Scholarship essay applications and personal statements

¶ … mission of the Nursing Scholarship Program in providing care to underserved communities?

I believe that health is the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon any human being. A child who is not treated for a common illness cannot focus in school; someone with a chronic disease like diabetes cannot think of looking for a new job until his or her blood sugar is under control. As a nurse, I wish to help the least fortunate members of the population, in the U.S. And abroad, to better the quality of their health, and by extension, better the quality of their lives. When I first embark upon my practice, I can see myself serving as an OR nurse or a military nurse who working to improve the health of members of the armed forces. I view the career of nursing as a calling, as a vocation, not merely a job.

Essay question 2: What defines an underserved community? What experiences have you had that have prepared you to work with underserved populations?

A member of an underserved community lacks access to the type of healthcare needed to maintain a reasonable standard of functionality, given the needs of the underserved patient's age group and health conditions. Populations that lack access to basic sanitation, healthy foods, and places to exercise are also underserved. In 2008, I volunteered as a missionary healthcare worker in Atotonilco, Mexico. I helped nurses take patients' glucose levels, vital signs, and educated the patients about how to manage their diabetes. I also acted as a patient educator on the subject of the links of obesity, lack of exercise, and poor diet to an increased risk for diabetes and heart disease. In 2009 I volunteered in a similar capacity in St. Kitts and Nevis. I made visits to patients' homes to take their glucose levels and vital signs. These patients were not mobile because their legs had been amputated, due to diabetes-related problems.

Essay question 3: Please discuss your commitment to pursue a career in nursing