recommendation letter example is a great way to learn how to write one of your own. The process of writing a recommendation letter is unfamiliar to many referees, and plenty of applicants don’t know who to ask to write one or how to write one themselves. A nursing school recommendation letter is nearly identical to an ERAS letter of recommendation or other letters of recommendation for medical school disciplines. A stellar letter of recommendation is a must for your best shot of getting into nursing school. In this blog, we’ll look at why recommendation letters are so important for nursing school, how to write one and who to ask to write you a recommendation letter. At the end of this blog, we’ve included some sample nursing school recommendation letters for your guidance.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 6 min read

Why you need a good recommendation letter for nursing school.

Recommendation letters are a way to enhance your application for nursing school. They help you to stand out and make a favourable impression on the admissions committee. Committees read thousands of applications from students with excellent academic records or well-written nursing school personal statements . Reading stellar recommendation letters can set you above the rest and influence the admissions committee’s decision.

Nursing schools can be very competitive, and many of them do require at least one recommendation letter as part of the application process. Basically, admissions officers want to hear from others in your life why you are a good fit for their nursing program and what opinions others have of your personality and skills. Recommendation letters for nursing school are written by other people you know who can vouch for your candidacy as a superb nursing student. Your referees should be able to extoll your virtues and explain why you are an exceptional applicant.

Whereas you might write a nursing school letter of intent to explain what your motivations are and tell the admissions committee why you want to be a nurse , a strong letter of recommendation is an objective and enthusiastic detailing of your best accomplishments and skills.

For anyone who has never written a letter of recommendation before, you might wonder where to start. A recommendation letter is a relatively straightforward document, typically one to two pages long. Avoid writing a letter longer than two pages so you don’t lose the reader’s interest!

A typical recommendation letter has the following structure

Conclude your letter with some final thoughts and a formal sign-off "}]">

There are several different people you can ask for a solid recommendation letter for nursing school. Keep in mind that you should narrow down the list to those who know you the best, can confidently write about your strengths and skills, and who have a positive relationship with you. If they have never written a letter of recommendation before, you will need to provide them with some information on the application deadline, writing requirements and any important information about the nursing school. You may also want to share why you’ve chosen to apply to nursing school to inform your referees as they are writing your recommendation letter.

Some referees may tell you they don\u2019t have time to write you a recommendation letter or ask you to write one yourself that they can sign off on. This is usually because the referee in question is not a strong writer or has some other reason for not being able to write the recommendation letter. Learn how to write a letter of recommendation for yourself if you need another option. While it is usually best to get someone objective to write your letter, writing your own letter of recommendation is a common enough practice and is allowed. ","label":"Yourself!","title":"Yourself!"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Watch this video and learn to write your own recommendation letter!

Below we’ve included some samples of nursing school recommendation letters to get you started. You can also read BeMo’s CASPA letter of recommendation or pharmacy school letters of recommendation for help.

Dear Director D’Angelo

I am writing this recommendation letter in support of [Applicant’s Name] application to the [Nursing School] nursing program. Currently I am the manager of the [Name], a pediatric health care clinic. [Applicant Name] has been a dedicated volunteer with our organization for the past 5 years, since she was a high school student. Over this time, we have come to know [Applicant Name] very well and appreciate her sunny personality and warmth.

[Applicant’s Name] first started with us as a high school student and was placed under a supervisor to help assist with organizing games and activities in our soft room, which we use for both patients and young children visiting patients at our clinic. [Applicant Name] did an excellent job maintaining the soft room and coming up with new ideas on how to keep our patients engaged during their stays with us. [Applicant Name] has also shown great responsibility in taking care of clerical work, answering phones, booking appointments and helping the clinic reception staff. She has been consistently praised by myself and other staff for being a cheerful presence in the work environment and her respectful and mature manner of interacting with patients and patients’ parents.

[Applicant Name] expressed her interest in enrolling in a nursing program 3 years ago, and asked me for opportunities to take on more responsibility, shadow some of the clinic staff or observe procedures. I granted her request, and she has once again shown her care, maturity and responsibility. At that point she was also moved to a paid receptionist position at our clinic. I believe she is very dedicated to becoming an excellent nurse, as she shows an interest and excitement to learn and broaden her medical knowledge. She has shown a natural aptitude for managing and gaining the trust of our young patients. She is a particular favorite at the clinic, and many of our regular patients refer to her as Nurse [Applicant Name]. There is no doubt for all of us that she is ideally suited to the nursing profession and will be an excellent student of your program.

I hope you will consider [Applicant Name] for admission to your nursing program. It is my belief that she will become an incredible nurse and health care provider. If you have further questions, please contact me at the [Name] Clinic anytime.

Krista Van Oven

Prepping for your nursing school interview? Check out this infographic.

Dear Prof. Bodden,

I am writing today on behalf of [Applicant Name], who has applied for the nursing program at [Nursing School] for this academic intake year. As the nursing supervisor overseeing a small team at a rural hospital, I had the pleasure of having [Applicant Name] shadow myself and my team over a period of several weeks. Our hospital serves a large geographic area, and frequently are overrun with patients. I was initially surprised that a pre-nursing student would want to shadow our team, but [Name] has showed considerable determination and adaptability.

When [Name] first arrived in our department, she showed great enthusiasm and a strong willingness to learn on the go. As a small team we are frequently very busy, but [Name] was with us every step of the way keeping notes and asking insightful questions when time permitted. She has taken the time during her short lunch breaks to sit down with the team as well and ask questions when there is time to take a breath. The fast-paced nature of our department has allowed [Name] to demonstrate a valuable ability to stay focused, organized and level-headed. Even when faced with the unfamiliar or shadowing a nurse tackling a difficult patient, she has remained composed, followed instructions well and observed situations with a critical eye towards learning.

[Name] has only had a few opportunities to observe and shadow more complex procedures but in each instance, she has shown considerable understanding of patient needs. A young boy was brought into our department requiring multiple stitches. As our staff attended to him, [Name] demonstrated an innate ability to connect with children and helped to keep the patient calm and at ease during a procedure that can be very frightening.

[Name] has expressed her desire to become a practicing nurse in an emergency room department, so several of my staff members have spoken with her regarding their experiences. I have no doubt that [Name’s] calm nature and admirable people skills will lend themselves well to a job as an ER nurse.

Thank you for reading this letter of recommendation for [Applicant Name] and considering her for admission to your program. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me at [Department] and I will be happy to provide further details and information to you.

Malcolm McKay

A recommendation letter is usually a required section of your nursing school application, as schools want to see what others have to say about your candidacy. How many letters of recommendation you’ll need will vary by program, so be sure to check the requirements on the school’s admission page. 

You may need anywhere from 1 to 4 letters of recommendation for nursing school, depending on where you’re applying. The school’s admission package will tell you how many recommendation letters you’ll need to submit and how to submit them.

There are many people you can ask for a nursing school recommendation letter, including bosses or supervisors, healthcare professionals you’ve had shadowing experience with, your professors or university faculty, your admissions advisor or consultant or your volunteer supervisor.

You can ask for a recommendation letter for nursing school in person, by email or by phone, though it’s usually best to do so in person. Start your request by explaining why you are choosing to ask them and why you need a letter of recommendation. You may also want to share why you are applying for nursing school, any requirements they will need to know to write the recommendation letter and the application deadline. 

Who you ask might depend on your relationship with the individual and how well they know you. You want to choose someone who can be enthusiastic, objective and write an exemplary recommendation letter. You don’t want to ask someone who is unsure or doesn’t know you well. 

To write a good letter of recommendation for nursing school, treat it as a formal letter to the admissions committee. Introduce yourself and your relationship to the applicant, then highlight their most significant skills, attributes, and achievements. Explain why you think they would be an excellent nursing professional and why they should be accepted to a nursing school.

A recommendation letter for nursing school should be at least one page, but not more than two. Aim to write around 400 words.

Yes, writing a recommendation letter for yourself is a common enough practice, and you may choose to do so. You should always try to ask someone who will be able to write you an excellent letter of recommendation on their own, but it is an option to write it yourself.

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Letter of Recommendation for Nursing School

Letter of recommendation for nursing school aims to recommend a particular student for admission to a medical or graduate school. The recommendation letter also characterizes a person when applying for employment in a hospital or clinic.

Due to the high competition in medicine, the nurses’ recommendation letters have a lot of weight. The paper usually characterizes the student as an ideal future employee in the field. Therefore, this form is a crucial determinant of the decision the admissions committee reaches. In common practice, medical schools require three letters of recommendation to get a comprehensive knowledge of the applicant.

We have prepared a general overview of this form for you. The article covers the main clauses of nurse reference letters and the general rules of writing one. It also contains samples of letters for different recipients. However, this information is not entirely comprehensive. Each medical school has its rules for creating recommendation papers, so please refer to educational institutions’ official websites for more details.

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Who Writes the Recommendations?

How do i request a recommendation, what information does the nursing letter of recommendation provide, how to write a recommendation for medical school, dos and don’ts, samples of recommendation letter for nursing students, key takeaways.

Any person intending to join a nursing school should have three recommendation letters. Usually, two letters are written by science professors and one by a non-science professor. The author of the recommendation should be the applicant’s teacher of a class the applicant is scoring high grades. Only then can the recommendations be considered convincing, especially since they can give examples of your good educational achievement.

If your professor teaches in a large class where they cannot spend enough time getting to know you better, request your teaching assistant. They can help your head professor write a recommendation letter and provide relevant information about your aspirations and achievements. An alternative is to meet the professor during their working hours and be more active so that they remember you as an extraordinary student.

Other people who can author recommendation letters are the director of the graduate school, the head of a research project, and the head of a volunteer program. In other words, it is almost any person who stands both for academic and administrative positions. Anyone considered powerful enough in your educational institution is suitable to write the letter. The author’s institutional position is vital, so it is indicated in the letter header.

You can request any of the persons mentioned above to write a letter of recommendation. To let the professor or assistant understand what information should be included, provide them with your CV, application for admission, and information about the school or graduate school program. These documents help the author make the best recommendation and link your past and current achievements to the prospects for the academic program. Using these details, the writer can present a portfolio that meets the requirements of the school.

The student can take care of a good recommendation in advance. It does not mean that you need to be an upstart for the sake of the letter. However, when in the classroom, remember that classroom work is essential not just for the current learning process but also for your future. A good relationship with the professor will help to get a truthful nursing student letter of recommendation.

As we have already noted, the letter of recommendation can be a decisive factor to accept or reject an applicant. Therefore, the author of the letter should carefully consider all the points of the content. Since this letter characterizes the applicant, it should include a list of positive qualities and prove their prospects in school or graduate school. However, the letter should not be like a piece of fiction writing on “how excellent my student is.” Below, we will look at the key points and their purpose.

In terms of content, the nursing character reference letter contains two parts, namely identification and informational. The identification data includes the applicant’s full name, the name and address of the institution where they study, the author’s name and their contact details, and the calendar date of the letter compilation. Please be sure that you have specified the full legal names. Even if you work at a well-known college or school, avoid abbreviations and colloquialisms.

The information or content part concerns the academic achievements and prospects of the medical school applicant. Reveal the relationship between the author and the applicant, that is, how long you have known each other. List the achievements of the person you are writing about and the unique traits that make them competitive. Describe the results of their previous academic work. Highlight their progress over the years of training under your guidance and convincingly prove their potential for the future.

Conclude the description with an indication of the reasons why the applicant will undoubtedly succeed. Provide facts, refer to certificates, and mention internships to confirm your theses. Remember that the recommendation should be comprehensive. As the University of Washington campus website states, a good recommendation letter reveals academic achievement, while a great one also demonstrates the student’s personal qualities. The next

section of this article describes how to present the points mentioned above in the letter’s main body.

Structurally speaking, the letter contains three parts: the introduction, the main part, and the conclusion. Besides, do not forget to specify such formalities as the header and signature. Let us look at these points step by step.

1. Letterhead

Enter the full name of the author of the message. Provide information about the educational institution.

2. Introduction

Salute the reader and outline your position in the educational institution. Specify your role and department. Briefly introduce the applicant, indicating their current status and the nature of your relationship. Also, specify how long you have known each other.

3. Main Body

This part usually consists of two paragraphs. Generally, the first covers the student’s academic achievements, while the second reveals their personal characteristics.

In the first paragraph, specify the student’s grades and internships, if any. Demonstrate their progress during the training and qualities that led them to success, confirming continuous academic development. This paragraph covers more general information, while the following one details the data.

In the second paragraph, specify the character traits that help the student deal with tasks and cooperate with classmates and teachers. Show the student’s perseverance in achieving academic goals, their organizational and leadership skills. Give examples of cases when the student participated in the organization of school events and describe why your student is an ideal candidate for the nurse’s position.

In both paragraphs, provide anecdotes confirming your thesis, as well as the names of certificates, internships, and other achievements. Your goal in this part is to prove your student’s uniqueness and peculiarity and their prospects in the academic field. Use the usual rhetorical scheme when the thesis is accompanied by an anecdote that confirms the statement.

4. Conclusion

Summarize the key points of your comments above. Emphasize the connection of the student’s education and experience with the academic program for admission. Specify your phone number and email address and state that you are ready to provide additional information, if necessary.

5. Verification

Affix your signature and the date when you wrote the letter.

Before we get to the sample recommendations for nurses, let us pin down what to do and avoid when writing the letter.

It would help if you did the following:

• Follow the structure of the letter
• Confirm theses with arguments
• Write only facts that concern the student
• Be polite about the admissions committee
• Show your personal attitude to the applicant

You should avoid:

• Unreliable or unverifiable information
• Providing data about students that you do not know very well
• Literary narrative lacking a structure

Now you can use sample letters of recommendation for nurses to make an application. Remember that you can adjust the paragraphs under the college or university requirements where the applicant enters.

Recommendation Letter for a Nursing Student

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am proud to recommend ___________ (full applicant’s name), who is applying for admission to the ___________ (name of the university) University’s nursing program. I have taught them in the four courses during ___________ (duration, for example, term(s) or academic year(s)). Along this time, they have shown outstanding academic ability and hard work.

As ___________’s (applicant’s name) teacher, I have witnessed their passion for subjects related to family medicine and child health. To this, they attended courses ___________ (list the subjects that are related to the student’s future specialization). ___________ (applicant’s name) has been an active participant in nursing seminars, which (he or she) has always carefully prepared for in advance. In ___________ (specify the dates) (he or she) spoke at a student panel discussion with a report on ___________ (indicate the topic). (He or She) prepared a report for the ___________ conference (name the conference) and made a presentation on ___________ (specify the date).

I do not know a more hardworking and patient person than ___________ (applicant’s name). I have always admired (his or her) compassion and empathy for patients. These qualities, however, do not prevent (him or her) from strictly and carefully compiling medical records. Diligence and ___________ (name other positive personal attributes) make (him or her) an outstanding student who is willing to learn constantly.

___________’s (applicant’s name) dedication and kindness make (him or her) worthy of your nursing program. I am deeply convinced that (he or she) will make a meaningful and crucial contribution if accepted. I am ready to provide you with more information about ___________’s (applicant’s name) academic achievements, so do not hesitate to contact me via ___________ (your phone number) or ___________ (email address).

Recommendation Letter for Nurse Practitioner

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter confidently recommends ___________ (full applicant’s name), who has worked as a nurse practitioner at ___________ (name the institution) under my supervision for ___________ (specify the term). During this time, (he or she) has shown professionalism and empathy towards patients, which is a rare combination.

___________ (applicant’s name) is the most hardworking and involved person I have ever supervised. (He or She) makes creative and intelligent use of the high-quality education (he or she) acquired at ___________ (name the college or university). (He or She) always finds a solution in difficult situations (provide an anecdote). ___________ (applicant’s name) desire to develop and study medical cases in detail is overwhelming. During (his or her) work, (he or she) had an internship ___________ (specify the name, duration, and location) regarding nursing issues.

___________ (applicant’s name) is always able to find a personal approach to the patient, making (his or her) stay in the clinic not only productive but also pleasant. The quality of (his or her) work is proven with practice since patients know (him or her) and seek (his or her) services. I will not exaggerate if I say that ___________ (applicant’s name) is in some way the face of our clinic.

I am sad to see ___________ (applicant’s name) leave our clinic, but I confidently recommend (him or her) for any nursing position as they deserve it. At (his or her) current job, (he or she) has established (himself or herself) as a brilliant, responsible, and executive employee. I am convinced that having (him or her) as a member of your staff will be a valuable asset. If you would like to know more, please call ___________ (your phone number) or email ___________ (email address) me.

Recommendation Letter for Nursing Graduate School

Knowing your graduate program as having high academic standards with a personal approach to students, I recommend ___________ (full applicant’s name) for admission. I have known (him or her) as (his or her) teacher for ___________ (specify the term) at ___________ (name the university). (He or she)  is, forsooth, the most talented student in the class.

Throughout (him or her) training, ___________ (applicant’s name) maintained a consistently high learning score. (He or she) attended additional electives related to nursing, such as ___________ (name the courses and specify the number of credits). (He or she)  also took part in conferences within our university and other educational institutions. These are such events as ___________ (list the names of conferences and panel discussions and specify the dates). During the practical classes, ___________ (applicant’s name) proved to be capable of applying theoretical knowledge appropriately.

___________ (applicant’s name) knows how to keep (his or her) cool and works well under pressure, which is a valuable quality for a nurse. (He or she)  is a calm and patient person who can find a solution quickly when it is necessary. ___________ (applicant’s name) has a sound mind and never panics. Despite (his or her)  high workload, (he or she) always helps classmates and colleagues who are stuck in their endeavors.

With (his or her) outstanding abilities in mind, I strongly recommend ___________ (applicant’s name) for your program. I am sure that (his or her) graduate training will give our medicine a highly educated worker, whether they are a theorist or a practitioner after that. I am ready to tell you more about ___________ (applicant’s name), so if you have any questions, please send them to the email ___________ (point out address) or call me by phone ___________ (specify the number).

As you can see, a letter of recommendation for a nurse is a paper that has a balance between personal and formal . On the one hand, you should follow a structure that will help you present your opinion succinctly and consistently. On the other hand, this document does not assume a universal formal language, as in tax returns. The author is supposed to improvise within certain limits. Use bright adjectives and precise characteristics that are memorable. Be sure to provide anecdotes; otherwise, the narrative will not be convincing enough!

If you are a student, provide your professor with your application and all the information on the program. If you are a professor, talk to the student before writing a recommendation to get more up-to-date information about their academic goals. The same applies to the supervisor or employer writing a letter of recommendation for a nurse.

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Nursing Intake Process

The Nursing curriculum prepares graduates for staff nurse positions in acute, long-term care and community-based care settings. Staff nurses plan, provide and evaluate nursing care for individual health maintenance or health promotion needs. Those who completed the program had a 80.15% licensure pass rate in 2022, a 89.76% licensure pass rate in 2021, and a 81.6% licensure pass rate in 2020.

The program is a National League for Nursing (NLN) Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.

Course Sequence Options

The Nursing program has three course sequence options to accommodate students at varying stages of their academic career:

Traditional

• Students are admitted once a year in September .
• This option offers the four Nursing courses over two academic years – Fall/Spring, Fall/Spring. There are no nursing courses in the summer in this option.
• Students may be first-time college students or have had previous college experience.

Post Baccalaureate Accelerated  

• Students are admitted once a year in May .
• This option offers the four Nursing courses over 14 months: summer, fall, spring and summer
• This option is limited to only those students who have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a non-nursing major and have met additional prerequisites. In addition to nursing courses, students must show evidence of completion of all other program courses. Biology 109, Biology 110, Biology 241 and Diet 111 must be completed or in progress at time of application.

Advanced Placement

• Students are admitted once a year beginning with a noncredit transition course in September during the Fall semester.
• The course focuses on bridging the information between the role of the Licensed Practical Nursing and the Registered Nurse.
• Students then join the Nursing 132 course in the spring semester and complete the sequence of the remaining three courses as stated in the Traditional option. Priority is given to LPNs and military medics for admission.
• Must have grades for Biology 109, English 101, Diet 111, Math 118 and Chemistry 110 on Student data sheet at time of application.

How to Apply to the Nursing A.A.S. Degree Program

The Nursing program is one of four select degree programs in the College’s Allied Health department. The programs in this department can accept only a limited number of students each year.

As part of the application, students must (1) meet a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75, (2) have no grades of “D” or “F” and no withdrawals on your academic record in the past two years (admission points will be deducted for withdrawals and grades of “D” or “F,” (3) successfully complete prerequisite courses.” Meeting the minimum GPA requirement does not guarantee admission into the Nursing program.

Students will be assigned a Kaplan preadmission testing date after submitting an application .

Students are only allowed to submit one application to  ONE   program in the Allied Health department at a time.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines for the Nursing program are as follows:

Traditional Option

• Priority application deadline: Oct. 31, 2023, Kaplan test due Nov. 23, 2023, notification by Dec. 22, 2023
• Application deadline: Jan. 31, 2024, Kaplan test due Mar. 3, 2024, notification by Apr. 7, 2024
• Class start date: Sept. 2024

Advanced Placement Option

• Application deadline: May 31, 2024; notification by June 30, 2024

Post Baccalaureate Option

• Priority application deadline: Aug. 31, 2023, test by Sept. 15, 2023, notification by Oct. 13, 2023
• Application deadline: Nov. 17, 2023; Kaplan test due December 15, 2023
• Class start date: May 13, 2024

Students must be 18 years of age on or before September 1 to participate in the Nursing courses.

Minimum GPA Requirement

The minimum acceptable GPA for consideration is 2.75. Admission is competitive, so the higher your GPA, the better. Aim to get “A” and “B” grades in all courses.

You must have no grades of “D” or “F” and no withdrawals on your academic record in the past two years . Complete every course you take with an “A” or “B.” Apply for academic or time amnesty if you have “D” or “F” grades or withdrawals on your record. Please see if you qualify for Amnesty .

Prerequisites

Students must submit an official transcript with their application. Before applying to the Nursing program, students must:

• High school Biology or its equivalent (Biology 106)
• High school Chemistry or Chem 110
• Be placed in English 101 and FNMT 118 (intermediate algebra) or higher
• High school Biology or its equivalent (Biology 106) and Biology 109
• Dietetics 111
• English 101
• Chemistry 110
• Transfer students must provide a college transcript showing one year clinical experience, course descriptions and a reference letter
• LPNs must provide a current active LPN license and an LPN transcript
• Veterans must provide evidence of honorable discharge indicating training/service as a medic/corpsman
• high school Biology or its equivalent (Biology 106)
• high school Chemistry or Chem 110
• Preference will be given to those who have successfully completed* Biology 109, Biology 110, Biology 241 and Dietetics 111

*These courses must have been taken less than ten (10) years ago with grade of “A,” “B” or “C,” or be completed, and recorded on your Community College of Philadelphia transcript by January 31, 2023.

To submit your Nursing application, please login to MyCCP and click on the Student tab. Under Electronic Forms, please click the Allied Health/Nursing link to complete the application. If you have questions, please email selectprogram [at] ccp.edu ( selectprogram[at]ccp[dot]edu ) .

Admissions Criteria 

1. all applicants must meet the prerequisite requirements and take the kaplan pre-admission test (kpt)..

Applicants will then be divided into Admission Category groups (A, B, C or D) based on their academic background:

• Group A : applicants who have earned 12 or more CCP college-level credits, including at least one science course;  
• Group B : applicants who are high school seniors or graduated within 12 months of application; 
• Group C : applicants who have other college experience and earned 12 or more college-level credits, including at least one science course; 
• Group D : applicants with a bachelor’s degree or higher

2. Applicants credentials will be measured using a point system.

• Applicants in Group C or D will be evaluated on their most recent non-CCP college experience. 
• Admission is conditional pending receipt and evaluation of criminal background check, child abuse clearance, drug screen, social security verification, and health requirements.
• Points will be assigned based on applicant's GPA, pattern of academic success and Kaplan test score. 
• Composite scores of 80 and above receive 3 points
• Composite scores of 75-79 receive 2 points
• Composite scores of 70-74 receive 1 point

Group A & C

• Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, 3.0-3.49 or 2.75-2.99 receive point values of 4, 3 and 2, respectively. 
• Students with no withdrawals, "D" or "F" grades on their transcript, students with 1 withdrawal, "D" or "F," and students with multiple withdrawals, "Ds" or "Fs" will receive 2, 1, and 0 points respectively. 
• Students who attend a ranked high school and are in the top third of their class receive 4 points
• Students attend an unranked high school and have an average of "A," "B" and "C" grades in college prep courses will receive point values of 4, 3 and 2, respectively. 
• Students with No withdrawals, "D" or "F" grades on their transcript, students with 1 withdrawal, "D" or "F," and students with multiple withdrawals, "Ds" or "Fs" will receive 2, 1, and 0 points respectively.
• Students will receive 1 point for their complete bachelor's degree
• Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, 3.0-3.49 or 2.75-2.99 receive point values of 3, 2 and 1, respectively. 

Kaplan Pre-Admission Test

The Kaplan Pre-Admission exam is a timed exam which takes 1.5-3 hours to complete. The Nursing program requires a composite score of 70 . Reading, Writing and Math sections make up the composite score, however, science can be a deciding factor when applications go to the program directors. You must complete all portions of the Kaplan exam, including the tutorial questions. All sections should be taken seriously.

You must check your MyCCP email for testing dates . You can also download the MyCCP app to get push notifications.

The results you receive at the end of the test is Overall Correct, not your Kaplan Composite Score. To obtain your Kaplan Composite score, you can divide the Math, Reading and Writing score at the end of the test by the number 3. This should give you your composite score.

Students who do not meet the minimum score needed for a specific program or want to discuss options for raising their score in a future application cycle should visit the Counseling department at any campus. No appointment is needed.

Preparing for Kaplan : Buy a Kaplan study book called, “Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exams” 7 th edition, ISBN-13: 978-1506207445. This is sold in the College’s bookstore for about $25 or you can buy it used online for $5-10. There are FREE online study options you can find by typing in “Kaplan preadmission Nursing exam” into any search engine. YouTube also has videos about preparing for the Kaplan exam.

Application Checklist

In order to apply to the Nursing program, please ensure that you meet the following criteria:

• Biology 106 or high school Biology (less than 10 years old)
• Chemistry 110 or high school Chemistry (less than 10 years old)
• English101 placement
• Math 118 placement
• High School Transcript

How to Apply

Current Community College of Philadelphia students who plan on applying to the Nursing program and meet the eligibility requirements should complete the Nursing program application by following these steps:

• Step one: Login to MyCCP
• Step two: Click on the "Student" tab
• Step three: Click on the "Allied Health/Nursing Application Forms" under "Electronic Forms" on the top, right-hand side of the page
• Step four: Select your program of interest
• Step five: Complete and submit the form

Don’t forget to sign the front and back of the application. Please check your College email for correspondence. Decision letters will be sent by postal mail. Make sure the College has your current mailing address. If not, login to MYCCP , click on the Student tab, look for Electronic Forms, click on Records & Registration Forms, and click “Change of Information.” Please check your email for all correspondence.

Not a Community College of Philadelphia student? You must apply to Community College of Philadelphia before you can apply to the Nursing program. Please follow our Steps to Enrollment to get started.

Post Acceptance Screenings

Students accepted into the Nursing program may be required to complete and provide verification of:

• Criminal background check – PA State Police and FBI
• Child abuse clearance
• Drug screening test
• Physical exams and or dental exam
• CPR training – must be health care providers
• Liability and Health insurance
• Social Security Number verification
• Being age 18 or older before program starts
• Signed NEV (Nursing Education Verification) Agreement (PDF) 

ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM WILL BE CONSIDERED CONDITIONAL UNTIL THESE ITEMS ARE COMPLETED. Students should not complete any of the above until requested by the program director.

You can reach allied health admissions at selectprogram [at] ccp.edu ( selectprogram[at]ccp[dot]edu )

Program Information 

Traditional option sample course schedule, time commitment .

Nursing 101 is a 7 credit course. Coursework consists of 18 hours of class time per week:

• Class lecture (3 hrs.)
• Seminar (1hr)
• Skills lab (2 hrs.)
• Clinical learning experience (12-16 hours either two 6 hour days or two 8 hour days)
• 2 hours of homework & studying for every 1 hour in class

In addition, you should be prepared for more than 36 hours of work (2 hours of homework and studying per 1 hour in class).

The minimum amount of hours recommended per week outside of your other commitments (work, friends/family, commute time, etc.) is 54-56 hours . This is a full-time schedule .

Additional Program Costs

Additional cost listed below does not include College tuition

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New survey finds loneliness epidemic runs deep among parents

Majority of respondents feel isolation, loneliness and burnout from demands of parenthood

A new national survey conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds a broad majority of parents experience isolation, loneliness and burnout from the demands of parenthood, with many feeling a lack of support in fulfilling that role.

The survey of parents conducted this month found:

• About two-thirds (66%) felt the demands of parenthood sometimes or frequently feel isolating and lonely .     
• About 62% feel burned out by their responsibilities as a parent .     
• Nearly 2 in 5 (38%) feel they have no one to support them in their parenting role .     
• Nearly 4 in 5 (79%) would value a way to connect with other parents outside of work and home.

“I work from home full time and I actually have a job where I'm on camera a lot and I'm Zoom calling people very often,” said Anne Helms, a mother of two young children in Columbus, Ohio. “However, you don't get the small talk, so you don't get the, ‘How are your children? How's it going?’ And you don't get a lot of genuine answers when you do ask, ‘How is it going?’

“There are some days where the most chit-chat or idle talk that I get is with my dog because I work alone.”

“It's pretty obvious that there is a huge difference between a virtual meeting and being in person,” said Kate Gawlik , DNP, associate clinical professor at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, a researcher on parental burnout and a mother of four young children. “You miss a lot of those small interactions that you'd have in the hallway. Just a lot more of that personal touch has been eliminated, and in many regards it's just never been infiltrated back into our society.”

“Even the places that I do try and seek out other parents, it's kind of like we're lost in the shuffle because it's at daycare drop-off or pick-up where everyone just has tunnel vision,” Helms added. “And I think it’s hard to make friends when you're feeling vulnerable.”

Gawlik pointed to the ancillary negative impacts of loneliness.

“Loneliness has been shown to affect both your physical and mental health,” Gawlik explained. “So anything from cardiovascular disease to depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, even your immune system can be affected when you're lonely. In fact, one study showed if you are in social isolation for a prolonged amount of time, it's equivalent to smoking about 15 cigarettes a day.”

In response to the realities of parental isolation, loneliness and burnout, Gawlik created a six-week parenting program that brings parents together to be vulnerable, commiserate about challenges they face and find support. It’s where Helms realized she wasn’t alone.

“I think the biggest thing is she validated that if you’re working and you have children and you're a conscientious parent, it would be wild if you weren't burned out,” Helms said. “So I felt very validated when she said, “It’s okay that you’re here.’”

Gawlik also stressed the need for self-care and the value of connection.

“To have somebody that you can relate to and that feeling of connection that somebody else is dealing with what you are dealing with can be so powerful when it comes to combating feelings of loneliness,” Gawlik said.

“I think it equips us to create better futures for our children; I think it makes us healthier,” Helms said. “I think that the ripple effect from connecting with other parents and getting support when you need it is immeasurable. It makes you a better employee. It makes you a better spouse, parent, friend. I think that it just enriches our lives … just like parenting does, but it just makes you level up.”

Gawlik recommends doing an online search for parent groups in your community, whether they are hosted at community centers or through your employer. Parents can also look for playgroups, book clubs, recreational sports leagues or initiate talking to parents about scheduling playdates with their little ones’ friends from childcare.

“Parenting can feel very lonely at times, but it will be easier if you have people around who can support you,” Gawlik said. “It can be hard to start seeking out connections because, to some degree, you will have to be vulnerable and, sometimes, it will take time and effort.

“But just take the first step.”

Media coverage of this story:

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