Reason I Selected the University of Alabama

¶ … reason I selected the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing for graduate studies in nursing is because I ultimately seek to become a leader in the field of nursing, and there are several facets of this institution that legitimize its "vision to sustain nursing leadership worldwide." In particular, I was attracted to the synthesis of different disciplines and areas of erudition that the UAB School of Nursing emphasizes as part of its graduate education in this field, which include various aspects of management, economics, information technology, marketing and consultation to equip graduates with the necessary skills to perform as leaders within this profession.

It is increasingly necessary for nurses in advanced positions to utilize evidence-based practices as part of their means to fulfilling their responsibilities. The UAB School of Nursing, with its research center providing funded opportunities to counter some of the most pressing health care issues in contemporary times (such as gerontology, Aids care and issues in minority health) has shown a dedicated effort to incorporating such practices to the education of its graduate students. M.S.N. program goals are specifically designed to provide both theoretical and evidence-based methodologies to students, which is invaluable in issuing 21st century health care.

Lastly, the overall reputation of this institution was vital in my selection process. The fact that it is ranked in the top five percent of nursing schools globally by U.S. News and World Report, in addition to its No. 5 ranking in the world for its collaborative science and clinical work in nursing attests to the quality of education that its students in this field receive. As such, I believe this institution will offer me the chance to contribute to its propensity for producing reputable graduates and professionals who can maintain leadership positions in contemporary nursing.

I believe in Utilitarianism and in doing the Greatest Good for the Greatest Number of people possible. With the current state of Health Care Reform, the Affordable Health Care Act, and the increasing shortage of physicians, there will be an increased emphasis on Nurse Practitioners to provide care to a greater number of individuals (Marelli, 2013, p. 121). Pursuing my education further with an MSN and becoming a Nurse practitioner will enable me to demonstrate leadership while being positioned to care of a larger number of sick people that may otherwise not have access to care with the increased demand.

Moreover, the projected shortage of nurses (Egenes, 2012, p. 18) and the greater demand for care among an increasingly diverse population will provide greater opportunities for nurses to participate more in the healing process for patients. There are several responsibilities that Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners are being tasked with that they did not used to have. Some of these responsibilities include issuing medication prescriptions to patients, as well as playing a greater role in diagnosing and designing treatment options for them. As nurse who hopes to obtain a MSN, I look forward to working as one of these advanced nurse practitioners who is on the vanguard of this movement to empower nurses and provide more imminent care to the health care population.

Lastly, I am convinced that obtaining a MSN will enable me to utilize evidence-based practices to develop the most efficacious forms of treatment for patients. Reading, conducting, and utilizing research within the field is one of the most vital components of any MSN program in contemporary times. Therefore, one of the most prudent applications of earning such a degree is to utilize this methodology to obtain new knowledge in this field today in order to administer more efficacious care to individuals and collectives.

I have extensive professional experience relevant to my future career goals and specialty selections at this educational institution, which are (respectively) to operate as a Family Nurse Practitioner locally while organizing medical mission trips and practice abroad, and family primary care and adult gerontology primary care. That experience includes working as a Registered Nurse at UF Health Jacksonville, Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, and St. Vincent's Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. At UF Health I worked with post-intensive medical and surgical patients in the capacity as a trauma and surgery progressive care facilitator, at Brooks I worked with post-surgical and medically complex cardiac and stroke patients in a rehabilitative environment in the capacity as an administering medication and educating patients regarding medical issues, and at St. Vincent's I worked with pre- and post-surgical and medically complex GI/telemetry patients in the capacity of assessing and educating patients about surgical care while also administering it to them.