Writing an application to study Nursing in the UK
Writing a personal statement for a Nursing degree is crucial as it allows you to demonstrate to admissions tutors that you would make a great candidate. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you craft a compelling personal statement:
1. Start with a Strong Opening:
Begin your personal statement in a way that grabs attention. You could start with a personal anecdote related to nursing or explain why you are passionate about this field.
2. Show Your Passion:
Express your enthusiasm for nursing. Discuss what draws you to this profession and how your interest has developed.
3. Highlight Relevant Experience:
Any experience in a healthcare setting can strengthen your application. This includes work placements, voluntary work, or personal experiences such as caring for a relative.
4. Experiences with Health Professionals:
If you have had the opportunity to observe or work with adult nurses or other health professionals, discuss what you have learned from these experiences.
- Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Highlight any exposure you have had to teams that include doctors, specialists, assistants, technicians, and other healthcare professionals. Discuss how this has shown you the importance of teamwork in patient care.
- Patient Interactions: Talk about instances where you have seen nurses interact with patients, providing care, administering medication, conducting procedures, and offering emotional support. Reflect on how this has given you a deeper understanding of patient-centred care and communication skills in nursing.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Discuss situations where nurses have had to make quick decisions under pressure. Reflect on how this has shown you the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required in nursing.
5. Knowledge of the NHS (UK only):
Demonstrate your understanding of the National Health Service (NHS) and its values. Show that you understand how the healthcare system operates, including the role of the NHS, healthcare policies, patient rights, and ethical considerations in healthcare. In your personal statement, Admissions Tutors want to see that you understand the NHS Values and want to see examples from your own experience that relate to them.
6. Discuss Your Skills:
Highlight the skills you have gained from your experiences and how they will help you succeed in nursing. These include teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and resilience.
7. Explain Your Long-Term Goals:
Talk about your career aspirations in adult nursing. This shows that you are committed to the field and have a clear sense of direction.
8. Be Reflective:
Show that you can learn from your experiences. Rather than just listing what you have done, reflect on what you have learned and how it’s prepared you for a career in nursing.
9. Proofread:
Make sure your personal statement is well-written and mistakes-free. Getting someone else to read it over is a good idea.
10. Answer the ‘Why Now?’ question:
Especially if you are a mature student, address why you are pursuing this degree at this point in your life.
It is suggested that UK applicants explore the NHS website, but you can find plenty of additional web pages about the NHS by searching the internet. Once you are familiar with the basics of the NHS, make sure to have a look at the Constitution and its Values.
Remember, your personal statement is your chance to show why you would make a great Nurse, so highlight your passion, dedication, and readiness for the programme. If you need support with your personal statement, please contact our Student Support team here.