Personal and professional goals for pursuing a family nurse practitioner degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - RN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner

Personal/Professional Goals

I wish to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The program is specifically designed for RNs such as myself to obtain an MSN in this field. I consider this the next step in my journey to my ultimate goal of nursing a doctor of nursing practice.

Academic experience

I have been working as an RN since 2007. I will receive my BS in nursing from Holy Names University in August of 2015. I am proud to say that I have a straight A average and have received the distinction of being placed on the president's list because I have maintained a 3.8-4.0 G.P.A every semester.

Research experience

For all of my classes, I completed numerous research papers on a variety of nursing topics, spanning from technical subjects regarding nursing care to nursing theory. I look forward to sharpening my research skills in the context of my Walden degree as I obtain a more in-depth education in the field of nursing which requires greater application of such skills.

Work experience

Over the course of my career since 2007, I have worked in a wide variety of acute care hospitals in many different capacities. I have experience in medical-surgical, critical care, and emergency nursing. I also worked as critical care nurse at Level II Trauma Center. My experiences empowered me to develop acute diagnostic and treatment skills. I am comfortable working in high-pressure environments with patients of very varied health statuses. This has prepared me for the responsibilities of advanced nursing practice. This will also infuse the perspective I am able to bring to my studies.

Personal qualities

I was drawn to nursing because I wanted a job where I could help people every day in meaningful ways. I knew I would never be satisfied with a typical 9-5 job where I just sat at my desk on a daily basis, typed on the computer, and moved paper from one file to another. I am very hands-on in the way I approach my work.

When I was growing up, my family also impressed upon me the value of serving others. They always acted as a strong support system for me and I felt confident and comfortable enough with myself to be a support system for others. Helping others was an ethical obligation and part of the tenants of our faith. Even when our family was struggling, we still donated food, money, and clothes to those who were needier than ourselves. I believe that this sense of obligation to others is a critical component of nursing.

My family's strong support system is also one of the reasons I feel confident embarking upon the challenges of further graduate study. Although balancing work and educational obligations can be difficult, I know that those around me act as my cheerleaders and make me feel as though there is nothing I cannot accomplish.

Over the course of my work as a nurse I have gained a desire for a deeper academic understanding of my field. An advanced degree will not simply allow me to earn more: it will also give me greater autonomy as a practitioner and enable me to work with more advanced cases.

Reasons for admissions committee review

I have a strong GPA and the necessary academic and professional credentials to succeed at Walden. I hope the admissions committee takes this into consideration when reviewing my application.

How will you be successful?

Multitasking and planning ahead will be a critical component of my success. To juggle my work duties with my academic obligations, I will carefully plan both by the week and by the month to ensure that I do not become overwhelmed. I have demonstrated that I have been able to succeed in school while still pursuing a busy and at times stressful career as a nurse.