USF College of Nursing Essay Personal Statement

My Goal of Becoming a Nurse at the University of South Florida

Nursing is a field that has always interested me, but the care and attention nurses give to their patients has directly affected me in recent years as I have become part of the medical community. Since working in the field as an EMT starting in 2009, I have gained a greater appreciation for respectable and responsible patient care. Even though I have only cared for patients for a short amount of time as an EMT in the field, I realize that I have made a small, but very important impact on each and every person I attend to and want to carry that attention into a broader scale as a BSN-trained nurse. The high number of BSN applicants who want to become USF-educated nurses is evidenced by the honors and accolades bestowed upon the BSN (and other nursing) programs. The students within the program have evidently worked very hard to get into it, and as a future student I would find it a challenging, yet rewarding opportunity to take part in such an esteemed and competitive program. My respect for education is reflected in volunteer work tutoring several adult learners who have started college years after completing high school. As I have worked with them throughout this past year, I have encouraged them to work as hard as possible so they may have opportunities in education that fulfill their academic goals. This same work ethic has applied to my goal: striving to become a member of the upper division nursing class at the University of South Florida. I am beyond excited at the prospect of becoming a USF-trained nurse.

As mentioned previously, I enjoy working and volunteering with those who are less fortunate and in need of medical (or other) attention. Even when I am not on duty as an EMT, I try to assist those who appear to be suffering, as compassion and empathy are two qualities I value and look for in a health care professional—and even a human being—on and off the job. This was made relevant during a close relative’s recent lengthy hospitalization, leading to a brief stay in hospice, and then her passing several months ago. Although there were many painful moments not only for her but for her family as we struggled to cope with her declining health, it was an honor to show her compassion through the power of gentle comfort while appreciating many of the nurses’ empathetic roles as they tended to her mind and spirit and not just her condition. Another group of people I also enjoy volunteering with those are who have disabilities. Come to think of it, it is more than volunteering for me since these people are my friends and I just enjoy assisting them. It tugs at my heartstrings to see people judge those with disabilities, physical and/or developmental, as people should treat everyone with the same level of respect. In fact many people with disabilities have an amazing quality of empathy that is apparent in their caring nature which has influenced me to continue to show compassion to all.

The healthcare field is expanding at an astounding rate and with it come the challenges of keeping up with the latest technologies and advances in patient care. I realize the USF upper division BSN program is a rigorous one, but I am up to the challenge as is evidenced by the accelerated courses, especially in the sciences, I have completed. I am working on a Chemistry II course which is time-consuming, so I am reminded every day to show persistence and determination in completing the task at hand, which at this time, is my schooling. Patients are becoming more up-to-date every minute with resources pertaining to their illness, so it only makes sense that nurses receive training that prepares them to treat the patients with sophisticated knowledge of their disease. It is apparent on the USF nursing department’s website that the USF program is one that covers all aspects of patient care. The curriculum at USF is intense, but I appreciate the concern that is taken to educate students. A well-rounded nurse comes from an involved program, so I am confident I would become such a nurse after graduating with my BSN from USF.

Treating patients within the healthcare field is tough but so rewarding. Many of my patients see me when they are in seriously bad shape, so it humbles me when I am able to treat them. Even though they are not in the best shape, I try to stay nonjudgmental and assist them to the best of my ability. If I am the only person that has ever comforted them in their time of need, then I want them to know that I genuinely do care. Many of my patients are under the influence of an illicit substance and therefore cannot control their emotional state, so it is my job, as tough as it is where I work, to keep them calm and safe. They are my priority and I treat them as such. Through the time spent at my EMT job, I have also been working on my interpersonal skills by taking advice from fellow EMS personnel. Nursing is a field that I have carefully considered, especially after my EMT work, and I feel that I am ready to obtain the education and clinical experience that will prepare me for this difficult, yet rewarding career. Deciding to take science, sociology, and psychology courses at my local community college over the summer have further enhanced my knowledge of the human condition. Between working on completing summer courses and treating patients with substance abuse issues, I am learning patience and persistence in personal and professional care settings. I am keeping an open mind about where I would like to work after graduation, since so many areas of the population require acute professional care.

The University of South Florida BSN upper division program is one that I am genuinely excited to attend. Just as I care for patients as an EMT (and hope to care for them further as a nurse), I have seen that same care and attention given to me by the University of South Florida admissions and nursing faculty whom I have encountered through phone and email conversations. The staff in the program is polite and attentive, demonstrating qualities that I appreciate and would want to pass on to patients. USF sets the standard for well-trained and respected nurses, so I would like be within that group and carry on the tradition of exceptional nursing in the field. The concern and consideration I put into my studying would translate into attentive and conscientious patient care. After making a special trip to Florida a few months ago to visit USF, I am more motivated than ever to be a member of the student nurse population at the University. The opportunity to become a nurse with a degree from USF not only would help me professionally, but would also make me extremely proud on a personal level.