Essay Sample on Why I Want to Be A Nurse

Nursing is a rewarding and challenging career that has the power to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether your motivation is to help others, attain financial freedom, or both, writing a “Why I Want To Be A Nurse” essay is an excellent opportunity to express your passion and commitment to the field.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why you might want to become a nurse and provide you with helpful tips and inspiration for writing a powerful and persuasive essay .

Why I Want to Be A Nurse (Free Essay Sample)

Nursing is a career that offers a unique combination of hands-on care and emotional support to those in need. There are many reasons why someone might choose to become a nurse, including:

The Empathy and Altruism of Nursing

I have a strong desire to help people and hope to become a nurse. I think nursing is the best way for me to make a difference in other people’s lives because it combines my natural empathy and desire to help people. Nursing gives me a chance to positively touch people’s lives, which has always attracted me to the thought of doing so.

I saw the beneficial effects that nurses may have on people’s life as a child. I have always been moved by the kindness and concern they have for their patients. The small gestures of kindness, like holding a patient’s hand or speaking encouraging words, have always touched me. I think nurses have a special power to change people’s lives and leave a lasting impression, and I want to contribute to that.

Additionally, I think that becoming a nurse is a great and selfless job. To provide for their patients and ensure they are secure and comfortable, nurses put their own needs on hold. I absolutely respect this kind of dedication to helping others, and I aim to exhibit it in my own nursing career.

The Economic Benefits of Nursing

The financial stability that comes with being a nurse is one of the reasons I wish to pursue this career. Nursing is a field that is in high demand, which translates to a wealth of job opportunities and competitive salaries.  This profession offers the chance for a stable income, which makes it a good choice for people who want to secure their financial future.

Nursing not only gives economic freedom but also a flexible work schedule that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Many nurses can choose to work part-time or in a variety of places, such as clinics, hospitals, and schools..

A Love for the Science and Art of Nursing

To succeed in the unique field of nursing, one must have both artistic talent and scientific knowledge. This mix is what initially drew me to the thought of becoming a nurse. The human body and its mechanisms have always captivated me, and I enjoy learning about the science that underpins healthcare. But nursing requires more than just a scientific knowledge of the body. It also requires an artistic understanding of the patient and their needs.. Nursing is a demanding and fulfilling job since it combines science and art, which is why I’m drawn to it.

I saw as a child the effect nurses had on patients and their families. Their compassion and understanding have motivated me to seek a profession in nursing because they frequently offer comfort and help in the hardest of situations. My enthusiasm for the science and art of nursing will undoubtedly help me to have a good influence on other people’s lives. I want to work as a nurse and improve the lives of the people I take care of, whether it be by giving medication, educating patients, or just being a reassuring presence.

Continuous Professional Development in Nursing

I think the nursing industry is dynamic and always changing, which gives people a lot of chances to learn and grow. I would have the chance to continuously advance my knowledge and abilities in this sector if I choose to become a nurse. In turn, this would enable me to better care for my patients and stay abreast of professional developments.

There are several different nursing specialties available as well. There are many options, including critical care, pediatrics, gerontology, and surgical nursing. Because of the variety of disciplines available, nurses have the chance to develop their interests and find their niche. 

I am certain that a career in nursing will provide me the chance to pursue my passion for healthcare while also allowing me to grow professionally.

Nursing is a fulfilling and noble career that offers a mix of hands-on care, emotional support, and professional growth. I am inspired by the positive impact nurses have on patients and their families and aim to offer my own empathy and compassion. The nursing industry is constantly changing, providing ample opportunities for growth and job prospects with financial stability. The ultimate reward in a nursing career is the satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives.

Tips for Writing A Compelling Why I Want To Be A Nurse Essay

Now that you understand the reasons why someone might want to become a nurse, it’s time to learn how to write a compelling essay. Here are some tips and strategies to help you get started:

Create an Outline

Before you start writing, it’s important to identify the main points you’ll discuss in your essay. This will help you stay organized and make your essay easier to read.

Start with an Attention-grabbing Introduction

Your introduction is your chance to make a good first impression and engage the reader. Start with a hook that captures the reader’s attention, such as a surprising statistic or personal story .

Be Specific and Personal

Rather than making general statements about why you want to become a nurse, be specific and personal. Share your own experiences, motivations, and passions, and explain why nursing is the right career choice for you.

Highlight your Skills and Qualifications

Nursing is a demanding and complex profession that requires a wide range of skills and qualifications. Be sure to highlight your relevant skills, such as compassion, communication, and problem-solving, and explain how they make you a good fit for the nursing field.

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What to include: why i want to be a nurse essay.

Why do you want to be a nurse? What is your reason for entering the nursing profession? What drives you?

You will face these questions multiple times throughout your career, but there are two occasions in which answering them could actually define your career.

The first is when you apply to nursing school. You may be asked to complete an essay outlining why you want to become a nurse.

The second time is when you apply for a nursing position and answer that question as part of the interview process.

Whether you're applying for a nursing program or job, it's important to know how to address this question and what sort of answers work best.

What To Include In Your Nursing Essay

To create the perfect nursing essay, one that can help you get into nursing school or find your first job, follow the steps below:

Plan Your Nurse Essay

Before you start writing your nursing essay, think about what you want to include.

Jot down ideas that express your passion for the nursing profession, as well as any personal or familiar experience that led you to take this step.

Be honest. Be open. Summarize your story, highlight your goals, and think about what the nursing profession means to you.

All of these things will be important when structuring your essay.

Show an Emotional Connection to the Profession

Do you have any family members that worked as nurses or doctors? Did you care for a loved one during an illness? Did you require a lot of care at some point in your life?

If so, this should be your lead, and it's probably the most important part of your essay.

Nursing is a lucrative career. You can make a decent salary, enter numerous specialties, and even progress to opening your own practice. There is also a national nursing shortage, so you'll also have plenty of opportunities if you're willing to learn and work. But interviewers don't want to hear that you became a nurse to earn good money and pick up lots of overtime.

Think of it in the context of a talent show. We know that the contestants are there to get famous and make lots of money. But when they stand in front of the camera and appeal for votes, they talk about deceased parents/grandparents, changing their family's life for the better, and making a difference in the world.

It's easy to sympathize with someone who wants to follow in the footsteps of a beloved mother or make a grandparent proud. It's not as easy to sympathize with someone who just wants to drive a Bugatti and wear a Rolex.

Examples  :

"My mother is a nurse practitioner. I can see how happy the role makes her and how much it has changed her. I have looked up to her throughout my life and have always wanted to follow in her footsteps."

"I cared for my father when he was ill. I was able to comfort him and assist him in his time of need, and while it was very challenging, it always felt right to me and it's something I would love to do as a career."

Show That You Care

Like all health care workers, nurses are devoted to healing the sick. If you're not a people person, it's probably not the profession for you.

Make it clear that you're a caring person and are willing to devote your life to healing sick people. A good nurse also knows how to comfort distraught family members, so you may want to include this in your essay as well.

If you have any examples of times when you have helped others, include them. This is a good time to talk about volunteer work, as well as other occasions in which you have devoted your time to helping strangers.

"I feel a great sense of pride working with families and patients through difficult times. I like to know that I am making a difference in the lives of others."

"I want to become a nurse so that I can help others in their time of need. I chose nursing as a profession because I feel a great sense of accomplishment when helping others".

Share Your Aspirations

What are your goals for your nursing career? Do you want to become a nurse practitioner? Do you want to specialize as a nurse anesthetist, a critical care nurse, or focus more on pediatrics?

Nurses work across a range of specialties, and it's important to show that you are interested in continuing your education and developing to your full potential.

The goal is to show that you are determined. You are driven to succeed and to better yourself.

If you're just taking your first steps as a nursing student, now is a good time to research into specialties and get an idea of how you want your career to progress.

"I have always been drawn to the nursing profession because it's challenging, demanding, and interesting. I want to push myself every day, engaging my academic interests and satisfying my need to learn and improve as a person."

Describe Your Nursing Skills and Qualifications

If you're applying for an accelerated nursing program or a new nursing job, the interviewer will have access to your qualifications. But they won't know what those qualifications mean to you, what you learned from them, and how you can use them in your career.

It's about problem-solving skills, as well as academic work. It's about experience and personal growth, as well as knowledge acquisition.

This is a good time to talk about internships.

How Do You Write an Introduction to a Nurse Essay?

Starting is always the hardest part, but it's best not to overthink it.

Just start writing about why you want to become a nurse. Don't overthink it. Don't worry too much about the first word or sentence. Everything can be edited, and if you spend too long thinking about those first words, you'll never finish the essay.

Keep it simple, check your work, and edit it until it's perfect and says exactly what you want it to say.

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  • December 27, 2022

How to Write: Why I Want to Be a Nurse Essay

The Why I Want to Be a Nurse essay is one of the most common components on nursing school applications. There are tons of reasons to become a nurse, but yours are unique – a good nursing essay will stand out and be remembered by those who read it. In addition to general admission, this could even be your ticket to some scholarships for nursing school!

Let’s dive into how to write your Why I Want to Be a Nurse essay and get you into nursing school!

Planning Your Nursing Essay

why i want to be a nurse essay

Before you get into writing anything, you should always complete your pre-writing phase of brainstorming and planning for what you want to write about. Only then can you start considering your structure and details that you want to include.

Step 1: Brainstorm an event or a list of moments that began your interest in nursing.

If this is a lifelong dream, then maybe you can’t remember when you first became interested in nursing. But what moments have helped you continue down this path?

Some people may not have a specific healthcare related experience that inspired them to take this path. That’s okay! You can think broadly and consider times you were satisfied by helping someone with a task or volunteered.

Haven’t taken a writing class in a hot minute? Here are some effective strategies for brainstorming your ideas.

Step 2: Consider what you did to learn more about nursing.

Think about when you began researching nursing as a viable career option. What made nursing more appealing than a different career?

Step 3: Write down what made you decide to choose nursing as a career path.

If you can boil your reasoning down to a sentence or two, then that will be the thesis for your Why I Chose Nursing essay.

What to Include: Why I Want to Be a Nurse Essay

Introduction: your hook and story.

introduction for nursing essay

Your test scores and transcripts tell the story of your technical aptitude. But your essay is an opportunity to give your application an emotional route. What experiences have made you passionate about nursing? Have you cared for sick loved ones before? Are there nurses in your family?

Your introduction is where you’ll explain the stake that you have in this. You want the admissions team to understand that you belong in the program. Not just that you have the academic qualifications, but that you’ll be an asset to the entire nursing profession.

In kindergarten, there was an accident while my family was camping. A pot of boiling water tipped over onto my leg. The burns were so bad that I had to be airlifted to a regional hospital. I don’t remember much of the incident itself today, but I remember the nurses who helped me recover. They turned a frightening experience into something much kinder. I want to be able to give that to a child by working as a pediatric nurse.

Paragraph 1: Detail the event or moment you became interested in nursing.

This is a paragraph where you really want to reel the reader in. You’ve hooked them with the broad overview of your story: what sets you apart, why you’re so interested in the nursing profession. Now you can detail a specific moment.

Pick one moment and capture it in as much detail as you can. For example, maybe you remember waiting in a hospital for news about a loved one. Perhaps it was the kindness of a nurse who treated you. Or, in contrast, it was a time that a nurse wasn’t kind, and it made you want to do better for a patient in need.

Despite spending several weeks in the hospital, I didn’t immediately develop a desire to become a nurse. Growing up, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life. Then in my sophomore year of high school, my neighbor’s son got sick. He was about the same age as I had been when I was in the hospital. When I babysat him, we would swap hospital stories — the good and the bad! And suddenly it dawned on me that if I was a nurse, I could help make those bad stories a little less painful.

Paragraph 2-3: Show how you have used that experience to build your foundation towards nursing school.

Here is where you’ll take your personal experiences into account. Nursing school requires more than just empathy. You will need to have core science credits and an ability to understand the human body. The best nurses are adaptable in the workplace and always willing to learn. You can browse a list of skills nurses need to thrive in the workplace.

I spent a lot of time researching my neighbor’s son’s condition. Though his illness wasn’t terminal, it was degenerative. He began to lose his hearing a few months after his diagnosis. I joined his father in learning sign language to communicate better. During that time period, I spent a lot of time thinking about how so many people have to struggle so hard to communicate.

I want to be a nurse who can give relief to the most vulnerable patients. Every person’s needs are different. A child’s needs are different from a developmentally disabled adult’s, which are different from the needs of someone hard of hearing, and so forth. I’ve seen firsthand the frustration that occurs when communication isn’t easy. So I’ve focused on learning adaptable communication methods and educating myself about the groups that are most overlooked in hospital settings.

Paragraphs 4-5: Detail how you will use your strengths and skills in your nursing career.

This is the point at which you can start to talk about your specific skills, similar to a job interview. You want to highlight any particularly unique aspects, then make sure to solidly establish your core competency. A dream of becoming a nurse can’t just be a dream; you need detail to back it up.

If you know where you want to place your specific focus as a nurse, mention it! Talk about your career goals and how you want to work with your patients and what you hope to learn in doing so.

I think it’s so important for patients to have a nurse that listens to them, and that goes doubly for patients with communication struggles. During my career, I want to continue practicing and using ASL with my patients. I want to improve the quality of care for chronically ill people, especially because so many report anxiety around healthcare settings.

It’s also important to me to keep learning and adapting constantly. I never want to stop learning new skills and refreshing my knowledge. Understanding a patient’s vital signs and demeanor could mean the difference between life and death. In the high-pressure environment of nursing, I strive to have the answers to the questions my patients have – I’ll never stop seeking knowledge.

Conclusion: Reiterate your skills and qualifications, saying why they’d make you a great fit for the program.

The conclusion is fairly straightforward. You’ve provided your thesis: why you want to be a nurse. You’ve explained when the desire started, what experiences support it, and what you plan for the future. Now you just need to tie those things together in a neat summary. Remind the admissions team of why you’re a unique candidate to fit this role.

A long stay in the hospital as a child doesn’t qualify me to be a nurse by itself. But that experience has laid the foundation for my desire to work in healthcare settings. There are a thousand careers that help people, but nursing is personal and dear to me. I want to make sure that any vulnerable patient has access to the care they need, and I can use my adaptability and communication skills to do that.

Related: Stay Organized for the School Year with These Nursing School Planners

Do’s and Don’t’s for Nursing School Essays

dos and donts of nursing school essays

Do: Show that you care about people.

Illustrate that you want to help people and have compassion for their suffering. It helps to talk about specific people or groups of people that you care for.

Do: Explain the qualifications that will make you a good fit as a nurse.

Talk about your adaptability, your desire to learn, your interest in the healthcare field, your prior experience – anything that will serve you during your career.

Do: Tell admissions why you want to be a part of their program.

Find a unique aspect of the program to highlight, showing why you want to study there specifically. For example, maybe there’s a school that connects students to underserved rural areas and this is a mission that you are on board with. Spend some time researching the nursing program to be confident in what they offer.

Do: Ask someone to proofread.

You’ll miss typos in your work if you read it a thousand times, so ask for a fresh pair of eyes. It also helps to change the essay to a different font for editing. Here are some more tips to consider offering to your proofreader.

Don’t: Pay for a writing service.

Write your own paper. If you’re worried about your skills, have a peer take a look at your draft, rather than using someone else’s work.

Don’t: Make false claims.

Tell the truth about your motivations, goals, strengths, and driving factors. Don’t make up a backstory or pretend to have skills you don’t.

Don’t: Disregard instructions or criteria.

Pay careful attention to the essay prompt and the criteria. Sometimes you’re expected to answer in less than 300 words, or there are more specific prompts to follow.

Related: Can Nurses Have Tattoos?

Why I Want To Be a Nurse Essay – FAQ

What should i include in a short essay on why i want to be a nurse.

A short essay should still include the main points made here – a short story or introduction, why you became interested in nursing and how that experience has propelled you into nursing, and the skills and experience you will bring to the program.

Should I give more than one reason on why I want to be a nurse?

You should aim to stick with one or two main reasons why you chose nursing – too many reasons will lead to a less effective essay due to a difficulty in following along with your main points.

What do I do if I don’t have a personal story that inspired me to want to become a nurse?

Even if your inspiration is not specific to nursing, you should be ready to tie that into why it’s related to a nursing career. Focus on experiences that required interpersonal skills, great communication skills, or show care for others.

The Why I Want to Be a Nurse essay is your chance to stand out from the crowd. You can show your dedication, compassion, and willingness to learn all through being honest. Just make sure you have your essay proofread before you send it!

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Tips for Writing Your Nursing Program College Essays

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Giebien Na in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

The importance of your college essays, general advice for writing your nursing essays.

If you know you want to be a nurse, you probably have quite a few reasons for that. Instead of merely relying on your academic and test performances to tell your story, you get the opportunity in your essays to share exactly why you’re so passionate about nursing. Writing about this can be a clarifying and even exciting process. This article explains why college application essays matter and how you should write about why you want to become a nurse.

Grades and test scores matter when you’re applying to college, but your essays can help improve your chances of admission. They’re how you can express your experiences and make your desire to become a nurse clear and personal.

If your prospective school doesn’t have supplemental essays, it’s a good idea to include your interest in nursing in your Common App essay . This could mean that you end up with two different drafts of the essay: one for if there are supplemental essays where you can discuss your interests in nursing and one for if there are not. You’ll change them out depending on whether you also have to respond to specific prompts about why you want to pursue nursing. This may not sound like much fun, but it will help you be admitted to your school of choice.

It might seem exciting to apply to a place where you don’t have to write extra essays—it’s less work! If you don’t do that additional work, though, you’ll have fewer chances to explain yourself. You might not be able to share exactly why you think that you’re the right fit for a certain college or program. 

If you are writing supplemental essays for the colleges that you’re interested in, you can include more details about your passion for nursing. You’ll often be asked, “why this major?” or “why this school?” When you have those opportunities to share your specific reasons, you can let yourself get personal and go deep into your passion. Use that space to share important details about who you are.

Start Broad

When writing essays entirely about why you want to pursue nursing , try to start from a broad interest, then slowly work your way to telling specific personal stories and goals. 

When first thinking about your general interest in nursing, ask yourself what attracts you to the work of being a nurse. This can lead to powerful potential responses. Maybe you like taking care of people in the community. Perhaps you’ve always known that you wanted to make a difference in the healthcare profession, but you don’t want to be a doctor. You’d rather make patients’ healthcare experiences as comfortable and pleasant as possible. 

After you’ve described these broad, overarching motivations for wanting to go into nursing, consider any personal experiences that have made you want to be a nurse. Think about moments you’ve had during hospital visits or checkups or an anecdote from a time that you decided to volunteer in a healthcare role. Once you’ve written these stories, you can end the essay by discussing your planned major and career goals.

Discuss Your Future Goals

If you know what your end goal is, be sure to include it. You can write about becoming a registered nurse or maybe a nurse practitioner. It doesn’t have to be set in stone , but sharing a final ambition can help anchor your personal narrative. Writing about the future that you want can help the admissions officer reading your essay see how you view yourself. If they can do this, they’ll better understand your values and motivations and see you as a real candidate for their school. 

You don’t have to follow this pattern exactly. For example, it can be powerful to begin your essay in the middle of the action—you can dive right into an anecdote and get the reader interested in your story from the jump. 

While you should avoid dramatization, starting with a few clear, memorable scenes or a line or two of dialogue can make for an instantly interesting essay. All of this helps you show your passion, rather than simply explaining what intrigues you about a nursing career. 

Once you’ve led with your narrative, though, remember to ground it in clear reasons for your intended career and what you want your future to look like. A good essay will be balanced between the past, present, and future. It’s how a college will see who you are and everything that you have to offer.

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why go into nursing essay

why go into nursing essay

How to Write a Nursing Essay for a Nursing Class | Student's Guide

why go into nursing essay

A nursing essay is a focused piece of writing that develops nursing-related ideas using evidence, analysis, and interpretation.

In most cases, the content and length of the nursing essay will depend on the level of study, course requirements, instructor preference, and the type of nursing specialization you are taking. Nevertheless, you will primarily write nursing essays, including persuasive, definition, descriptive, argumentative, reflective, and narrative essays.

The process of writing an essay on a nursing topic is the same as the typical essay writing process; it entails three stages ( pre-writing, writing, and post-writing phases ), each with its steps. Although nursing is a noble career, everyone confuses the process of being easy. Nevertheless, completing nursing essays for a nursing class can be challenging, especially if you don't have a structured approach. Not to worry, though!

In this writing guide, we walk you through the steps to take, the structure to adopt, the top tips to use, and some topics to consider when writing an academic nursing essay.

Types of Nursing Essays Nursing Students Write

If you are wondering what types of essays, you are likely to be assigned when in nursing college or when pursuing a nursing degree from a university, let's introduce you to some of them. Academic writing is an essential skill for nurses that they require attaining proficiency in their careers. And because it is a crucial part of the profession, you will be assigned to write different essays. Here are different writings that you will do in nursing school:

  • Nursing School Essays. These are the essays or personal statements written before joining nursing school. It is written to show your zeal, passion, and determination to be a nurse. It includes "why nursing" essays, "why I want to become a nurse" essays, or "the noble nursing profession." These are written as part of the application process.
  • Reflective Essays. Nursing reflective essays entail expressing your feelings, thoughts, and experiences about an event, such as a practicum, hospital experience, shadowing experience, research project, or study experience. You can use reflective frameworks such as the Johari window, Gibbs reflective model, Kolb's reflective model, Era Cycle, or Driscoll's what model. Your personal nursing philosophy paper is also written in a reflective tone.
  • Nursing Scholarship Essays. These are essays written to explain to a scholarship-selection committee why you deserve a scholarship to study nursing or to advance your degree.
  • Nursing case study analysis essays
  • Descriptive essays. These essays describe a process, topic, or phenomenon of interest in nursing practice.
  • Comparative Essays. These essays compare and contrast two things, places, processes, and objects. You can be asked to evaluate middle-range theories and compare disease intervention processes, articles, texts, or events.
  • Persuasive Essays. These essays entail convincing the readers to adopt a certain viewpoint or take a specific action. For example, you can be asked to write a marijuana legalization essay or an essay on why nurses should be involved in disaster management.
  • Expository Essays. Expository essays are five-paragraph essays that explain something or educate/inform the reader. For example, you could be asked to write an essay on the advantages of adopting electronic health systems, why nurses should advance their studies, how to address the nursing shortage, or the legislation and legal requirements to become a nurse.
  • Narrative Essays. These are essays that tell a story from the perspective of an individual. For instance, you can narrate how you came to love nursing, your nursing philosophy, or your leadership philosophy.

Nursing Essay Writing Process

A typical nursing essay writing process takes three stages: prewriting, writing, and post-writing. Of course, this also applies when writing a nursing research paper or a case study, for that matter.

Note that the time, effort, and dedication required may differ depending on the essay's type, length, and scope.

For example, if you are assigned to write a 3–4-page essay analyzing a healthcare policy, most of your time will be consumed by research, planning, and writing. And if you are to write an essay on why you love nursing, you will most likely spend less time researching because you are writing it from your perspective. In a nutshell, the three stages entail:

Prewriting stage

  • Unpacking the question
  • Defining and refining the essay topic
  • Creating a title
  • Researching and gathering sources
  • Developing a thesis statement
  • Creating an outline

Writing Stage

  • Crafting the introduction, body, and conclusion
  • Fixing the in-text citations

Post writing stage

  • Editing, revising, proofreading, formatting, and polishing the essay.
  • Checking for plagiarism
  • Submitting the essay on time

Pre-Writing Phase for writing a nursing essay

Before you start writing a nursing essay, you have to ensure that you are clear about what is required of you

Unpack or Dissect the Question

The first step in the process of writing a nursing assignment is to know the question. You can do this by reading the prompt in the portal (Blackboard or Canvas), email from the lecturer, or PowerPoint slide presentations from class.

Understanding the question helps you structure your approach, limit the scope of your research, and write a nursing paper addressing the prompt. You should look for pointers, signal words, or terms such as evaluate, elaborate, explore, discuss, examine, illustrate, compare and contrast, cause and effect, make a case, etc.

When you get it right from the onset, you can achieve the goal of your nursing essay, which is to demonstrate that you have a better grasp of theoretical concepts and research processes and can write a professionally written paper.

Select a suitable topic

In most cases, you will be given a topic to write about because nursing essays focus on the same issues, unlike other subjects.

 The field is leveled in nursing classes. Nevertheless, due to the differences in communities, states, and nationalities that nursing students come from, you might be allowed to select a topic on your own.

After selecting a suitable topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow, submit it for approval by your professor or nurse educator. Ideally, choose a topic that aligns with the course concepts, theories, and readings. For instance, if discussing healthcare determinants in a specific community, focus on a website such as HealthyPeople to get the facts right.

Use the determinants mentioned in class when benchmarking nursing practice and community experiences.

The same applies to other areas such as anatomy, pathophysiology, epidemiology, care planning, assessment, leadership, education, practice, state laws, advocacy, policy analysis, etc.

When choosing the topic, go for the one you are interested in. Probably select a topic that aligns with your future ambitions/specialization.

Related Article: Nursing Research Topics for Essays and Nursing Papers.

Focus your Research and Select Sources

Once you have a topic, you must research widely from credible nursing sources.

Develop an understanding of the topic, understand what nursing scholars are saying about the topic, and select potential nursing references for your paper.

You can use scholarly nursing databases such as PubMed, Medline, Embase, BMC, the Cochrane Library, or the JBI EBP database.

Limit your search to articles and journals published within the last five years unless you have to reference a seminal work that has not been updated through the years.

Develop your thesis

A common question students ask is whether nursing essays have thesis statements. The response is that, like any other essay, you should include a thesis that announces your central aim or idea.

Your thesis statement should be assertive, specific, arguable, precise, and demonstrative. It should round up the gist of your entire paper.  The topic, supporting, and concluding sentences depends on the thesis statement.

Outline your essay

After creating a reasonable and focused thesis statement, map out a rough structure of your essay. Mapping out your essay helps you understand what falls where and stay focused when writing.

The essay outline should have your title, hook statement, thesis statement, and topic sentences. You will be filling this outline in the next step when writing the paper.

Writing stage for the Nursing Essay

In the writing phase, you must focus on filling your outline with content. Follow the following steps.

Write the introduction first

By now, you have identified the direction you want your essay to take, depending on the structured approach you have selected to answer the prompt/question. The introduction of your essay sets the tone, direction, and scope of your essay. since it is the invitation for your readers and the first contact point, it should grab their attention and then inform them what is to come. The introduction should be 15-20% of the word count. It should entail:

  • Hook – this is the first sentence in your nursing essay, and it should raise the curiosity of your readers and pique their interests. You can use a statistical, epidemiological, or surprising fact related to the topic. In most cases, when writing essays on disease, epidemiology, and disease processes, shocking statistical/epidemiological facts can do the work. For instance, if you are writing an essay on mental health or illness, state the portion of the affected national, international, regional, or state population.
  • Background of the topic – the background is where you give the context that helps your readers understand your arguments. Provide an overview of the topic, the importance of the nursing topic, and if possible, explain the complicated terms.
  • Thesis statement – state your thesis statement as stated in the outline. In addition, the thesis should signal your position on the topic.
  • Signposting – this is where you map out the content of your essay by stating the content in each section. It is specifically applicable to longer essays.

Develop the body paragraphs

After writing the introduction, you need to write the body paragraphs of your nursing essay. The body is approximately 75-80% of your essay's word count.

It is where you make arguments, give examples, and provide evidence to support the thesis. You should present, analyze, interpret, and organize the sources when supporting your claims and arguments.

In terms of writing the paragraphs, ensure that each body paragraph has an outstanding topic sentence, supporting sentences, and concluding sentences.

 The first sentence is the topic sentence, which announces what the paragraph is about.

The supporting sentences are where you present the facts, information, and examples from scholarly sources. Make sure to cite the information to avoid plagiarism.

Also, have transition words to help you write an essay with a good flow of ideas.

In nursing, you can use AMA, APA, ASA, or Harvard formatting; ensure you stick to the respective rules.

Write the conclusion

 The conclusion is the final paragraph of your nursing essay. You should write it to include 10-15% of the word count of your essay. A strong nursing essay conclusion restates the thesis, ties together the main arguments, has a call to action, or provides a sense of closure to the readers.

It should have an impactful or memorable sentence that lets the reader develop a strong connection and have a positive impression.

Your conclusion should not have any new facts, concepts, or examples. Instead, it should summarize your essay.

If you have a nursing essay that has a concept map, you can hire a concept map writer from our website and fulfil your assignment on time. 

Tips to help you write better Nursing Essays

As we began by saying, writing nursing essays follows the same steps as the essays you have written before. Apart from mastering the citations and structure and following the above steps to write a powerful essay, you can use these tips to ensure that your paper meets the requirements for the top grades in the rubric.

  • Make clarifications early enough . When assigned to write a nursing essay, start by reading the instructions and unpacking what is required of you. Then, if you have any questions, contact your nurse educator or professor early enough.
  • Allocate adequate time to complete the paper. To write a top-grade nursing essay, you must allocate enough time to research, draft, edit, and polish your essay. Therefore, completing and submitting the essay before the deadline is advisable.
  • Research widely . If you are going to write a winning essay, you need to support your ideas with facts and pieces of evidence. Extract this evidence and supporting facts from nursing databases. Use journals, nurse organization websites, and government websites to support your arguments.
  • Write first and edit later . When writing the paper, focus on writing first so that all your attention is focused on writing a paper with a good flow of ideas. Then, you can save everything else for later when proofreading and editing to turn the paper into a final draft.
  • Incorporate concepts and theories from class . Nursing studies entail the learning and applying of nursing concepts, theories, and practical experiences. Therefore, focus your paper on these theories based on class readings, discussion posts and responses, and experiences during practice.
  • Organize your paper well . As you write the essay, think creatively. Remember to present your facts logically and support your arguments using relevant in-text citations.
  • Check for plagiarism . Before submitting your paper, check if it has plagiarism. You can do so using free plagiarism checkers such as Plagscan or Grammarly.
  • Format your paper well . Ensure that you format and structure your paper according to the formatting and citation styles highlighted in your essay prompt. If you are unsure, refer to the citation machines or websites.
  • Hire someone to write . If you cannot write the essay, hire a good nursing essay writer to write a model nursing essay that can demonstrate how to approach your topic. Then, you can edit, use it as a guide, and write an essay that addresses the prompt.

Related: Writing a nursing diagnosis statement.

Writing a nursing essay helps you develop critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making skills. For instance, writing an essay that applies the clinical reasoning cycle or SBAR communication model will help you know how to apply such models in practice. Therefore, ensure that your nursing essay meets your nursing class's content, structural, theoretical constructs, quality improvement models, and facts.

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When in nursing school, essay writing is a critical aspect. You can hire a nursing essay writer from our website if you are strapped for time to complete your essays. Our experts can craft high-quality essays on any nursing essay topic of your choice. All papers are written in the appropriate format: APA, Harvard, AMA, or ASA. Check out our entire nursing class help package and make a deal today!

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Nursing Profession: Why to Become a Nurse? Essay

Nursing is a profession that has several significant advantages that motivate people to pursue it. Primarily, it is a field of education that allows people to build successful careers and gain the knowledge and skills to help others. Nurses have an excellent opportunity to get a high-quality education and to work in a decent environment. Furthermore, being a nurse allows people to fulfil their desire to help others and be of service to society in general. Therefore, I want to become a nurse because this profession will enable me to acquire significant knowledge and skills and realize my desire to help others.

Obtaining quality knowledge is one of the main reasons why I want to become a nurse. In this regard, access to a significant amount of evidence-based information for nursing students is vital (Daly & Jackson, 2020). Access to educational information and practice opportunities allows nurses to develop lifelong professional skills, which is a distinct advantage. In addition, the nurse’s professional development combines with the opportunity to help people in difficult situations. It is also essential to understand that nursing work involves several difficulties, including complex learning and stressful working experiences. Nevertheless, I consider these challenges insignificant since the desire to develop and help people allows me to ignore them. Overall, the contributions to society and individuals’ lives provide additional motivation to gain theoretical and practical knowledge.

People’s aspirations to become a nurse are based on the many benefits of this profession. Nursing is an appropriate choice for people who are eager to help others and ready to study and work hard for the greater well-being of society. The nursing profession also offers good educational and working conditions, which provides nurses with the opportunity for continuous professional development. Thus, the possibility of constant professional development and the potential to benefit society are the main reasons I want to become a nurse.

Daly, J., & Jackson, D. (2020). Contexts of Nursing : An introduction . Elsevier.

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Writing an Outstanding Application Nursing Essay

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Embarking on the path to a nursing career involves navigating through various challenges and significant moments, with the nursing application essay standing out as a key component. This essential part of your application transcends mere formality; it presents a special chance for you to highlight your character, commitment, and aptitude for the nursing profession. In this detailed guide, we aim to explore the intricacies of creating a standout nursing application essay. Whether you’re just starting to explore the nursing field or are ready to submit your application, this article is your roadmap to success.

Understanding the Purpose of the Essay

What do nursing schools seek in your essay.

Nursing schools are looking for candidates with the academic qualifications and personal qualities essential for nursing. Your essay should reflect your compassion, empathy, commitment to the profession, and understanding of the nursing role.

The Essay’s Role in Your Application

Your application essay is your voice in the admission process. It’s where you can speak directly to the admissions committee, tell your story, and explain why you are drawn to the nursing field. This essay can be the deciding factor in your application, setting you apart from other candidates.

Preparing to Write

  • Research: Aligning with the School’s Values

Prior to beginning your essay, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the fundamental ideals and beliefs of the nursing school you’re applying to. Spend time browsing their website, absorbing their mission statement, and comprehending their perspective on nursing education. This crucial insight will help you tailor your essay to resonate with the school’s philosophy. This research will help you tailor your essay to resonate with their ethos.

  • Self-reflection: Your Nursing Journey

Reflect on your experiences and why you chose nursing. Think about moments in your life that led you to pursue this career. These reflections will help you create an authentic and personal narrative.

  • Brainstorming: Crafting Your Story

Take time to brainstorm ideas for your essay. Think about your strengths, experiences, and what aspects of nursing excite you. Make sure to note down these key points; they will be the essential framework for your essay.

Structuring Your Essay

  • Introduction: Making a Strong First Impression

The introduction of your essay is your first chance to capture the reader’s attention. Begin with an engaging story, a meaningful personal experience, or a statement that makes the reader think. This approach will offer a window into your personality and highlight your enthusiasm for nursing.

  • Body: Building Your Narrative

Organize the body of your essay around a few key experiences or ideas. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your journey or a particular quality you possess. Use examples from your life to demonstrate your commitment, compassion, and ability to overcome challenges.

  • Conclusion: Leaving a Lasting Impression

Your conclusion should wrap up your essay by summarizing the key points and reaffirming your interest and readiness for a nursing career. This is your final chance to remind the admissions committee why you are a suitable candidate.

Writing Tips and Best Practices

  • Clarity and Conciseness

Keep your writing clear and concise. Avoid unnecessary jargon and be direct in your storytelling. Remember, the admissions committee reads many essays, so getting your point across quickly is crucial.

  • Authenticity: Be Yourself

Your essay should reflect your true self. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Honesty and sincerity will resonate more than trying to fit a certain mold you think the school wants.

  • Using Specific Examples

Provide specific life examples rather than general statements about your passion for nursing. This might include volunteering, personal experiences with healthcare, or moments of inspiration from other nurses.

  • Attention to Technical Details

Proofread your essay multiple times for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Also, adhere to the nursing school’s formatting guidelines, such as word count and font size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Steering Clear of Clichés and Generalities

Clichés and overused phrases can make your essay sound generic. Instead, focus on providing unique insights and personal experiences that highlight individuality.

  • Directly Answering the Essay Prompt

It’s crucial to stay on topic and answer the essay prompt directly. Deviating from the prompt can lead the admissions committee to question your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.

  • Avoiding Excessive Jargon

Revising and Refining Your Essay

  • The Importance of Drafts and Revisions

Your first draft is just the beginning. Be prepared to revise and refine your essay several times. This process helps fine-tune your message and improve the overall flow and clarity.

  • Seeking Feedback

Get feedback on your essay from mentors, teachers, or peers. They can provide valuable insights and suggest improvements you might not have considered.

  • Final Proofreading

Before submitting your essay, do a thorough proofreading. Check for grammatical errors or typos, and ensure your essay adheres to the specified word limit and formatting requirements.

Crafting your nursing application essay is an opportunity for self-reflection and a chance to convey your zeal for nursing. It’s important to remain authentic, be truthful in your narrative, and allow your sincere passion for nursing to be evident. With careful preparation, thoughtful structure, and attention to detail, your essay can prove your readiness for a nursing career.

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Home — Application Essay — Nursing Schools — Why I Chose Nursing

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Why I Chose Nursing

  • University: University of Pennsylvania

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Words: 657 |

Published: Feb 15, 2024

Words: 657 | Pages: 1 | 4 min read

I have always been fascinated by the human body and the intricacies of the medical field. However, it wasn't until I was in high school that I truly realized my passion for nursing. Throughout my teenage years, I found myself constantly seeking opportunities to help others and make a positive impact on their lives. Nursing, with its unique blend of science, compassion, and patient care, seemed like the perfect career choice for me. In this essay, I will delve into the various reasons why I chose nursing and how it aligns with my personal and professional goals.

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One of the main reasons I chose nursing is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives. From a young age, I have always had a deep sense of empathy and a desire to help those in need. Nursing provides me with the platform to alleviate suffering, promote well-being, and advocate for patients' rights. The chance to be there for someone during their most vulnerable moments and provide comfort and care is something that truly resonates with me. I believe that nursing is not merely a job but a calling to serve others selflessly.

Moreover, nursing offers a dynamic and diverse career path. The field of nursing is vast, encompassing various specializations and settings. Whether it be working in a hospital, clinic, or community health center, the opportunities are endless. The constant advancements in medical science also mean that as a nurse, I will have the chance to continuously learn and grow, never stagnating or becoming bored with my work. The idea of being able to specialize in a specific area, such as pediatrics or critical care, also excites me, as it allows for a deeper level of expertise and the ability to make an even greater impact in a chosen field.

Another aspect that drew me to nursing is the collaborative nature of the profession. Nurses work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, therapists, and technicians, to provide comprehensive care to patients. The ability to collaborate and work as part of a team is crucial in delivering the best possible outcomes for patients. I am a firm believer in the power of teamwork and the idea that together, we can achieve much more than we can individually. The interdisciplinary nature of nursing not only fosters professional growth but also provides opportunities for personal development as I learn from my colleagues and expand my knowledge and skills.

Furthermore, nursing allows for lifelong learning and personal growth. The ever-evolving field of medicine requires nurses to stay updated with the latest research, technologies, and best practices. This commitment to continued education and professional development aligns with my own belief in the importance of lifelong learning. I am eager to pursue advanced degrees and certifications throughout my career, allowing me to stay at the forefront of nursing practice and provide the highest quality care to my patients.

Lastly, the nursing profession is not limited to a specific demographic or location. Nurses are in demand globally, and the skills and knowledge gained as a nurse can open doors to work opportunities worldwide. This mobility and flexibility are appealing to me, as it would allow me to experience different cultures, healthcare systems, and patient populations. The ability to travel and work in diverse environments would not only expand my professional horizons but also broaden my understanding of the world and its various healthcare challenges.

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In conclusion, I chose nursing because it combines my passion for helping others with my desire for a fulfilling and diverse career. The ability to make a difference in people's lives, the vast opportunities for specialization, the collaborative nature of the profession, the emphasis on lifelong learning, and the potential for global mobility all contribute to my decision. Nursing is not just a profession; it is a calling that aligns with my personal values and aspirations. I am excited to embark on this journey and dedicate myself to the noble profession of nursing.

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why go into nursing essay

why go into nursing essay

How to Write a Nursing Essay with a Quick Guide

why go into nursing essay

Ever felt the blank-page panic when assigned a nursing essay? Wondering where to start or if your words will measure up to the weight of your experiences? Fear not, because today, we're here to guide you through this process.

Imagine you're at your favorite coffee spot, armed with a cup of motivation (and maybe a sneaky treat). Got it? Great! Now, let's spill the secrets on how to spin your nursing tales into words that not only get you that A+ but also tug at the heartstrings of anyone reading. We've got your back with nursing essay examples that'll be your inspiration, an outline to keep you on the right path, and more!

What Is a Nursing Essay

Let's start by dissecting the concept. A nursing essay serves as a focused exploration of a specific aspect of nursing, providing an opportunity for students to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and its practical application in patient care settings.

Picture it as a journey through the challenges and victories of a budding nurse. These essays go beyond the classroom, tackling everything from tricky ethical dilemmas to the impact of healthcare policies on the front lines. It's not just about grades; it's about proving, 'I'm ready for the real deal.'

So, when you read or write a nursing essay, it's not just words on paper. It's like looking into the world of someone who's about to start their nursing career – someone who's really thought about the ins and outs of being a nurse. And before you kick off your nursing career, don't shy away from asking - write my essay for me - we're ready to land a professional helping hand.

How to Start a Nursing Essay

When you start writing a nursing essay, it is like gearing up for a crucial mission. Here's your quick guide from our nursing essay writing service :

How to Start a Nursing Essay

Choosing Your Topic: Select a topic that sparks your interest and relates to real-world nursing challenges. Consider areas like patient care, ethical dilemmas, or the impact of technology on healthcare.

Outline Your Route : Plan your essay's journey. Create a roadmap with key points you want to cover. This keeps you on track and your essay on point.

Craft a Strong Thesis: Assuming you already know how to write a hook , kick off your writing with a surprising fact, a thought-provoking quote, or a brief anecdote. Then, state your main argument or perspective in one sentence. This thesis will serve as the compass for your essay, guiding both you and your reader through the rest of your writing.

How to Structure a Nursing Essay

Every great essay is like a well-orchestrated performance – it needs a script, a narrative that flows seamlessly, capturing the audience's attention from start to finish. In our case, this script takes the form of a well-organized structure. Let's delve into the elements that teach you how to write a nursing essay, from a mere collection of words to a compelling journey of insights.

How to Structure a Nursing Essay

Nursing Essay Introduction

Begin your nursing essay with a spark. Knowing how to write essay introduction effectively means sharing a real-life scenario or a striking fact related to your topic. For instance, if exploring patient care, narrate a personal experience that made a lasting impression. Then, crisply state your thesis – a clear roadmap indicating the direction your essay will take. Think of it as a teaser that leaves the reader eager to explore the insights you're about to unfold.

In the main body, dive into the heart of your essay. Each paragraph should explore a specific aspect of your topic. Back your thoughts with examples – maybe a scenario from your clinical experience, a relevant case study, or findings from credible sources. Imagine it as a puzzle coming together; each paragraph adds a piece, forming a complete picture. Keep it focused and let each idea flow naturally into the next.

Nursing Essay Conclusion

As writing a nursing essay nears the end, resist the urge to introduce new elements. Summarize your main points concisely. Remind the reader of the real-world significance of your thesis – why it matters in the broader context of nursing. Conclude with a thought-provoking statement or a call to reflection, leaving your reader with a lasting impression. It's like the final scene of a movie that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll.

Nursing Essay Outline

Before diving into the essay, craft a roadmap – your outline. This isn't a rigid skeleton but a flexible guide that ensures your ideas flow logically. Consider the following template from our research paper writing service :

Introduction

  • Opening Hook: Share a brief, impactful patient care scenario.
  • Relevance Statement: Explain why the chosen topic is crucial in nursing.
  • Thesis: Clearly state the main argument or perspective.

Patient-Centered Care:

  • Definition: Clarify what patient-centered care means in nursing.
  • Personal Experience: Share a relevant encounter from clinical practice.
  • Evidence: Integrate findings from reputable nursing literature.

Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing Practice

  • Scenario Presentation: Describe a specific ethical challenge faced by nurses.
  • Decision-Making Process: Outline steps taken to address the dilemma.
  • Ethical Frameworks: Discuss any ethical theories guiding the decision.

Impact of Technology on Nursing

  • Current Trends: Highlight technological advancements in nursing.
  • Case Study: Share an example of technology enhancing patient care.
  • Challenges and Benefits: Discuss the pros and cons of technology in nursing.
  • Summary of Key Points: Recap the main ideas from each section.
  • Real-world Implications: Emphasize the practical significance in nursing practice.
  • Closing Thought: End with a reflective statement or call to action.

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Nursing Essay Examples

Here are the nursing Essay Examples for you to read.

Writing a Nursing Essay: Essential Tips

When it comes to crafting a stellar nursing essay, a few key strategies can elevate your work from ordinary to exceptional. Here are some valuable tips from our medical school personal statement writer :

Writing a Nursing Essay: Essential Tips

Connect with Personal Experiences:

  • Approach: Weave personal encounters seamlessly into your narrative.
  • Reasoning: This not only adds authenticity to your essay but also serves as a powerful testament to your firsthand understanding of the challenges and triumphs in the nursing field.

Emphasize Critical Thinking:

  • Approach: Go beyond describing situations; delve into their analysis.
  • Reasoning: Nursing essays are the perfect platform to showcase your critical thinking skills – an essential attribute in making informed decisions in real-world healthcare scenarios.

Incorporate Patient Perspectives:

  • Approach: Integrate patient stories or feedback into your discussion.
  • Reasoning: By bringing in the human element, you demonstrate empathy and an understanding of the patient's experience, a core aspect of nursing care.

Integrate Evidence-Based Practice:

  • Approach: Support your arguments with the latest evidence-based literature.
  • Reasoning: Highlighting your commitment to staying informed and applying current research underscores your dedication to evidence-based practice – a cornerstone in modern nursing.

Address Ethical Considerations:

  • Approach: Explicitly discuss the ethical dimensions of your topic.
  • Reasoning: Nursing essays provide a platform to delve into the ethical complexities inherent in healthcare, showcasing your ability to navigate and analyze these challenges.

Balance Theory and Practice:

  • Approach: Connect theoretical concepts to real-world applications.
  • Reasoning: By bridging the gap between theory and practice, you illustrate your capacity to apply academic knowledge effectively in the dynamic realm of nursing.

Highlight Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

  • Approach: Discuss collaborative efforts with other healthcare professionals.
  • Reasoning: Acknowledging the interdisciplinary nature of healthcare underscores your understanding of the importance of teamwork – a vital aspect of successful nursing practice.

Reflect on Lessons Learned:

  • Approach: Conclude with a thoughtful reflection on personal growth or lessons from your exploration.
  • Reasoning: This not only provides a satisfying conclusion but also demonstrates your self-awareness and commitment to continuous improvement as a nursing professional.

As we wrap up, think of your essay as a story about your journey into nursing. It's not just about getting a grade; it's a way to share what you've been through and why you want to be a nurse.

Imagine the person reading it – maybe a teacher, a future coworker, or someone starting their nursing journey. They're trying to understand your passion and why you care about nursing.

So, when you write, remember it's more than just an assignment. It's your chance to show why nursing matters to you. And if you ever need help – there's always support from our essay writer online .

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How to Write a Nursing Essay?

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How to Write an Essay

why go into nursing essay

How to Write an Essay about Why You Want to Become a Nurse

why go into nursing essay

If you’re eager to write an essay about why you want to become a nurse, then you’ve arrived at the right tutorial!

An essay about why you want to enter the nursing profession can help to communicate your passion, commitment, and the values that led you to choose this career. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to write such an essay in five easy steps. We’ll also build a sample essay so you can visualize how to implement these steps.

Ready to get started?

Step 1. Plan the word count for your essay’s paragraphs.

The first step to effective essay writing is planning the word count for each of your paragraphs. It’s a simple way to ensure balance in your essay and make your writing process smoother.

Every essay should have the following sections:

  • The introductory paragraph
  • Three body paragraphs
  • The concluding paragraph

So, if you want a 300-word essay, you can distribute the 300 words across five paragraphs this way:

why go into nursing essay

That’s all you need for your essay — five nice paragraphs.

Step 2. Formulate your central idea and supporting points.

This step involves deciding on the central idea that will guide your essay. This involves reflecting on why you want to become a nurse. What has led you to this decision?

For instance, are you compassionate and patient? Do you find joy in helping others? Are you inspired by a close relative who is a nurse? Do you have a desire to work in healthcare?

Whatever the reasons, these will serve as your thesis statement or your essay’s main idea.

Let’s take this as our main idea for our example essay: “My desire to become a nurse is driven by my innate compassion, a significant personal experience, and a desire to contribute to healthcare.”

Next, using the Power of Three, we can divide this main idea into three supporting points.

The Power of Three is a structure that can help you frame your body paragraphs effectively.

why go into nursing essay

Here’s how it works for our sample essay. We’ll use three reasons for someone’s desire to become a nurse:

  • Compassion is at the core of my personality.
  • A personal experience influenced my decision to become a nurse.
  • A desire to contribute to healthcare.

Now we have our foundation for writing our essay. Let’s move to the next step!

Step 3. Write the introductory paragraph.

To write an introductory paragraph , follow this diagram:

why go into nursing essay

Your introduction should contain an opening sentence to set the context of your essay. Next, include your thesis statement and your three supporting points.

Here’s an example:

Introductory Paragraph

“The nursing profession is one that requires compassion, resilience, and a dedication to the service of others. My aspiration to become a nurse is fueled by my natural compassion, a pivotal personal experience, and a deep-rooted desire to contribute to healthcare. My compassion enables me to care for patients empathetically, my personal experience has provided me a profound understanding of patient needs, and my desire to contribute to healthcare constantly motivates me to pursue this path.”

Notice that the introductory paragraph transitions from general to specific, starting with an introduction, followed by the thesis and three supporting points.

Step 4. Write the body paragraphs.

Our essay will contain three body paragraphs, discussing our supporting points.

why go into nursing essay

Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence summarizing the main point of the paragraph, followed by a detailed explanation and examples. Let’s write our body paragraphs.

Paragraph 1

“Compassion is at the core of my personality, driving my aspiration to become a nurse. It allows me to form connections with patients, understanding their needs and providing empathetic care. I have always found satisfaction in helping others, which I believe will aid in providing quality nursing care to my patients.”

Note that the topic sentence gives the context for the entire paragraph. The subsequent sentences explain the supporting point, and the rest provides an illustration.

Paragraph 2

“A personal experience profoundly influenced my decision to become a nurse. A close family member was hospitalized for a long period, and I observed the exceptional care provided by the nurses, which brought comfort not just to the patient, but to our entire family. This experience demonstrated the positive impact nurses can have on patients and their families, inspiring me to join this noble profession.”

Paragraph 3

“My desire to contribute to healthcare is another driving factor behind my aspiration to become a nurse. The healthcare field is constantly evolving, and I yearn to be a part of the progress, enhancing patient care and healthcare delivery. I want to utilize my skills and knowledge to improve the health outcomes of my patients, contributing to the larger healthcare framework.”

Each body paragraph follows the structure mentioned above, starting with the topic sentence, followed by an explanation and an example.

Excellent! Now, let’s move on to the final step.

Step 5. Write the concluding paragraph.

The easiest way to write a concluding paragraph is to paraphrase the points you’ve already mentioned in the introductory paragraph. Don’t just copy it! Instead, look at your introductory paragraph and write the conclusion based on it.

Here’s how to do this for our sample essay:

“The nursing profession demands compassion, resilience, and a commitment to improving healthcare. My aspiration to become a nurse stems from my innate compassion, a life-changing personal experience, and a strong desire to contribute to healthcare. My compassion forms the basis for providing empathetic care, my personal experience highlights the crucial role nurses play, and my commitment to healthcare propels me to continuously strive for better patient care.”

By paraphrasing the points made in the introductory paragraph, writing the concluding paragraph becomes a straightforward task.

And that’s it! I hope you find this tutorial useful and feel more prepared to write your essay about why you want to become a nurse.

Tutor Phil is an e-learning professional who helps adult learners finish their degrees by teaching them academic writing skills.

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How To Answer “Why Do You Want To Be A Nurse?” (With Examples)

  • Cover Letter
  • Registered Nurse Interview Questions
  • Registered Nurse Job Description
  • Why Did You Choose Nursing?

When you’re in a nursing interview, you’ll hear the common question “Why do you want to be a nurse ?”, so it’s essential to know how to answer it. Your answer should reflect on what it was that drew you to nursing and tell a story about it, such as the moment it was clear that you wanted to be a nurse.

Whether you want to be a pediatric nurse , emergency department nurse, or travel nurse, we’ll go over how to answer “Why did you choose nursing as a career?”, why interviewers ask this question, as well as some common mistakes to avoid.

Key Takeaways:

Try to think of a story or a moment that made it clear that a nursing career was right for you.

Interviewers ask “Why do you want to become a nurse?” so you can highlight your passion for nursing and what got you interested in the field.

Avoid saying anything negative because it can often be a red flag for interviewers.

How to answer why do you want to be a nurse.

How to answer “Why do you want to be a nurse?”

Example answers to “why do you want to be a nurse”, why interviewers ask this interview question, common mistakes to avoid when answering, interview tips for answering this question, possible follow-up questions:, nurse career path faq, final thoughts.

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To answer “Why do you want to be a nurse?” you should first ask yourself questions as to why you want to be a nurse, start at the root, and tell your interviewer a story. Below is a more detailed list of how to answer this interview question .

As yourself questions. Before the interview, ask yourself, putting money and career goals aside, why do YOU want to be a nurse? Consider the following questions to better understand your reasoning:

Do you want to help people?

Does the medical field excite you?

Do you have certain skills, such as communication or concentration under duress, that naturally fit the position?

Do you thrive when you get to build relationships with people?

Do you love both science and working with people?

Focus on these aspects of yourself when you are asked why you are choosing nursing as a career.

Start at the root. If you’ve wanted to be a nurse since you were a kid, start there. If you got into medicine thanks to an impactful college professor , make that your starting point.

Tell a story. Most interviewers prefer narratives over bullet point facts — especially with a personal question like this. Don’t feel like you have to make up some great tale about how a nurse saved the day when you were a child, but bring in real moments when it became clear that nursing was the career for you.

Talk about people and experiences. Nursing is all about building relationships, so your answer should touch on your empathy and ability to form bonds with the people you work with and serve. In this way, your answer will show that you want to be a nurse because you truly enjoy the process of nursing.

Bring it to the future. Close your answer with a nod to the future and what you’d like to accomplish in your brilliant new nursing career. Bringing your answer from the past to the future shows that you’re forward-thinking and determined enough to make your dreams a reality.

Below are example answers to “Why do you want to be a nurse?” for different scenarios such as pediatric or emergency room nursing. Remember to tailor your answers to your specific needs when you answer in your interview.

Pediatric nurse example answer

“I have wanted to get into nursing since I was very young. One of my earliest memories is of a nurse taking care of me when I had to go to the hospital for stitches. She was so kind and gentle with me that I didn’t even cry or panic. I remember leaving thinking that was the kind of person I wanted to be when I grew up. Ever since then, everything I have done has been working towards becoming a nurse.”

Emergency room nurse example answer

“When I was in college I took a course on basic first aid and found it super interesting. I started signing up for volunteer first aid positions and some of my fellow volunteers were nurses. I was curious about their job and the more I learned about what they did the more I found myself excited by the prospect of helping people in medical situations. I made friends with these nurses and they helped guide me through the application process.”

Travel nurse example answer

“Medicine is such an exciting field, and one of the biggest joys of nursing is that I’m always learning new things. I know people who dread getting their necessary CEUs every year, but for me, it’s a perk of the career. “For instance, just last year I completed my certification from the Wilderness Medical Society and can now serve as medical staff on the Appalachian Trail. But from Diabetes for APRNs to Nursing for Infertility courses, I’m always able to maintain my passion for nursing through continuous discovery and wonder at the medical field.”

Critical care nurse example answer

“I believe in helping people, especially in times of extreme need. When I worked as an EMT I was always the one asked to facilitate information between any involved party. I want to expand this skill and I think nursing is a good fit for me. My interests and experience with medical professionals are good for this job.”

Nurse midwife example answer

“I want to be a nurse because I am deeply committed to providing compassionate healthcare to women during one of the most significant and transformative moments of their life. Being a nurse midwife will allow me to empower women by advocating their choices and preferences during childbirth. “Being a nurse midwife will also allow me to make a positive impact on the lives of women and their families. I will be able to provide personalized care, emotional support , and educational resources to help ensure a smooth and empowering birthing experience for my patients.”

Oncology nurse example answer

“I want to be an oncology nurse because this field is driven by a profound desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those fighting cancer. I am committed to providing compassionate care to patients during their cancer journey. “Working as an oncology nurse also has the opportunities to be part of cutting-edge research and advancements in cancer treatments. I want to be at the forefront of innovation and help contribute to the improvement of cancer care outcomes.”

The interviewer will ask why you want to be a nurse to know how serious you are about the position. This isn’t a career to take lightly because there are many challenges.

Nursing is a profession with a prerequisite for assisting others in potentially high-stress environments. So by answering this question, you are given the opportunity to highlight not only your skills but more importantly, your passion for nursing and ability to keep cool under pressure.

Additionally, interviewers hope to learn why you got interested in the field in the first place. Telling a story about an impactful experience with a medical professional or about the sense of satisfaction you feel when helping a patient can help illustrate that you’re not only skillful but also have deep compassion for the people you’ll be working with.

You should avoid saying anything negative because it can be a red flag for the interviewer. Here are some other common mistakes you should avoid when answering:

Saying anything negative. A negative response will be a red flag for the interviewer. If you are one to complain or see the worse in a situation, this will make you a difficult coworker in an already difficult field.

Focusing on money or self-serving reasons. Even if the wages are an attractive feature of the profession, mentioning this as a reason will hurt you. The interviewer is looking for an answer that goes beyond your own needs.

Unrelated anecdotes. Don’t get caught up in telling stories about nursing that have nothing to do with you or the job. Remember to keep things relevant and concise.

Your answer should be positive and you should use a personal experience to help you answer and tell a story. Here are some more tips to keep in mind when answering this question:

Be positive. Nothing will concern an interviewer more if you are cynical and negative in an interview where the job requires a strong sense of empathy and selflessness. This does not mean you can’t, nor should, ignore the challenges of the profession. If you can reframe these difficulties with a positive mindset and a “can do” attitude, you will strengthen your impact in the interview.

Be concise. A long-winded, rambling answer may give the impression that you have not considered the question ahead of time. That said, if you rush through your words, you may concern the interviewer as well. So, don’t be afraid to take breaths or have moments of silence, but choose your words carefully and effectively. Concise communication is a huge part of the nursing profession so here is an opportunity to highlight that skill.

Use personal experience. When answering the question “Why did you choose nursing as a career?” it can really help to bring in a personal touch to the response. This creates a unique answer that can help you stand out among other candidates. The personal experience may also reveal a moment of inspiration pointing towards why you chose nursing as a career.

Remember the job description. Use the skills required in the job description and apply them to yourself as you explain your interest in the field. Integrate them with care, you are not trying to restate your resume . Instead, consider how your skills have developed over time and how that relates to your interest in nursing. Remember, skills are developed through some kind of interest too.

Research the organization/department. Wherever you are applying to is going to have unique characteristics. Perhaps the organization focuses on low-income individuals or the elderly or intensive care patients. You may be able to bring this into your answer. Even if you do not, it is still good to give you context. By understanding where you’re applying to, you strengthen the explanation of why you are applying.

Practice your answer. Before the interview, practice this answer, preferably with someone else who can give you feedback such as a friend or family member. However, if you do not have that opportunity, practice in front of a mirror or, better yet, record yourself on your phone and listen back to what you said. In the end, you want to “train” for this question by giving yourself the opportunity to run through it a couple of times with the chance to tweak your response.

After the question “Why did you choose a nursing career?” there will most likely be follow-up questions. Here are some examples of other common interview questions and some tips on how to answer them. This will help you prepare yourself for the direction the interview may take.

What do you think is most difficult about being a nurse? Why?

Be aware of certain challenges of nursing ahead of time. Do some research . The worst thing you can do for yourself is be caught off guard by this question.

How are you at handling stress?

Consider what techniques you use for reducing stress. It is going to be important to show your competency. Consider answering in a way that reveals you to be a team player and aware of the stresses of your coworkers as well.

What are your long-term career goals?

The interviewer is going to be gauging your seriousness in becoming a nurse. It is not a profession that you can just “try-out”, so give an answer that shows sincere consideration for a long-term medical profession. Note: This does not necessarily tie you strictly to nursing. Many managers and hospital administrators come from nursing backgrounds.

Why do you want to work here?

Many interviewers will want to hear about not only your passion for nursing as a career but also how your passions align with their organization.

Look up the mission and vision of the facility before your interview and talk about how that resonates with you, or give an example of how you’ve seen them in action and want to be a part of that.

What drove your interest in this specialty?

Not every nurse fits well in every nursing role, so your interviewers will likely ask you why you want this particular job.

Whether this is the specialty you’ve always worked in or you’re trying something new, structure your answer similarly to your answer to the “Why do you want to be a nurse?” question.

Why would one want to be a nurse?

Many people want to be a nurse because it gives them an opportunity to help people in a meaningful way. Nurses not only perform specialized tasks that are vital to a person’s well-being, but they also get to emotionally support people who are going through an incredibly difficult time.

This can be as simple as being a calm, friendly presence or advocating for them with the rest of the medical staff, but it makes a huge impact on people’s lives.

In addition to this, many people choose to become nurses over another occupation that helps people because they love science and medicine or love the fast-paced, challenging work environment.

What is a good weakness to say in a nursing interview?

A good weakness to say in a nursing interview is a weakness that you’re actively working on. Whether your greatest weakness is that you’re too detailed with your paperwork or say yes to too many people and requests, always follow it up by explaining the steps you’re taking to overcome that weakness.

Hiring managers don’t expect you to be perfect, but they do expect you to be self-aware and take the initiative to minimize the impact of your weak spots.

What are the 6 C’s of nursing?

The 6 C’s of nursing are care, compassion, communication, courage, and commitment. These are principles taught to many nurses to help them learn how to give excellent care to patients.

They also help to set cultural expectations at medical facilities, since all of the nurses are upheld to this standard, no matter what their educational background or specialty.

What are some common nursing interview questions?

Some common nursing interview questions include:

What skills do you think are important for nurses to possess?

Describe your experience as a nurse and what you’ve learned from it.

How would you manage an uncooperative patient?

How well do you thrive in a fast-paced environment?

There are so many nursing jobs out there and nurses are in high demand. You will want to know what you’re getting yourself into before you are asked at the interview what brings you to the field.

Knowledge is power, so knowing your response to “Why did you choose a nursing career?” is crucial for success. This is your moment to shine and show why you are the best candidate for the job.

Those who are able to answer with sincerity and empathy are the types of nurses all organizations will want. So get yourself ready and figure out ahead of time why you want to be a nurse.

Nightingale College – How To Ace Your Nursing Job Interview: Questions, Answers & Tips

The College of St. Scholastica – Why do you want to be a nurse? Students share their sentiments

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Conor McMahon is a writer for Zippia, with previous experience in the nonprofit, customer service and technical support industries. He has a degree in Music Industry from Northeastern University and in his free time he plays guitar with his friends. Conor enjoys creative writing between his work doing professional content creation and technical documentation.

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How to Write a Nursing Essay Introduction

by ella | Feb 11, 2024 | Medical and Health

Writing an essay starts with making a good introduction. The introduction helps grab the reader’s attention and explains what the essay will be about. In nursing, it’s important to make your introduction clear, interesting, and related to healthcare. This article will guide you on how to write a nursing essay introduction step by step, making it easier to create a good start to your essay. Through simple tips and explanations, you’ll learn how to catch your reader’s interest and prepare them for what you will discuss in your essay. Introductory Paragraph Definition The introductory paragraph is the first part of your essay that readers see. It’s like a door to your essay. When readers go through it, they get to know what topic you’ll be talking about. This paragraph helps catch readers’ attention and gives them a reason to keep reading. It often starts with something interesting, like a surprising fact or a short story. Then, it briefly explains the topic of your essay. Finally, it states your main point or argument, a thesis statement. The introductory paragraph sets the ground for everything else in your essay, making it crucial for getting your readers interested and understanding what to expect as they read on. How Long Should an Introduction Be? When you write an essay, the introduction is the starting point where you tell your readers what the essay is about. Now, how long should this introduction be? A good rule is to make it about 8% to 9% of your essay’s total words. So, if your essay is 1000 words, the introduction would be around 80 to 90 words long. Why this length? Well, it’s long enough to give your readers a clear idea about your topic and get them interested, but not too long that it gets boring or gives away too much information. It’s just the right length to introduce your topic, grab the reader’s attention, and tell them your main argument, the thesis statement, without diving into the main points you’ll discuss in the rest of the essay. What Makes a Good Introduction A good introduction acts like a map that guides your readers into the main part of your essay. Here’s what makes an introduction good:

Catches Attention: A good introduction starts with something interesting to catch your reader’s attention, like a surprising fact, a question, or a short story.

Introduces the Topic: It tells your readers what the essay is about clearly and simply.

Has a Thesis Statement: A good introduction includes a thesis statement and a clear and strong point or argument you will make in your essay. It tells the reader what to expect as they read on.

Not Too Long or Short: It should be just the right essay length, not too long to lose interest, and not too short to miss important information.

Engaging: It should make your readers want to read more. It’s like inviting them into your essay, making them curious about what comes next.

Clear and to the Point: It should be clear, straightforward, and concise so readers can easily understand what the essay will discuss.

Previews What’s Coming: A good introduction previews what topics or points will be covered in the essay without giving away too much.

What Are the 3 Parts of an Introduction Paragraph? The introduction paragraph is important as it helps the reader understand what your essay will be about. It’s made up of three main parts: Part 1: Essay Hook The essay hook in the introduction of a nursing essay acts as a catalyst to ignite the reader’s curiosity and ensure they continue reading. In nursing, this initial hook carries a particular significance as it provides a window into a field that is as emotionally charged as it is technical.  For instance, in a nursing essay focused on patient care, the hook might take the form of a compelling narrative of a nurse’s experience on a hectic night shift. The activities in a ward, the emotions of patients and their families, and amidst it all, the steadfast presence of a nurse could be the scene set as the hook. This imagery captures the essence of nursing and resonates with the reader, drawing them into the narrative. Similarly, if the essay is geared towards exploring the evolving role of nurses in modern healthcare, the hook could present a stark statistic highlighting the growing responsibilities shouldered by nurses. Through the hook, the readers are not merely observers but become emotionally invested, making the subsequent exploration of the nursing profession deeply engaging and insightful. The 5 Types of Hooks for Writing Here are some simple ways to create a hook in your essay:

A Common Misconception: This is about sharing many people’s false beliefs or misunderstandings and correcting them. Example: “Many believe that nurses only follow doctors’ orders, but they make crucial decisions that impact patient care daily.”

Statistics: Sharing a surprising or interesting number or data related to your topic. Example: “Research shows that nurses spend up to 60% of their time on paperwork, taking them away from patient care.”

Personal Story: Telling a brief story from real life or your own experience that connects to your essay topic. Example: “My sister’s caring nature as a nurse brought comfort to fearful patients, making me realize the emotional impact nurses have.”

Scenes: Painting a picture with words about a certain scene or situation related to your topic. Example: “Imagine a busy hospital ward, nurses swiftly moving from one patient to another, showcasing their ability to multitask and provide personalized care.”

Thesis Statement: Stating the main point or argument of your essay in a clear and precise way. Example: “This essay will delve into the indispensable role of nurses in improving the patient experience and healthcare outcomes.”

Part 2: Connections “Connections” in an introduction represent the bridge between the initial hook and the main topic or thesis of the essay. This section further draws the reader into the central theme by establishing context, relevance, and the importance of the subject. It ensures the reader isn’t left hanging after the hook, making the transition smoother. In nursing essays, connections might explore why a particular misconception, statistic, or story (from the hook) is significant to the broader world of nursing or healthcare. For example, suppose the hook was a statistic about the number of hours nurses spend with patients. In that case, the connection might discuss the significance of nurse-patient interactions, how they are at the heart of patient care, or how they can significantly influence a patient’s recovery and overall hospital experience. In essence, the “connections” part links the specific instance or fact from the hook to the broader implications or themes you’re about to explore in your essay, ensuring the reader understands why what they’re about to read matters. Part 3: The Thesis Statement The thesis statement is the most important part of an introduction paragraph. It is usually the last sentence of the introduction. The thesis statement clearly states the main idea or argument of the entire essay in one concise sentence. It answers the prompt or question asked in the assignment.  The thesis sets up the entire essay by establishing the focus and purpose of the writing. A good thesis statement is clear, focused, take a stand or position, and can be supported by evidence. The rest of the essay will provide details, facts, arguments, and evidence that support the thesis statement.  The thesis gives the essay direction and focus. The thesis statement must be narrow enough to fully cover the essay but broad enough for analysis and discussion. The reader should finish the introduction paragraph understanding exactly what the essay will be about based on the thesis statement. Steps to Write an Essay Introduction Here are the steps to write an effective nursing essay introduction: Step 1. Engage Your Reader The opening sentence or “hook” of an introduction paragraph grabs the reader’s attention. A strong hook makes the reader interested and want to keep reading. Here are some tips for engaging the reader right from the start:

Ask a thought-provoking question

Use an interesting, shocking, or intriguing statistic

Open with a relevant quotation, anecdote, fact, news story, vivid description, or definition

Create a conversation, scenario, or narrative to draw the reader in

Use humor, irony, or an unusual perspective to surprise the reader

The goal is to create curiosity, emotion, and connection immediately so the reader feels invested. An engaging hook gives a reason to care about the topic and hooks the reader into wanting to read more. After an attention-grabbing beginning sentence, the introduction can provide context and background to transition smoothly into the essay’s main argument. But a strong, thoughtful hook comes first to capture interest and attention. Step 2. Give Background Information After grabbing the reader’s attention with an opening hook, the next step is to give some context and background information about the essay’s topic. The background should be brief but informative, helping the reader understand the topic and its significance.  The background information should be connected to and help frame the essay’s main argument. It allows the writer to define key terms, frame the scope, provide historical context, or share social/political background before transitioning to the essay’s thesis.  The goal is to orient the reader without overloading them with too many details at the start. A few concise but meaningful sentences of background can set the stage before delivering the essay’s central argument in the thesis statement. Step 3. Expose Your Thesis Statement The thesis statement is the most integral part of an introduction. It comes at the end of the intro paragraph and establishes the essay’s central argument or main point. The thesis directly responds to the prompt or question posed in the assignment. It lays out the essay’s key position and focus in one concise, declarative statement. All the background information should lead up to and frame this thesis. This thesis takes a clear stand while summarizing the main argument. The rest of the essay will provide evidence and analysis to support and develop this position. The thesis statement gives the reader insight into the essay’s purpose and direction. It must be argumentative, focused, and thoughtful – a signpost for the essay’s content. With an engaging hook, informative background, and clear thesis statement, an introduction orients readers and sets an essay up for success. Step 4. Draft Your Essay Structure After writing a solid thesis statement, the next step is to map out the main points supporting and developing that central argument throughout the essay. Planning the basic structure gives the writer a logical progression and flow for the essay’s body paragraphs. For example, each body paragraph could contain a major reason why the thesis is true. Drafting a basic outline ensures the essay will thoroughly explain the thesis. The structure provides organization and direction. While the outline may change as the essay develops, having a planned structure guides the writer. The introduction doesn’t need to preview the full outline, but the thesis should directly lead to the topics of the body paragraphs. This continuity reinforces the central argument and establishes the logical support and analysis to validate the essay’s claim. Step 5. Revise After drafting the introduction paragraph, including an opening hook, background information, thesis statement, and outline, the next step is to revise. Revising allows the writer to strengthen and refine the introduction. Here are tips for revising an essay introduction:

Make sure the hook immediately draws in the reader.

Check that background info is brief but informative. Cut unimportant details.

Read the thesis statement carefully. Is it clear, focused, arguable, and well-written?

Ensure the thesis directly answers the prompt or assignment question.

Review that the essay outline logically flows from the thesis.

Check for varied sentence structure and smooth transitions between sentences.

Ensure the introduction is written in the student’s original, unique voice.

Ask – does this intro give the reader essential context and clearly state the essay’s central argument?

Revising the introduction allows the writer to catch any underdeveloped, awkward, or unclear areas. Refining the intro before writing the full essay ensures the foundation is established to convince readers of the thesis logically. Catchy Introductions for Different Essay Types Here are some examples of writing catchy introductions tailored to different essay types: Narrative Introduction The lights were bright and the room was freezing. I could hear the muffled cries of the two-day-old infant in the incubator beside me as I carefully calculated the dosage. This was my first time administering medication on the job as a nursing student in the NICU. I knew neonatal nursing would be challenging, but I realized in that moment it would also reshape my perspective.

The fragility of life was tangible, yet amidst wires and monitors, there was hope. This experience taught me that something as small as an injection has the power to heal and comfort. My nursing journey began with that first nervous med pass late one night in the NICU, starting me on a path I could not yet fully envision. This introduction establishes the narrative scene while hinting at the insights explored in the essay. The hook places the reader in the story while introducing the reflective tone and theme. The background about starting nursing school and working in the intensive care unit provides context. The thesis hints at a transformative experience that led to a new understanding, setting up the reflective narrative about this memory’s significance. The introduction draws readers into the moment while establishing the personal growth narrative to come. Analytical Introduction The current nursing shortage in the United States has reached critical levels, with the deficit of registered nurses projected to exceed 500,000 by 2025. This shortage impacts healthcare facilities nationwide, diminishing the quality of care and patient outcomes. While an aging workforce and increased healthcare demands contribute to the problem, the root causes are unsatisfactory working environments, leading to high turnover rates.

Inadequate staffing ratios, lack of leadership support, workplace violence, and burnout exacerbate nurse shortages. However, developing effective retention strategies to improve modifiable workplace factors could help healthcare organizations recruit and retain qualified nurses. Targeted interventions to empower nurses and cultivate supportive, collaborative environments will be essential to overcoming the nursing shortage crisis. This introduction establishes the nursing shortage problem and notes some surface-level contributing factors. The thesis then points to underlying workplace environment issues as the root causes. This analytical stance sets the essay to examine these modifiable factors and the solutions they highlight rather than just describing the problem. The introduction primes readers for an analytical discussion on empowering nursing workplace improvements. Persuasive Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed cracks in the foundation of the United States healthcare system. Addressing the longstanding nurse staffing crisis has become urgent as nurses comprise the largest segment of the health workforce. For decades, research has shown inadequate nurse staffing increases patient and nurse risks. However, hospitals and legislators have delayed mandating minimum nurse-to-patient ratios. With recent data revealing up to 20% of nurses plan to leave their positions, safe staffing levels are imperative.

Implementing minimum staffing ratios in every unit, improving work environments, and increasing wages can retain experienced nurses, attract new nurses, and ensure safe patient care. Now is the time to persuade lawmakers and healthcare administrators to enact evidence-based nurse staffing ratio legislation. Doing so will strengthen nursing, prevent future gaps in care, and ultimately save lives. This introduction uses the COVID-19 pandemic context to establish the urgent need for minimum staffing ratios. It references past research and alarming turnover data to highlight the significance of the problem. This leads to the thesis advocating minimum ratio legislation to improve staffing conditions and nurse retention. The intro generates urgency while summarizing the persuasive argument to come – that evidence shows implementing specific nurse staffing reforms will strengthen healthcare. Personal Introduction I remember the sterile smell of the hospital hallway as I walked into my patient’s room for the first time. As a nursing student, I had prepared extensively for this initial clinical rotation. I had memorized lab values, medications, and procedures. Yet textbook knowledge could not prepare me for the wave of nerves I felt seeing my patient lying in the stark, white hospital bed. She looked weary and frail. This was no rubber dummy I had practiced on. This was a living, breathing human who needed my care.

My textbook training came second to forging a true human connection at that moment. Sitting beside her, I listened as she shared her story, goals, and worries. The beeping monitors faded, and I saw her as so much more than a diagnosis. My first clinical rotation taught me that treating patients extends beyond treating their illnesses. In nursing, empathy and compassion for humanity manifest as acts of care. This personal nursing essay introduction draws readers into a poignant clinical scene. It sets up the student’s transition from textbook knowledge to human understanding. The vivid details and reflections establish the introspective tone and theme focused on compassion in nursing care. Tips for Writing a Winning Introduction Paragraph Here are some tips for writing an effective introduction paragraph that grabs attention and sets the stage for the essay:

Start with a strong, thought-provoking hook. Open with an interesting fact, statistic, question, an essay quote, anecdote, vivid description, etc.

Provide brief but valuable context and background on the topic. Define key terms and give relevant historical or social framing.

Build a smooth transition from the background to the specific focus of the essay. Use transitional phrases like “In light of this…”

State the thesis clearly and directly. Present the central argument or position in a concise, one-sentence statement.

Ensure the thesis responds to the prompt and launches the essay’s body.

Structure the introduction logically, moving from a broad to an increasingly narrow focus.

Engage the reader’s interest while also communicating the essay’s purpose.

Revise thoroughly to refine language, improve flow, and bolster impact.

An effective introduction grabs attention, provides a framework, presents a compelling thesis, and primes readers for future discussion. Crafting a thoughtful, polished introduction can get any essay off to a winning start. Final Thoughts The introduction of your nursing essay is your chance to grab the reader’s attention, provide insight into your chosen topic, and set the stage for the following discussion. It’s crucial to nail this part to make a compelling first impression. However, it’s a common struggle for many nursing students to pen down an engaging introduction amidst demanding academic and practical schedules. Struggling to Start Your Nursing Essay? Kickstart your nursing essay with an introduction that resonates. Click Here to Secure a Strong Start with Our Expert Assistance! Let us pave the way for your academic achievements.

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Why I Love Being a Nurse

Group of ethnically diverse nurses standing and smiling in blue scrubs with other healthcare professionals

This blog has been updated on March 22, 2023.

Learn more about Carson-Newman's online FNP nursing programs .

Nursing is one of the most professionally, personally, and spiritually rewarding careers there is.

People are driven to a career in nursing for a variety of reasons. Carson-Newman wanted to better understand and document some of these reasons, which is why we reached out to 15 registered nurses, including three of our own FNP students, to get their perspectives on a simple question: What do you find most rewarding about a career in nursing ?

Read on to discover some of the responses we received and compare these answers to your own experience.

Earn Your MSN-FNP Part-Time For Less than $30k

Nancy brook, rn, msn, cfnp.

'One of the most rewarding aspects of a career in nursing is the ability to connect with our patients on such an intimate level. While we often meet under very difficult circumstances—being present as people face serious health challenges or injuries, witnessing the moment of birth or the end of life—we get to know our patients very quickly and have the opportunity to play an important role in their lives.

"I became a nurse so that I could have an impact on the lives of others and have a career that felt very meaningful . After 25 years of helping patients and their families navigate cancer and mentoring new nurses, I believe that at the end of the day, no matter how challenging, I have impacted someone’s life for the better."

Catherine Burger, RN, MS, MSOL, NEA-BC

"What I find to be the most rewarding about being a nurse is the numerous career paths that are available within the profession. For example, in my nearly 30-year career I have been blessed to work in labor and delivery, the Intensive Care Unit, home health, informatics, leadership, clinical practice, and ambulatory care. As a contributing writer for registerednursing.org, I now get to educate my colleagues and future nurses on current events and issues.

"I initially chose a nursing career just out of high school as I wanted to work in the field of medicine, and I knew I could complete the degree within two years. After many years and many advanced degrees, I still love being of help to people at all stages of life. I am very proud of my nursing profession and I love that nurses are still the most trusted profession to the public: a responsibility we should never take for granted."

Elizabeth Mason, RN, MSN - Carson-Newman FNP Student

Elizabeth Mason, PMC-FNP Student

"After working for a while, I went back to school and became a nursing instructor in the classroom and clinical. It is the perfect balance of hands-on patient care and teaching the next generation of nurses. I love [when] my students have that “ah-ha” moment as they put together the big picture of the patient, their diagnosis, medications, and treatment plans. I love seeing the growth of new nursing students to their preceptorship. It is always a blessing to see them in the hospital later as nurses succeeding at their calling."

Sandy Griffin, LPN, CHPLN

"I really love going to bed knowing I made a difference. As an LPN at a hospice, that difference is usually making sure our patients are as comfortable as possible, but we often have the opportunity to help the patients’ families too. It’s satisfying to know they feel more at ease after they see the care we provide.

"I chose a nursing career partially because I loved biology and anatomy and partially to have a career with which I could support myself and be independent. The further I got into my nursing education, I realized how rewarding it was to be able to make people who are sick and uncomfortable feel better, even if it’s just a little. Treating people with kindness and respect goes a long way. I found my nursing career home in hospice. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it.

"I have loved empowering and supporting patients and families to know that they are able to get through anything. Working for a hospice agency, I have been able to help patients have dignity at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Being with patients and their families at the end of life is a privilege. It has been an honor to have been with so many at that time.

"I also love the pride I feel in my work. Being a nurse is one of the most challenging jobs someone could do. It’s physically and mentally demanding at times. However, at the end of the day, you feel amazing satisfaction and pride. Being able to help those in need for a living is unlike any other profession."

MaryAnn Ciambriello, RN, BSN

"The most rewarding thing about being a nurse is making a difference in the lives of others. It may be your patients, their families, or your students. Nursing offers us so many arenas to practice in. As an RN, I have worked in the delivery room, in home care, in a prison, as a high school nurse, and as the director of nurses in assisted living facilities. Now, I am the owner of a few businesses.

"What motivated me to be an RN? My dad chose my profession for me. I was studying business in college and he thought that I should become an RN. So, like any good daughter, I dropped my business studies and became an RN; however, I did go back to complete two business degrees.

"What do I love about nursing? I love that this profession allows us the opportunity to work in so many diverse areas. We are not pigeonholed into just the hospital—the sky's the limit in this profession.

"In nursing, you just have to follow your passion and purpose and stay true to yourself. Always remember to have empathy and to give the best care possible."

Shantay Carter, RN, BSN

Shantay Carter, RN, BSN

"Knowing that my care, touch, voice, and time can help a patient make it through the night is one of the most rewarding feelings. Sometimes, it's the little things that you do for your patient that make a difference. The nursing profession has opened so many doors for me. It has allowed me to become an author and run a successful non-profit organization that addresses the needs in my community. My specialty is orthopedics and trauma, and I love working in this area."

Lauren Mochizuki, RN, BSN

"What I find most rewarding about my career as a nurse is that I have the opportunity to help people in their most vulnerable, and unexpected, moments. For some, coming to the emergency department can be one of the worst days of their lives. As their nurse, my job is to make them feel safe, comfortable, and cared for.

"There are many things that motivated me to choose nursing as a career. First, I love people. I love chatting with them, being around them, and taking care of them—it is very fulfilling to my soul. The second reason is that the schedule is wonderful for being a mother. I now have the opportunity to work per diem and work around my husband's schedule so I can spend lots of time with our children.

"Lastly, I love that it provides great compensation so that I can contribute to my family financially. Five years ago, my husband and I paid off $266,000 of debt, and I am so thankful for my various nursing jobs that allowed me to work to reach this goal. I also love the culture of nursing in my emergency department. It feels like we understand each other, like we can look at each other in a certain way and know what we are thinking. We can sense when something is wrong in each other or celebrate our personal victories. I have the privilege to work among great nurses and that makes the entire shift more enjoyable."

Cynthia Attaway, RN, MSN - Carson-Newman FNP Student

Cynthia Attaway, PMC-FNP Student

"I am a part time nursing instructor for a community college, and the first to be allowed in the acute hospital setting. The human connection cannot be experienced in simulation and observing the science of human caring was emotional during the pandemic.

"Nursing is the best—high technology, and high touch."

Chris Caulfield, RN, NP-C

"As a nurse, I have a flexible career that allows me to pursue my passions while also having a significant positive impact on patients at need. I was initially attracted to the nursing profession as I loved working with the elderly and had a strong interest in human physiology. There were flexible nursing programs in my local area that were affordably priced, so it was easy for me to start my RN program. I was also very excited by the opportunities to obtain advanced practice certifications and licenses through distanced-based programs that were flexible and could work around my personal commitments.

"Throughout my nursing career, I’ve had the great opportunity to work in many different fields including long-term care, psychiatric nursing, urgent care, labor relations, and nursing informatics. As you work in different specialties, your knowledge continues to grow and your ability to think outside the box increases. As an advanced practice nurse (FNP-C), I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the health care system, which had a significant contribution in leading me to success in my most recent venture-backed technology startup. I’ve been able to take this knowledge and create a system that focuses on allowing nurses to work a flexible schedule via their mobile app, while also helping to address the staffing shortage crises experienced in long-term care facilities.

"Over the past three years, I’ve had over 10,000 nursing professionals join my organization to pick up shifts on the side. With almost unlimited opportunities, I continue to recommend the nursing profession to countless numbers of family members, friends, and acquaintances. I’ve yet to find another career choice that allows the flexibility and options that nursing does."

Tina Baxter, APRN, GNP-BC

Tina Baxter, APRN, GNP-BC

"As a nurse, I have the privilege of helping others when they are the most vulnerable. I witness some of their greatest triumphs and their greatest defeats. There is nothing better than attending a birth, holding the hand of someone who is dying, or helping someone achieve a better life through improving their health. It is a legacy that will live on long after you are gone. The patients and families will remember your warm smile, your gentle touch, the knowledge you shared, and the fact that you cared for them.

"As a student in health care, I realized I was more concerned about how a person got ill and how to prevent it, rather than just how to treat it. I wanted to understand how I could help a person not only get healthy but stay healthy. That’s what nurses do. We teach our patients to take care of themselves and to optimize their health.

"One of the things I love about being a nurse is that this career is flexible . I have been a bedside nurse, a nursing professor, a mentor, a supervisor/manager/charge nurse, an entrepreneur, a nurse scientist, a nurse educator, a legal nurse consultant, a wellness practitioner, a nurse practitioner, and coming soon, a nurse author with my first book. I would say that being a nurse is pretty fabulous."

Andrea Tran, RN, IBCLC

"The most rewarding thing I have found about being a nurse is the personal connection that I am able to make with patients. No matter how long it has been, a patient remembers their nurse. They may or may not remember the nurse’s name, but they remember if they were kind and compassionate. A good nurse always is.

"I became a nurse in response to nothing short of “a calling.” I was visiting my grandmother with my mother. She had gone into another room to visit with someone else she knew, and I went to get her. I noticed that the other patient in the room was in a lot of pain, and I had such a strong and deep desire to help them. I decided then and there that I would become a nurse.

"I have spent my entire career with women during the childbearing period. It is mostly wonderful, but when it is not, it is terrible.

"Getting to share in the joy of a new family creates so much happiness. Helping new parents step into their new world with education and support puts me in my happy place."

Nancy Congleton, RN, Author

Nancy Congleton, RN, Author

"What initially motivated me to become a nurse was that my husband and I were sinking financially. We both worked full time, our home was small and affordable, our vehicles were not brand new, and yet we were barely making it. At a young age I found myself intrigued by the medical profession and, after discovering that I could have my associate’s degree in nursing and become an RN in approximately three years, I went for it. What started as a financial necessity has become so much more. I thoroughly enjoy caring for my patients and love mentoring new nurses.

"The things I love most about being a nurse include the variety of areas to practice in, the constant opportunities to focus on others, and those 12-hour shifts! If I had to go back to a Monday–Friday schedule, I don't know if I'd survive!"

Megan McHatten, RN, BSN, CNOR

"As an operating room nurse at a trauma center, there are times that can be pretty stressful and fast paced. Recently, a trauma was called and about six of us rushed to the OR to set up. All we typically know during these events are the very basics, and in this case, a motor vehicle accident had occurred, and we needed to do an exploratory laparotomy. Within about two minutes, we had the supplies and instruments opened, scrub techs were setting up, and anesthesia was getting ready. I looked around and was so proud to be a part of a team that could, within minutes, be ready to potentially save someone's life. Those are times when I am proud to be a perioperative nurse and I find them especially rewarding.

"What motivated me to choose this career? High demand, good pay, multiple specialties to work in, the ability to move forward with my career if I choose (i.e. nurse practitioner, administration) and the feeling of making a difference.

"I love the feeling when our team has a great surgical case, and everyone is working together like a well-oiled machine. I love knowing that many of my patients will begin their healing journey in my OR. I love the endless amount of learning and science that the health care field offers."

Maria Kindrai, RN, MSN - Carson-Newman FNP Student

Maria Kindrai, PMC-FNP Student

"As a nurse, I have learned to appreciate every moment spent at the bedside of a patient.  Caring for others has always been a priority but during a pandemic it has been heightened.  This one on one time with someone is certainly time when both the patient and the nurse have the opportunity for growth and to learn from one another."

Donna Mathezing, RN

"30 years of being a nurse and I have never had a regret about my career choice. I knew when I was five years old that helping people and talking with them was what I was meant to do.

"I have worked in all critical care areas from emergency to the cardiovascular ICU to the general systems ICU; I now work in the post-operative care unit and have 10 years of experience flying with our air ambulance service in a helicopter. I get to make a profound difference every single day. That profound difference is different for every patient, depending on what they need from me at their time of need. That could be something simple like holding a hand, letting them cry on my shoulder, giving pain medications so their loved one is comfortable, or just reassuring them that we will take care of them!

"Being with people at what is sometimes the worst moments of their lives or the best moments (diagnosis is negative or the birth of a baby) is a privilege and one I take very seriously. Being with a family as their loved one is passing away is the ultimate compliment for a nurse. Death is a sacred and scary time for many, and to be allowed within that sacred circle to offer support and comfort is what is rewarding about nursing.

"If I can walk away after my shift knowing that I have eased a person’s worry or fear and brought some sort of peace to them, then my day is fulfilled. And the best part of that is that I get many opportunities every day that I work."

Learn more about Carson-Newman's online nursing programs for registered nurses with their bachelor's or master's.

Request your free program brochure, about carson-newman’s online fnp programs.

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a nationally ranked Christian liberal arts university. An online, yet personal, learning environment connects you with fellow students, faculty, and staff. Faith and learning are combined to create evidence-based online graduate nursing programs designed to transform you into a more autonomous caregiver.

Through its online program and student-centric curriculum, Carson-Newman provides a life-changing education where students come first. Designed for working nurses, Carson-Newman’s affordable FNP programs feature 100% online coursework with no mandatory log-in times, clinical placement service, and exceptional individualized support that prepare graduates to pass the FNP licensure exam.

If you’re ready for the next step in your nursing career, consider the online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner offered by Carson-Newman University and accredited by the CCNE.

For those who already hold an MSN degree, consider pursuing a Post-Master’s FNP Certificate to enjoy all the leadership opportunities, job satisfaction and autonomy of a family primary care provider. For more information, visit onlinenursing.cn.edu.

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Nurse.org

Why Do You Want To Be a Nurse? 15 Reasons to Choose a Career in Nursing

Why Do You Want To Be a Nurse? 15 Reasons to Choose a Career in Nursing

If you’ve started submitting applications to nursing schools or told people that you want to be a nurse, you’re probably hearing the question, “Why do you want to be a nurse?” a lot.  

To be honest, it’s a fair question, and each person has their own reasons for wanting to become a nurse. If you’re reading this blog post and wondering if a nursing career is for you, here are the 15 top reasons to choose a career in nursing .

Why Do You Want to Be a Nurse? 15 Reasons

Becoming a nurse is a great career choice with many advantages, including plenty of opportunities for growth and development. Here are the top 15 reasons why you should consider a career in nursing:

1. High Demand for Nurses

Nursing is an increasingly relevant and sought-after career path in today's world. With the aging population, there’s an increasing demand for nursing professionals due to the increased need for both medical and assisted living services. 

On top of this, a shortage of physicians has also increased the demand for primary care providers putting nurse practitioners in much higher demand as well.

2. Ability to Start Working Fast

Nursing is an amazing career choice for many reasons, one of them being that you don't necessarily need an extensive education in order to get started. 

Becoming a CNA or LPN only requires a 1-2 year associate degree and the starting pay is decent too. 

Even if your goal is to become an RN, there are now accelerated BSN programs available at most universities that offer nurses the opportunity to obtain their Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) quickly so they can begin their careers. 

And most of these programs can be completed online (except for some lab and/or clinical components).

3. Great Pay and Benefits

Another awesome advantage of being a nurse is that most nurses earn a really good salary and have excellent benefits. Although nursing salaries vary widely from state to state, the median annual registered nurse salary in 2022 was $81,220, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Licensed practical nurses earn an average salary of $94,538 a year in 2023 , according to Glassdoor.com.

Nurses also receive a number of benefits that can’t be found in other occupations, such as access to excellent health insurance options, retirement savings plans, flexible hours or shifts, paid vacation time, and even educational assistance programs that can help make continuing your education more affordable. 

>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs

4. Incentives to Work in Many Different Areas

Besides a great salary and benefits, nurses are also offered special incentives such as higher pay, relocation assistance, hefty sign-on bonuses, and nursing tuition reimbursement to work in high-need areas. 

And there are many places offering these incentives for nurses, from busy urban medical centers to under-served rural and remote communities.

5. Job Security

When it comes to job security, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a job that is more secure and in higher demand. 

Currently, there is a nursing shortage , and this shortage is expected to increase over the next decade due to the aging population of Baby Boomers and a growing need for healthcare services related to chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

6. Professional Respect 

An important part of having a great career is knowing that you’re respected for your skills and the work you do. And when it comes to respect and trust, there is no one more trusted than nurses. 

For the last 20 years, Gallup has found that the public ranks nurses the highest in terms of their honesty and ethics of any occupation or profession, even higher than physicians. Nursing is an incredible career choice due to the tremendous respect you receive from patients, family, peers, and other medical professionals. 

7. Growing Opportunity for Flexible Scheduling

Another important factor when it comes to having a great job and career is a flexible schedule. In fact, a whopping 9 out of 10 employees surveyed said offering flexible scheduling is one of the most important things employers can do to retain employees. And 47.8% said a flexible schedule is even more important than salary.

With an ever-growing demand for healthcare professionals, employers are placing greater emphasis on accommodating remote workers or those who are interested in part-time work. 

In addition to regular hospital or clinic settings, nurses can now take advantage of more per-diem nursing opportunities that fit into their busy lives as well. 

This opens up the field to those who don’t have the necessary time to commit to a full-time nursing position while still allowing them to contribute meaningful work. 

8. Opportunity for Student Loan Forgiveness

Going to school costs a lot of money, even if you go the community college route. Tuition, books, transportation, nursing uniforms and equipment, accommodation, meals, healthcare expenses—the list goes on of the expenses a student has. However, the good news is, many nurses may be eligible for student loan forgiveness programs for nurses . 

9. Job Options Across Various Fields

Unlike many other professional fields, nursing offers a huge amount of variety in terms of the type of work you can do and the types of settings you can work in. 

If you’d like to work with kids, you can be a school nurse , a pediatric nurse , or work in a PICU with sick children. 

Prefer to work with people of all ages for even more variety? Then you can work in a community clinic, emergency department, or as a home care nurse .

And if you have the travel bug and want more adventure, you can be a travel nurse and work almost anywhere you can imagine from large cities to extremely remote locations once you gain some initial nursing experience.

10. Opportunities for Career Advancement

If you’re wondering about opportunities for career advancement, nursing is an excellent career choice for that as well. 

As a nurse, there are many ways to work your way up the career ladder through advanced education in Master’s in Nursing and DNP programs. 

These programs prepare you to specialize as a nurse—which means a nice boost in salary (usually into the 6-figure category)—and often more autonomy. 

And the good news is, there’s high demand for nurse practitioners in a number of different specialties. There are also career paths for nurses who want to pursue healthcare or nursing management, nursing informatics , research or teaching as well.

11. Ability to Make a Difference

If you want a career where you can help people and change their lives, nursing definitely fits the bill. In fact, nursing is an incredibly rewarding career choice because you have the privilege of supporting people when they need your help the most. 

As an example, a nurse may help bring a life into the world for new parents or assist someone in managing a chronic condition who would otherwise be lost without a nurse’s teaching and expertise. 

In the eyes of those they help, nurses truly are everyday heroes.

12. Transferable Skill Set 

The nursing profession is highly marketable and transferable. So those entering the field can expect their experience and training to be valuable from job to job. 

For example, the fundamental medical knowledge and expertise that goes hand-in-hand with being a nurse applies no matter where you go or work. 

Although certain local regulations, technology, and even cultural norms may have slight variations, having a background as a nurse will still apply no matter where you go.

13. Opportunity for Entrepreneurship

The dream of owning your own business is also a real possibility when you become a nurse. Whether it’s starting your own private practice as a nurse practitioner or consultant, publishing medical research, freelance writing, launching a medical-based app or blog, or developing a new medical product, nurses can capitalize on their expertise and hard work by starting their own company.

Ownership over your career and the ability to create lasting change makes nursing an extremely attractive option for those seeking more than a traditional employment position.

14. Opportunity for Autonomy and Independence

One of the best aspects of nursing as a career is that it encourages autonomy and independence, allowing you to make many decisions on your own. 

This is because nurses are given various levels of responsibility depending on their experience and skill level. As a result, this makes nursing an ideal job for those looking for autonomy and independence while still having access to support from their peers, supervisors, and managers. 

15. Highly Satisfying Career

Last but not least, nursing is an extremely satisfying career. Despite how difficult the recent pandemic was for nurses, a 2021 career satisfaction survey of 10,788 nurses (including LPNs, RNs, and NPs) found that more than 90% of the nurses surveyed said they were “glad they chose” to be a nurse.

As you can see, there are many great reasons to choose a career in nursing. So what are you waiting for? Jump online and start applying today!

Leona Werezak

Leona Werezak BSN, MN, RN is the Director of Business Development at NCLEX Education. She began her nursing career in a small rural hospital in northern Canada where she worked as a new staff nurse doing everything from helping deliver babies to medevacing critically ill patients. Learning much from her patients and colleagues at the bedside for 15 years, she also taught in baccalaureate nursing programs for almost 20 years as a nursing adjunct faculty member (yes! Some of those years she did both!). As a freelance writer online, she writes content for nursing schools and colleges, healthcare and medical businesses, as well as various nursing sites.

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Nursing Essay Examples

Cathy A.

Nursing Essay Examples That Will Help You Write a Stellar Paper

Published on: May 6, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

nursing essay examples

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Many nursing students struggle with writing effective nursing essays, which are an essential part of their education and professional development.

Poor essay writing skills can lead to low grades and an inability to effectively communicate important information.

This blog provides a comprehensive guide to writing nursing essays with examples and tips for effective writing. Whether you are a nursing student or a professional looking to improve your writing skills, this blog has something for you. 

By following the tips and examples provided, you can write compelling nursing essays that showcase your dedication to the field.

Let’s get started.

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What is a Nursing Essay?

A nursing essay is a type of academic writing that aims to explore a particular topic related to nursing. It also presents a clear and concise argument or viewpoint supported by evidence. 

Nursing essays can take many forms, including:

  • Descriptive essays
  • Reflective essays
  • Analytical essays
  • Persuasive essays

What is the Importance of the Nursing Essay?

Nursing essays are important for several reasons. First, they help nursing students develop critical thinking skills by requiring them to analyze and evaluate information.

Second, they help students develop research skills by requiring them to locate and use credible sources to support their arguments. 

Third, nursing essays help students develop communication skills by requiring them to present their ideas clearly and concisely in writing. Finally, nursing essays are important for nursing education because they prepare students for the types of writing.

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Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

To help students better understand how to write nursing essays, it can be helpful to review examples.

Below are some examples of nursing essays.

Nursing School Essay Examples

College Nursing Essay Examples

Graduate Nursing Essay Examples

Nursing Scholarship Essay Examples

Nursing Essay Conclusion Examples

Nursing Essay Examples of Different Fields

Nursing is a diverse field with many different specialties and areas of focus. As a result, nursing essays can take many different forms and cover a wide range of topics. 

Given below are some examples of different types of nursing essays:

Personal Philosophy Of Nursing - Essay Examples

Cal State Fullerton Nursing Essay Examples

Evidence Based Practice Nursing In Medical Field - Essay Examples

Leadership In Nursing And Healthcare Professionals - Essay Examples

Principles Of Professional Practice Of Nursing Professionals And Pharmacists

If you're seeking additional examples of nursing essays, you're in luck! 

Below are some more examples that can help you gain a better understanding of nursing essays:

Health Care And Reflective Models For Nursing - Essay Examples

History Of Nursing Essay Examples

Ethical Dilemma In Nurses Work - Essay Examples

Mental Health Nursing Essay Examples

Why I Want To Be A Nurse Essay

Working In A Team And Collaboration In Nursing

How to Write a Nursing Essay

Writing a nursing essay can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience.

Here are the key steps involved in writing a nursing essay:

Understanding the Topic and Question

The first step in writing a nursing essay is to carefully read and understand the topic and question. 

This will help you determine what information you need to research and include in your essay. Make sure you understand any key terms or concepts related to the topic. Consider different perspectives or viewpoints that may be relevant.

Researching the Topic

Once you have a clear understanding of the topic and question, it's time to research. 

Start by gathering information from credible sources such as academic journals, textbooks, and government websites. 

Consider both primary and secondary sources, and make sure to take detailed notes as you read.

Organizing and Outlining the Essay

Once you have completed your research, it's time to organize your ideas and create an outline for your essay. 

Start by identifying the main points or arguments you want to make, and then organize them into a logical order that flows well. 

Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Writing the Essay

With your outline in place, it's time to start writing your essay. Make sure to follow your outline closely, and use clear and concise language that effectively communicates your ideas. 

Use evidence from your research to support your arguments, and cite your sources appropriately.

Editing and Revising the Essay

Once you have completed a first draft of your essay, take some time to edit and revise it. Look for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation, and make sure your essay is well-organized and flows well. 

Consider asking a peer or instructor to review your essay and provide feedback.

What To Include In Your Nursing Essay

When writing a nursing essay, there are several key elements that you should include. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

  • Introduction

Your introduction should provide a brief overview of the topic and purpose of your essay. It should also include a clear thesis statement that presents your main argument or point of view.

  • Background Information

Provide some background information on the topic to help the reader better understand the context of your essay. This can include relevant statistics, historical information, or other contextual details.

  • Evidence and Examples

Use evidence and examples from your research to support your arguments and demonstrate your knowledge of the topic. Make sure to cite your sources appropriately and use a variety of sources to strengthen your argument.

  • Analysis and Evaluation

Provide analysis and evaluation of the evidence and examples you've presented. This can include discussing strengths and weaknesses, comparing and contrasting different viewpoints, or offering your own perspective on the topic.

Your conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement. It should also offer some final thoughts or suggestions for further research or action.

Nursing Essay Topic Ideas

Choosing a topic for your nursing essay can be challenging, but there are many areas in the field that you can explore. Here are some nursing essay topic ideas to consider:

  • The role of technology in nursing practice
  • The impact of cultural diversity on healthcare delivery
  • Nursing leadership and management in healthcare organizations
  • Ethical issues in nursing practice
  • The importance of patient-centered care in nursing practice
  • The impact of evidence-based practice on nursing care
  • The role of nursing in promoting public health
  • Nursing education and the importance of lifelong learning
  • The impact of nursing shortages on healthcare delivery
  • The importance of communication in nursing practice

These are just a few ideas to get you started. You can also explore other topics related to nursing that interest you or align with your academic or professional goals. 

Remember to choose a topic that is relevant, interesting, and feasible to research and write about.

Tips for Writing an Effective Nursing Essay

Writing a successful nursing essay requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you write an effective nursing essay:

  • Writing Concisely and Clearly

Nursing essays should be written in clear and concise language, avoiding unnecessary jargon or technical terms. Use simple language and short sentences to help ensure that your ideas are communicated clearly and effectively.

  • Stating a Clear Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement should clearly state your main argument and provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and located at the end of your introduction.

  • Using Proper Citation and Referencing

Citing and referencing your sources is crucial in any academic writing, including nursing essays. Make sure to use proper citation and referencing styles, such as APA or MLA. Include a reference list or bibliography at the end of your essay.

  • Seeking Feedback and Revising

Before submitting your nursing essay, seek feedback from peers, professors, or writing tutors. Use their feedback to revise and improve your essay. Make sure that it is well-structured, coherent, and effectively communicates your point of view.

By following these tips, you can write a nursing essay that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in the field.

In conclusion, writing a successful nursing essay requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. 

To showcase your knowledge in the field of nursing, it is important to have a clear understanding of the topic at hand. When writing your nursing essay, be sure to include relevant examples, incorporate current research, and use proper citation and referencing. 

And remember , seeking feedback and revising your essay is key to ensuring that it effectively communicates your ideas and arguments.

If you need help with your nursing essay or any other type of academic writing, consider using our AI essay writer . 

Our nursing essay writing service can provide personalized support to help you succeed in your academic goals.

So, why wait? Contact us to get college essay writing help today! 

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why go into nursing essay

Ask a Nurse: Why Did You Become a Nurse?

Gayle Morris, BSN, MSN

In our Ask a Nurse series, experienced nurses provide an insider look at the nursing profession by answering your questions about nursing careers, degrees, and resources.

Question: Why did you become a nurse?

“I became a nurse because of my caring and compassionate spirit. [However], I also have always loved to teach others. I found beauty in the nursing profession when I was able to combine caring, compassion, and education together.”

— Sheniqua Johnson, RN, Author, Motivational Speaker, Health/Life Coach

Nursing: Passion Driven vs. Mission Driven

Nurses sometimes choose their careers based on a passion or because they believe that nursing is their mission in life. However, both passion-driven and mission-driven individuals choose nursing as a career.

Nursing as a Passion-Driven Career Choice

A career that is passion driven helps you stay focused on the love you have for what you do, not profit. For example, a nurse may be passionate about helping vulnerable populations. This can be expressed in a variety of jobs, like bedside nursing, volunteering, administration, or a nurse entrepreneurial endeavor .

Passion is a deep interest in something that triggers powerful feelings and drives consistent action. Mission-driven career development can have the same results, but the driving force is different.

Nursing as a Mission-Driven Career Choice

Mission-driven nurses may choose this career as a means to end. For example, if a nurse’s personal mission is to offer deaf children the best opportunities in life, they may choose the career as a foundation to gain experience with the population before developing an organization to address the needs of this population.

Sheniqua Johnson is a nurse, author, empowerment specialist, and motivational speaker. After working as a registered nurse for 21 years, she vividly remembers her first days as a graduate nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland. She packed her bags and left her parent’s home to start her new life. But, when she didn’t pass her state boards, she was crushed.

Johnson recalls that moment in her life:

“I learned a very important lesson during that traumatic event in my life. It truly taught me to focus on why I wanted to be a nurse in the first place. Passing the exam became less about me and more about how hard I was willing to work to have the opportunity to do what I believe I was called to do.”

Johnson is a mission-driven nurse who believes she is called to be an educator; her nursing career was a means to that end. Nursing is often painted as a profession of passion-driven professionals whose reward and satisfaction are derived solely from patient care.

While passion is important, it’s not the only reason to become a nurse. Some people become nurses as a stepping stone to achieve their ultimate goal, which may be far from the bedside. Nursing administration , nursing informatics , logistics, and legal consultants are all nursing positions that use information from other professions to improve healthcare and patient outcomes.

Popular MSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Becoming a Nurse for Growth Opportunities

Nursing is a unique profession; nearly all nurses enter their careers in much the same place — as bedside nurses. However, the significant number of growth opportunities means that many of those same nurses will have unique experiences throughout their career.

The foundation of nursing is to provide and coordinate patient care and educate communities about health conditions and prevention. With a growing aging population and a nursing shortage in many states , there is an increasing demand for registered nurses. In recent years, the profession has also enjoyed an expansion of opportunities for nurses at different levels.

For example, there are well over 30 specialty careers for nurses who choose to advance their education and complete a master of science in nursing . Nurses have the opportunity to work in ambulatory care, hospitals, prison systems, public health, schools, emergency rooms, and critical care to name just a few.

Nursing education and background also can support an entrepreneurial spirit for nurses who choose to open brick-and-mortar stores or, as Johnson has, an online platform. Johnson uses her online platform to encourage and empower nurses.

“Throughout my 21-year journey as a nurse, I have been blessed to provide care in the hospital on med-surg, orthopedic, and geriatric units. I have worked as a homecare community health

nurse, and then I found my true passion as a nurse educator,” she says. “I even had the opportunity to serve as a college professor at my alma mater, teaching med-surg to over 500 aspiring nurses in a baccalaureate program.”

As Johnson’s career demonstrates, she worked in hospitals and home care before finding her true passion as an educator. One of the core responsibilities nurses have to their patients and the community is teaching and education.

Many nurse specialty careers embody those core responsibilities. Nurse practitioners , nurse educators , legal nurse consultants , informatics nurses, and school nurses all must use different strategies and skills to be strong teachers and educators.

“I became a nurse because of my caring and compassionate spirit. I also have always loved to teach others. I found beauty in the nursing profession when I was able to combine caring, compassion, and education together,” Johnson says. “It brings me great joy to teach people how to become better self-managers over their minds and bodies. This is why I became a nurse, and over the years I have learned how to do that outside of the four walls of a facility.”

Advice for Nurses Looking for a Change

Change can be challenging. You may not have considered leaving your current position only because you don’t like change. Yet, change is necessary for growth to occur. Adapting to change is no small feat and requires tools and resources to be successful.

It is important to realize that nurses who want a change in job direction do not have to leave their nursing career. There are many choices for nurses that don’t involve patient care if that’s the motivating factor to change. Nurses are valued employees in the insurance industry, as health coaches, and risk managers.

“My advice to anyone thinking about entering the profession and to those pondering about staying in this career, would be the same advice, and that is to examine your why! Why do you want to become a nurse? Why did you become a nurse?” Johnson advises. “If you did it for reasons that will fade, like for the money, you won’t last in the profession. The monetary compensation will never match what nurses truly bring to the world.”

You will face disappointment in any career you choose or job you take. Nursing is not different. Yet, nurses often find that the rewards and satisfaction far outweigh the disappointments. No matter what career path you choose as a nurse, the foundation of what you do will be giving back to the community in a way that uniquely supports your mission and passion.

“As nurses, we are beacons of hope! Your longevity in this field will only survive if you have a deeper and greater understanding of your unique role as a nurse,” Johnson shares. “I have learned that and it has given me greater satisfaction that outweighs any disappointments faced. Always search your heart. If you are called to be a nurse, then a nurse you will be. It is my hope that if you do choose nursing as your pathway in life, that you will find an enriching passion that will keep you evolving as a nurse over your lifetime.”

In Summary:

  • Nurses may choose to enter the career because they are driven by passion or have a mission to fulfill.
  • Nursing offers growth opportunities that may or may not involve patient care, such as legal consultant, informatics, and administration.
  • Nearly all nurses enter their careers in much the same place — as a bedside nurse. But most end their careers having experienced unique opportunities within different organizations and with different patient populations.
  • There are well over 30 specialty careers for nurses who choose to advance their education and many diverse workplace environments to get a job, such as schools, camps, correctional facilities, community centers, outpatient clinics, homecare, emergency vehicles, military bases, or your own office.

Meet Our Contributor

Portrait of Sheniqua Johnson, RN

Sheniqua Johnson, RN

Sheniqua Johnson is a registered nurse by profession and an encourager by nature. She is the author of several motivational and inspirational books. Her first book titled “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength: How My Faith Moved My Mountains” is a self-help book that encourages readers to discover their inner strength. She is also the co-author of “Reach Your Greatness” with James Malinchak from ABC’s “Secret Millionaires.” In this book, Johnson shares tips on how to be successful in life.

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Interview Question: "Why Did You Choose Nursing as a Career?"

  • What the Interviewer Wants to Know
  • How to Answer Question

Examples of the Best Answers

Tips for giving the best answer, what not to say, possible follow-up questions.

When preparing to interview for a nursing position, it’s helpful to review questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask nursing candidates is, "What made you choose  nursing as a career ?"

If you have an interview for a  nursing position , you want to arrive confident and prepared for your interview. Reviewing questions that interviewers might ask will help you do that.

What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know

When an interviewer for a nursing position asks you questions about why you became a nurse, he or she is trying to learn the personal reasons you may have for becoming a nurse. This question is also posed in order to gauge your enthusiasm for the profession.

The interviewer will seek to identify, from your response, what characteristics and skills you have that make you good at what you do.

Your answers should provide the basis for a discussion about your  passion for nursing , your qualifications, and your skill set.

How to Answer the Interview Question “Why Did You Choose Nursing as a Career?”

Because there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as what strengths you possess that make you an excellent nurse and the best candidate for the job.

You will likely be asked  questions relating specifically to nursing , as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare some ideas about how you would like to answer them.

Don’t try to memorize an answer, but do jot down a few ideas and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths.

4 Ways to Answer: Why Did You Choose Nursing as a Career?

Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

I wanted to do something in my career that is challenging, interesting, and makes a difference in people's lives daily. In the nursing profession, you deal with many aspects of patient care, and I enjoy the variety in the routine.

Why It Works: The interviewer will be pleased to know that the candidate wants to make a difference in people’s lives. The candidate also makes a point to mention that patient care is a priority.

Dealing with patients and their families and helping them through what is often a difficult time for them is extremely satisfying for me.

Why It Works:  This works because the candidate is letting the interviewer know that working with patients is of primary importance.

My mother is a nurse and seeing the satisfaction she feels every day by helping people in her job inspired my own interest in the field. I knew from the time that I was very young that nursing was something I wanted to do with my life.

Why It Works:  This is a good answer because it shows the candidate’s passion for the nursing profession along with a family history of working in the nursing field.

Throughout college and nursing school, my interest in nursing and my commitment to the field became even stronger as I found that I also had an aptitude for the work. I believe my ability to communicate with people and to explain things clearly in both a technical and non-technical way is one of the things that makes me a good nurse.

Why It Works:  This is a very good answer that demonstrates to the interviewer the candidate’s confidence and awareness of the strengths she possesses that enhance her candidacy.

I chose nursing as a career because I love learning new things. As a nurse, I am always challenging myself to keep current on medical trends and training so that I can provide the best care to my patients. Every day as a nurse, I learn something new from my colleagues and patients, which inspires me to explore a deeper knowledge of the techniques and procedures I use.

Why It Works:  This works because the candidate shows a willingness to keep current on skills and education necessary in the medical field.

Analyze the Job Posting:  It’s a good idea to look carefully at the job posting, as well as the hospital website, to get a feel for what they are specifically looking for in the person who fills the open position, as well as the general culture of the hospital.

Share Your Skill Set:  Be prepared to discuss your clinical skill set, as well as your personal qualities, that make you qualified for the job. The interviewer may ask you to provide examples of situations where you applied those skills. You should have a  list of your nursing skills  with you, preferably on a copy of your resume.

Discuss Patient Scenarios:  You will be asked about challenges you have met and problems which you have solved in  patient care contexts . Be ready to share specific patient scenarios where you intervened with difficult cases and individuals to help generate positive outcomes.

Show You're a Team Player:  Nurses must be effective team members and get along with challenging personalities. Be prepared to share examples of how you have dealt with difficult colleagues.

Practice Your Answer:  Prepare a response to this question and then practice your answer, either in front of a friend or the mirror.

Avoid Negativity:  Don’t complain about difficult patients, other nurses you’ve known, doctors, or other hospitals.

Avoid Physical Complaints:  Don’t complain about the grueling physical aspects of the nursing profession. You chose this career and are applying for this job.

  • How do you handle the stress that comes with a nurse’s job?  Best Answers
  • Why do you want to work here?  Best Answers
  • Are you organized? Best Answers

Key Takeaways

Prepare for the Interview. Be prepared to discuss both your clinical skill set and personal characteristics that make you a good nurse.

Be Ready to Share Examples. Have some sample patient scenarios and why they were challenging in mind.

Keep it Positive. Don’t complain about past jobs, patients, people, the nature of the work, or anything else.

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  • Open access
  • Published: 26 April 2024

Factors influencing the development of nursing professionalism: a descriptive qualitative study

  • Xingyue He 1 ,
  • Huili Cao 2 ,
  • Linbo Li 1 ,
  • Yanming Wu 1 &
  • Hui Yang 1 , 3  

BMC Nursing volume  23 , Article number:  283 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

82 Accesses

Metrics details

The shortage of nurses threatens the entire healthcare system, and nursing professionalism can improve nurse retention and enhance the quality of care. However, nursing professionalism is dynamic, and the factors influencing its development are not fully understood.

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Using maximum variation and purposive sampling, 14 southern and northern China participants were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from May 2022 to August 2023 in face-to-face conversations in offices in the workplace or via voice calls. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed via thematic analysis.

Three main themes emerged: (1) nourishment factors: promoting early sprouting; (2) growth factors: the power of self-activation and overcoming challenges; and (3) rootedness factors: stability and upward momentum. Participants described the early acquisition of nursing professionalism as derived from personality traits, family upbringing, and school professional education, promoting the growth of nursing professionalism through self-activation and overcoming challenges, and maintaining the stable and upward development of nursing professionalism through an upward atmosphere and external motivation.

We revealed the dynamic factors that influence the development of nursing professionalism, including “nourishment factors”, “growth factors”, and “rootedness factors”. Our findings provide a foundation for future development of nursing professionalism cultivation strategies. Nursing administrators can guide the development of nurses’ professionalism from many angles according to the stage they are in, and the development of professionalism deserves more attention. In the future, we can no longer consider the development of nursing professionalism solely as the responsibility of individual nurses; the power of families, organizations, and society is indispensable to jointly promoting nursing professionalism among nurses.

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Introduction

The number of nurses leaving hospitals has been increasing, and the shortage of nurses is a significant problem faced globally [ 1 , 2 ]. According to earlier studies, professionalism improves nurses’ clinical performance [ 3 ] and positively affects their adaptability (Park et al. 2021), reducing nurses’ burnout and turnover rates. Therefore, fostering professionalism in nurses and the factors that influence the development of professionalism are essential to producing effective nurses.

Nurses comprise the largest group of healthcare providers [ 4 ]. Nurses are a vital part of the healthcare system, with 27.9 million caregivers worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation’s Global Status of Nursing Report 2020 [ 5 ]. However, an unbalanced number of nurses and patients, high work pressure, and the fact that nurses face patients’ suffering, grief, and death each day have exacerbated burnout and led to the resignation of many nurses [ 6 ]. The COVID-19 outbreak has further exposed the shortage of nursing staff, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the scarcity of nurses remains acute. The lack of nurses not only has direct negative impacts on patients but also poses a threat to the entire healthcare system.

Nursing professionalism is closely associated with nurse retention and nursing practice [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Nursing professionalism is defined as providing individuals care based on the principles of professionalism, caring, and altruism [ 6 ]. As a belief in the profession, nursing professionalism is a systematic view of nursing that represents the practice standards and value orientation nurses utilize [ 10 , 11 ]. According to previous research, nursing professionalism can enhance nurses’ clinical performance and positively impact their adaptability, reducing job burnout and turnover rates [ 6 ]. Furthermore, as nurses are the ones who provide “presence” care, cultivating nursing professionalism among nurses can promote interactions between nurses and patients, further improving the quality of nursing care and patient outcomes and injecting new vitality and hope into the entire healthcare system [ 12 ].

However, nursing professionalism is dynamic, and the cultural context also shapes nursing professionalism to some extent, leading to ambiguity in the factors influencing nursing professionalism. Initially perceived as mere “caregivers,” nurses have transformed into “professional practitioners,” emphasizing the nursing field’s seriousness and distinct professional characteristics [ 13 , 14 ]. Nursing professionalism is also the foundation for developing the nursing profession [ 15 ]. Focusing on the factors influencing the development of nursing professionalism is one of the essential elements in providing an optimal environment for nurses’ professional growth and development in clinical practice [ 16 ]. Although some scales, such as the Hall Professionalism Inventory (HPI) [ 17 ], Miller’s Wheel of Professionalism in Nursing (BIPN) [ 18 ], Hwang’s Nurse Professional Values Scale (NPVS) [ 19 ], and Fantahun’s Nursing Professionalism Questionnaire [ 20 ] have been used to measure factors influencing the awareness, attitudes, and behaviors, they have their limitations. They struggle to encompass professionalism’s multidimensionality and complexity fully, overlook multilayered background factors, are constrained by standardization issues, may not account for individual differences, and often fail to capture dynamic changes over time [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].Compared with quantitative research methods, qualitative research can provide insights into the “unique phenomenology and context of the individual being tested,” which can help the researcher stay close to nurses’ professional lives during the research process and understand the personal, familial, and societal factors that influence nursing professionalism [ 24 ].Additionally, the understanding of nursing professionalism varies across different cultural and social contexts. In Western countries, research on nursing professionalism tends to incorporate professionalism across the entire nursing industry. In contrast, within China, research on professionalism tends to focus more on the individual level, with less attention to the perspectives of groups or the industry [ 25 ]. Therefore, through qualitative research, we can present nursing professionalism in a deeper, more affluent, and more transparent manner. Secondly, it is more authentic to understand the factors influencing nursing professionalism by directly obtaining relevant information from the perspective of nurses through dialogue with research participants as mutual subjects.

Given these considerations, we aim to answer the question of what factors influence the development of nursing professionalism. To provide more targeted strategies and recommendations for optimizing the nursing professional environment, enhancing nurses’ job satisfaction, improving t nursing quality, and contributing sustainably to patients’ and nurses’ health and well-being.

To explore the factors influencing the development of nursing professionalism. By incorporating nurses’ perspectives, we aim to improve our understanding of professionalism as individual, family, and socio-cultural influences. With this knowledge, we can inform strategies for developing nursing professionalism.

Study design

A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted based on naturalistic inquiry [ 26 , 27 ] and analyzed using the thematic analysis method described by Braun and Clarke [ 28 ]. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between May 2022 and August 2023 with nurses in southern and northern China hospitals. Furthermore, the research findings were reported in accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) (Supplementary Material S1 ) [ 29 ].

Participants and settings

We chose hospital nurses as study participants based on considerations of their nursing experience. Firstly, the Chinese government has implemented a policy of accountable holistic care, whereby registered nurses take on the entire cycle of a patient’s physical, mental, and spiritual care [ 30 ]. Secondly, new nurses must undergo two weeks to one month of basic training and a 12–24 month specialty rotation (for most new nurses who graduated before 2016, their training was completed by their departments). During this time, they are under the supervision of a superior nurse for holistic and responsible care [ 31 ].

We used maximum variance purposive sampling to recruit a heterogeneous sample of information-rich key participants [ 32 ]. Participant selection considered variations in role classification, years of experience, and educational levels of Chinese nurses [ 33 ]. The purposive variation allowed the discovery of Chinese nurses’ unique perceptions of nursing professionalism. Inclusion criteria: (1) registered nurses (providing direct services to patients within the unit), nurse managers (directly supervising and guiding the clinical work of registered nurses), nursing department managers (managing nurse managers throughout the hospital), with at least one year of nursing experience; (2) voluntary participation. Exclusion criteria: (1) nurses not working during the hospital’s study period (holidays, maternity leave, or sick leave); (2) refresher nurses.

Data collection

The same researcher conducted each interview to ensure consistency. Before the interviews, the interviewers systematically conducted in-depth theoretical research on relevant studies. The interviewer received guidance from professors with rich experience in qualitative research and undertook practice interviews to improve her interviewing skills. Interviewers encouraged interviewees to talk freely about their perceptions and used an interview guide (Supplementary Material S2 ), which was based on the findings of previous research on the conceptual analysis of nursing professionalism [ 6 ]. The questions were open-ended and general; ample space was left between questions to respond to interviewees’ comments. Semi-structured interviews began with a brief introduction to the topic (e.g., definition and explanation of nursing professionalism). Although the interviewer had an agenda for discussion, this format allowed the interviewee to deviate from this agenda and direct follow-up questions [ 34 ].

All interviews were conducted from May 2022 to August 2023 in face-to-face conversations in offices in the workplace or via voice calls and lasted between 35 and 94 min. Participants were asked to complete the main demographic questionnaire at the end of the interviews. The researcher recorded participants’ expressions, body language, and pauses during the interviews. Memos written by the researcher during the study were also used as analytical material.

Data analysis

For rigorous qualitative sampling and data saturation, Braun et al. [ 35 ] propose that qualitative researchers require a sample appropriate to the research questions and the theoretical aims of the study and that can provide an adequate amount of data to answer the question and analyze the issue entirely. We reached thematic saturation after 14 interviews when no new codes or themes emerged.

A thematic analysis approach was used, following the phases described by Braun and Clarke [ 28 ]. The analysis comprised six stages: (1) immersing in the data; (2) creating initial codes; (3) identifying themes; (4) reviewing; (5) defining and labeling these themes; and (6) finally, composing the analysis report. Two researchers transcribed and analyzed the textual data. In the first stage, the researchers carefully read the interview transcripts to familiarize themselves with the depth and breadth of the content. In the second stage, preliminary codes were generated based on the research questions, initial interpretation of the data, and discussion of initial emerging patterns. At this stage, ensuring that all actual data extracts were coded and organized within each code was necessary. In addition, the following principles were used as guidelines: (1) code for as many potential themes/patterns as possible; (2) code extracts of data inclusively, i.e., preserve small sections of the surrounding data when relevant; and (3) code individual extracts of data for as many different “themes” as appropriate [ 36 ]. In the third phase, the two authors analyzed the initial codes, sorted them into potential themes, and debated their meanings and emerging patterns to reach a consensus. This phase, which refocused the analysis on the broader level of themes rather than that of codes, involved sorting the different codes into potential themes. In the fourth stage, reviewing themes ensures that the data supports the themes and allows an iterative process between different levels of abstraction without losing grounding in the raw data. Finally, defining the “essence” of each theme during the development of the main themes by identifying the “story” as consistent with the data and the research question while ensuring that the themes did not overlap but still fit together in the overall “story” of the data. It told the “story” by writing analytical narratives with illustrative quotes.

This study achieved credibility by selecting a heterogeneous sample, performing member checks, and taking field notes [ 37 ]. This study ensured dependability by verifying the findings with the researchers and participants, appropriately numbering the direct quotations (e.g., DN1), and comparing the results with the previous literature. This study established confirmability via audit trails [ 38 ] and the comprehensive reporting of all research processes. This study ensured transferability by describing the data collection process and seeking a heterogeneous sample.

Fourteen participants were interviewed (the demographic information is presented in Table  1 ). The thematic analysis identifies three major themes (Fig.  1 ). These interconnected topics illuminate the growth process and factors influencing nursing professionalism. The first theme, “nourishment factors: promoting early sprouting,” includes personal traits, family upbringing, and professional education at school and emphasizes early factors influencing nursing professionalism. The second theme, “growth factors: the power of self-activation and overcoming challenges,” included self-activation and overcoming difficulties, focusing on the dual attributes of the growth process of nursing professionalism. The final theme, “rootedness factors: stability and upward momentum,” includes an upward atmosphere and external motivation and explores the factors that maintain the stability and sustainability of nursing professionalism.

figure 1

Factors influencing the development of nursing professionalism

Nourishment factors: promoting early sprouting

Personal traits.

Personal traits are called “nature” [ 23 ]. There exists a close connection between personal traits and professional behavior. When nurses confront patients’ physiological and emotional needs, innate qualities like kindness and compassion predispose them to be more sensitive to patients’ suffering and needs. Nursing professionalism transcends mere task fulfillment; this inner emotional drive compels nurses to fulfill their duties and engage in nursing work out of a genuine desire and sense of responsibility, practicing the nursing mission nobly. Thus, whether individual traits align with the nursing mission profoundly influences the nursing professionalism of nurses in their work.

“At 32, I became a head nurse, full of vitality and boundless enthusiasm, particularly compassion. I have no idea where this compassion comes from.” (ND1) .

Family upbringing

Education begins in the family, and it is through family education that nurses develop an early sense of professionalism. China has a “family culture” that defines the responsibility of family education. The study participants recalled that in childhood, the “living” nature of family education shaped early professionalism, in which the concepts of “kindness” and “altruism” were acquired through interactions with family members.

“My mother was an early childhood educator, and when she told me fairy tales, it was to promote kindness. Loving others and being selfless, you can’t be a bad person. That’s what altruistic education is about.” (ND1) .

The impact of family education on the acquisition of nursing professionalism extends into adulthood. In Chinese Confucianism and collectivism, family members usually have close emotional ties, and this “strong bond” family structure promotes nurses’ understanding and care for others and their ability to be wiser and more caring in the nursing profession. This strong bonding plays a catalytic role in the emergence of nursing professionalism.

“Some nurses are very adept at expressing care, perhaps because grandparents and parents live together. Since childhood, parents have taught them how to express care.” (N4) .

School professional education

Nursing professionalism is further acquired through professional education in schools. Nursing professional education emphasizes respect and care for patients, adherence to social responsibility, and the integration of traditional Chinese oriental medical thought and Western nursing concepts, internalized into behaviors to form the concept of professional nursing spirit. Participants indicated that the virtues of dedication, responsibility, respect, and caring that permeate school professional education are incorporated by nurses into nursing practice.

“The best nursing comes from the heart. When I was administering injections, I thought about how to alleviate the patient’s pain. Later, I learned that if I entered the needle quickly, it would be less painful, so I often practiced in the operating room.” (N8) .

Other participants also shared that they felt positively guided by professional education at school, constructing a comprehensive nursing philosophy system within the educational context. They realized that nursing is a multidisciplinary field encompassing human care, social responsibility, and ethical values.

“University was my most unforgettable learning experience. I studied 36 courses here, including nursing aesthetics, literature, sociology, ethics, education, etc. I realized that the nursing work we engage in has such rich depth! has become an invaluable treasure in my nursing career.” (ND1) .

Growth factors: the power of self-activation and overcoming challenges

Self-activation, professional benefits.

Professional benefit perception refers to the advantages nurses perceive while engaging in nursing work, acknowledging that their involvement in nursing promotes their holistic personal growth [ 39 ]. Consistent with traditional perspectives, this study finds that nurses generate a sense of professional benefit through both “tangible benefits” and “spiritual benefits,” recognizing the value and significance of nursing work, thereby furthering the development of nursing professionalism.

The dynamic updating achieves “tangible benefits.” Nurses require outstanding professional competence and ongoing continuing education. Participants mentioned that nurses utilize their professional knowledge and clinical experience to save patients’ lives, and exceptional professional competence can rekindle their enthusiasm for work. Continuous and dynamic continuing education, supplementing the latest technology and knowledge in the nursing field, can generate positive professional emotions.

“There’s only one doctor on duty at night, and nurses are the first responders when we encounter emergencies. Even before the doctor arrives in the ward, I must act quickly and urgently. Every time I bring a patient back from the brink of death, I feel excited throughout the night.” (N6) . “Experience is und oubtedly important. I’ve been working for over a decade, and I undergo training every year. No one likes stagnation; we can forge ahead only by continually moving forward.” (NM3) .

Self-worth realization through “spiritual benefits.” Experiencing a sense of value in nursing practice provides nurses with positive reinforcement, enhancing nursing professionalism behavior. Moreover, as healthcare practitioners, the ability of relatives and family members to benefit from it distinguishes Chinese nurses’ unique approach to self-worth realization from nurses in other countries. This unexpected feedback, whether in material or spiritual forms, enables nurses to fulfill their sense of worth.

“Sometimes, friends and relatives ask me about hospitalization-related questions, and I am more than willing to help them.” (N2) . “ I changed my mother’s gastric tube without any complications.” (NM3) .

Professional identity

Nursing professional identity refers to nurses acknowledging their work and affirming their self-worth [ 40 ]. This study defines professional identity as a gradual “process” and a “state.”

One participant mentioned that professional identity is a psychological “process” that nurses develop and confirm their professional roles through their personal experiences. It is closely related to the individual experiences of nurses. Nurses’ gradual recognition of their work prompts them to progress and develop a positive work attitude and professionalism.

“Gradually, I discovered that being a nurse makes me realize my significance, which keeps me moving forward, time and time again.” (ND2) .

Simultaneously, as a “state,” professional identity represents the degree to which nurses identify with the nursing profession. This “state” of professional identity reflects nursing professionalism’s long-term accumulation and formation. It indicates nurses’ long-standing dedication and emotional involvement in nursing, leading to higher professional competence and a sense of responsibility in their work.

“It’s not just a job to make a living; it’s about wholeheartedly identifying with this profession, unleashing one’s potential, which results in better professional conduct.”(N5) .

Overcoming challenges

Balancing roles.

Balancing roles refers to the equilibrium individuals establish between their roles in the nursing profession, family, and organization. Nursing professional roles are inherently multifaceted, and when faced with multiple responsibilities, such as family demands and organizational tasks, nurses must balance these roles. The tension and complexity between personal and organizational roles can potentially inhibit their emotions and professional motivation. However, in China, families are tightly knit, and strong family support can help reconcile this tension.

“To be a good nursing department manager, you need strong family support. The commitment to one’s career and the dedication to family don’t always align. For instance, my job keeps me busy regarding family matters, and I have limited time to care for my children. My parents-in-law take care of them more. I do rounds every Sunday, and the phone never stops ringing, even on my days off. There’s no way around it; this is the role I’ve taken on. Family support allows me to work with peace of mind.” (ND3) .

Adaptation organization

Nurses also face challenges in adapting to organizational systems. These adaptability challenges include rapidly learning new technologies, processes, and the culture of practice in different departments. This “unfamiliarity” impedes the manifestation of nursing professionalism. Participants indicated that the inability to adapt to clinical work quickly affects new graduate nurses’ transition into practice. Initially, there is a “honeymoon period” when becoming a registered nurse, but as actual capabilities do not align with expected performance, the excitement gradually wanes.

“I didn’t know the routine procedures in ophthalmology, I couldn’t measure eye pressure, and I didn’t know how to perform eye injections. I was terrified, which brought various challenges when I started working.” (N4) .

Furthermore, nurses must adapt to the practice culture of “this is how things are done” and “it’s always been done this way” in their workplace. Due to the promotion and title system requirements in Chinese hospitals, nurses with several years of experience often need to rotate through departments such as Intensive Care Unit and emergency for a period. The differences in operations and management between different departments also frustrate these nurses during rotations. However, a certain social prestige is attached, making it challenging for the nurses from the original department to provide direct guidance to the rotating nurses, leading to isolation for the latter in new departments.

“A blank slate regarding the department’s hierarchy, administrative procedures, and so on.” (N3) . “Although there’s a set of procedures, mostly similar, it’s the slight differences that always set me apart.” (N6) .

Rootedness factors: stability and upward momentum

Upward atmosphere, peer support.

Peer support has a positive impact on nursing professionalism. Peers are individuals of the same age group who have formed a connection due to shared experiences in similar socio-cultural environments, with emotional support, mutual assistance, and understanding constituting the core elements of peer support [ 41 ]. Firstly, nursing work often involves highly stressful situations, including heavy workloads, complex patient conditions, and urgent medical cases. Peer support provides emotional support, allowing nurses to find comfort and encouragement when facing stress and difficulties. Secondly, peer support cultivates a positive work atmosphere and team spirit. In a mutually supportive, trusting, and cooperative team, nurses are more likely to experience a sense of accomplishment in their work. They feel they are not isolated but part of a united and collaborative whole. Furthermore, peer support also promotes professional development and knowledge exchange among nurses. In an open and supportive team environment, nurses are more willing to share their experiences and knowledge, learn from each other, and grow.

“The spirit influences the spirit, especially those of my age group who have left a deep impression on me with their admirable qualities in their work. It makes me reflect on my shortcomings in my work and constantly strive to improve and adjust myself.” (N2) .

Intergenerational role models

Inter-generational refers to the relationships between generations [ 42 ]. In nursing practice, inter-generational relationships exist, such as those among nurses of different ages and levels of experience. This study’s inter-generational role models include managerial role models and senior nurses.

Participants believe that managers’ professionalism influences subordinate nurses’ attitudes and performance. The professionalism of managers not only plays a guiding and leadership role in daily work but, more importantly, sets an example, inspiring and encouraging subordinate nurses who are willing to follow and inherit professionalism.

“The department’s leadership has a significant impact on professionalism. When managers have a strong sense of professionalism, the nurses they oversee follow suit. Because leadership represents the management level and higher things, it’s difficult for things at the bottom to go well if it’s not well-controlled at the top.” (N8) .

On the other hand, senior nurses, as role models within the nursing generation, also significantly impact the upward development of professionalism. Senior nurses’ rich experience and professional competence guide new nurses to maintain a rigorous attitude at work. New nurses often draw from and learn senior nurses’ work attitudes and behaviors, catalyzing the elevation of nursing professionalism.

“Senior nurses have a role model effect because new nurses learn from the older ones. If senior nurses work rigorously and new nurses make mistakes or lack a sense of dedication, they will immediately point it out. Over time, you also become more rigorous.” (NM3) .

Perceived professional respect

Societal respect for nursing work creates an atmosphere of care and emphasis on nursing. Nurses within this atmosphere become aware of the importance of nursing work and the profound significance of patient care. They are inclined to exhibit positive nursing professionalism behaviors to meet the expectations of society and the general public.

“The nursing industry has experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, and during the anti-epidemic efforts, nurses were at the forefront, risking their lives to care for patients, receiving acclaim from patients, doctors, and the public.” (N2) .

Professional respect is the manifestation of nurses’ self-acknowledgment of nursing values. It is more than an external acknowledgment; it is an internal affirmation. This mutual respect aligns nurses’ professional and societal worth, catalyzing increased potential and motivation.

External motivation

The stability of nursing professionalism relies on external resources, including the diverse support from nursing managers and the guidance of national healthcare policies. Nursing managers are the frontline leaders who interact with nurses, and their support serves as a management tool and a direct means to sustain nursing professionalism. This multifaceted support encompasses economic incentives such as compensation and reward mechanisms. It extends to non-material motivations such as career advancement opportunities, adequate staffing, modern equipment provision, and fair and equitable treatment form crucial aspects of managerial support. Providing nurses with stable external support creates a space to focus on their professional mission and responsibilities, thus maintaining the stability of nursing professionalism.

“Economic foundation determines the superstructure(spiritual world)).” (NM1) .

Furthermore, the guidance of national healthcare policies serves as a beacon for the development of the nursing profession. At the national level, healthcare policies can regulate the organization and operation of healthcare systems and services, providing nurses with a more stable and favorable working environment. This environment allows nurses to fulfill their professional roles better and maximize their value. The environmental changes brought about by policy guidance offer nurses more favorable professional conditions, effectively promoting the upward development of nursing professionalism.

“Government documents summarize the needs of our society, and nursing will continue to improve in the direction of policy guidance.” (NM3) .

Discussions

This study provides insights for understanding the factors that influence the development of nursing professionalism. We emphasize the themes of early nourishment factors that promote the emergence of nursing professionalism, growth factors associated with self-activation and overcoming challenges, and rootedness factors that stabilize upward, which reveal the dynamic factors that influence the development of nursing professionalism.

We added the early influence of personality traits, family upbringing, and school professional education in the development of nursing professionalism, which is similar to the pathway through which nurses’ foundational values are acquired [ 43 , 44 ]. Building on previous research, we highlight the sequential order of socialization in family education and school professional education, with individual socialization within the family achieving individual socialization before school professional education, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational family transmission on the development of nursing professionalism [ 45 ]. Education commences within the family, a social organization with an educational function. China values its “family culture” and emphasizes defining parental responsibilities for family education based on blood relations. It is a common folk law in China that parents are regarded as the first teachers. In addition, Chinese society promotes Confucianism, which emphasizes instilling the concept of “self-improvement” through “educational living” [ 46 ], as mentioned in our study, the interpersonal interactions such as “altruism” and “caring” arising from family interactions can help nurses establish a deeper emotional connection with their patients. Therefore, future consideration could be given to incorporating programs that foster culture and emotions into professional education. Similar studies are necessary in East Asian countries and other countries with similar cultures to broaden the results of factors influencing nursing professionalism.

The growth of nursing professionalism requires real work scenarios. Our results present the dual factors of nursing professionalism upon entering the workplace. Regarding self-activation factors, we delve into the significance of “professional identity” and, for the first time from the perspective of Chinese collectivism, explain the unique influence of “professional benefits” on nursing professionalism. Our study aligns with previous research, viewing professional identity as an ongoing “process” [ 47 ]. By developing a professional identity, nurses can exhibit “stateful” self-satisfaction and self-motivation, contributing to their job satisfaction and professionalism [ 48 ]. The “professional benefits” involve integrating rational and emotional aspects. The “tangible benefits” of professionalism and technical competence at work lead to positive experiences and emotions among nurses. Nurses voluntarily invest more passion and energy in their work [ 49 ]. In addition, what sets our results apart is how Chinese nurses obtain ‘spiritual benefits,’ which come from the convenience of medical access that their relatives enjoy due to their work. Some studies have shown that “spiritual benefits” are more apparent among nurses aged 40 and above and those with higher professional titles [ 50 ]. The accumulation of clinical experience and the harmonious interpersonal relationships achieved through medical collaboration can help family members access reliable medical resources, leading to greater professional gain. This phenomenon is closely related to the collective consciousness of Chinese nurses, revealing that people are not always “self-interested and rational”; their behavior is influenced by more complex factors such as intuition, emotions, and attitudes [ 49 ].

In terms of the challenges faced, on the one hand, we emphasized the supportive role of intergenerational relationships in nurses’ work-family conflicts. Previous studies have shown that Chinese nurses perceive nursing work as a means to fulfill family responsibilities rather than the ultimate goal, reflecting a prioritization of family over work [ 51 ]. Consequently, nurses are more likely to resign during work-family conflicts, reallocating their resources from work to family [ 52 ]. Compared with previous studies, we found that China is a highly connected society, and multi-generational households are relatively common [ 53 ]. Hence, the importance of maintaining good intergenerational relationships cannot be ignored in Chinese society and culture, substantially impacting nursing professionalism. On the other hand, we reveal the underlying reasons for the restricted development of nursing professionalism among nurses during the transition period. Newly graduated nurses face negative experiences such as incompetence, lack of preparation, exhaustion, and disappointment in their work, hindering the development of nursing professionalism, which is especially evident in departments such as obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, and emergency, where teaching hours for these specialties fall significantly below those for general internal medicine and surgical nursing [ 54 ]. The educational experiences of nurses are insufficient to meet clinical demands [ 55 ]. Moreover, this is compounded by differences in the structure and content of the 12–24 month “standardized training” for new nurses that has already begun in most cities in China, further exacerbating the experience of separation of new nurses from their organizations [ 56 ]. The development of rotational nurses is often neglected, and transfer systems are a mere formality [ 57 ]. Therefore, developing nursing adaptability and creating a supportive work environment should be incorporated into the content and structure of different organizational transition programs to make a positive work environment and promote nurses’ engagement, enhancing nursing professionalism.

It is worth noting that the rootedness factor involves individual, organizational, and societal dimensions. At the personal level, peer support and intergenerational role models integrate the demonstration of actual “peers” and “role models” with nurses’ self-awareness and agency to achieve upward mobility in nursing professionalism [ 58 ]. However, while peer support offers emotional and social cognitive consistency based on age, background, and learning experiences, it may lack experiential depth [ 59 ]. In contrast, intergenerational role models involving a “superior-subordinate” relationship can initially lead to “nurturing” relationships, potentially leading to lateral violence and bullying [ 60 ]. At the organizational level, our findings highlight that professional respect in the workplace is more relevant to nurses’ professionalism than social appraisal. Professional respect is the nurses’ perception of their subjective social status within the profession and an analysis of the social value associated with the nursing profession [ 61 ]. However, nurses are not always respected, especially as insults and disregard from patients, superiors, or physicians can lead to negative emotions, professional burnout, and a desire to quit [ 62 , 63 , 64 ]. Regarding the societal dimension, providing external motivation tailored to nurses’ specific backgrounds and needs is beneficial for the stable development of nursing professionalism. Financial incentives are often considered a common strategy to improve nurses’ motivation and retention in motivation management [ 65 ]. However, the effectiveness of incentives is, more importantly, dependent on the response of nurses after implementation, and it is crucial to understand the needs and preferences of nurses in terms of incentives as well as the level of nurses’ participation in policy development, in addition to material rewards [ 66 , 67 ].Therefore, maintaining the stability of nursing professionalism is therefore complex, and nursing managers should consider ways to deepen peer support and reduce workplace bullying through “intergenerational parenting”, and should develop policies that support nurses, have zero-tolerance for disruptive behaviours, uphold the professional dignity of nurses, and ensure that their voices are heard and valued, which contributes to a more positive, fulfilling, and motivating nursing work environment.

Limitations

Given the persistently low number of men in nursing, all participants recruited for our study were female. However, considering the relatively narrow focus of the research, The purposive variation, and the richness of the generated data, the sample size was deemed sufficient to achieve our objectives. In addition, although the study results reveal dynamic influences on the development of nursing professionalism, they do not differentiate between nurses at different career stages, such as novice and expert nurses. We consider these factors as “common characteristics” for them, intertwined with each other, which can be further clarified in future research.

Conclusions

This study is an important addition to previous research in that we reveal the dynamics of factors that influence the development of nursing professionalism, including the “nourishment factor,” “growth factor,” and “rootedness factor.” Our findings provide contextual factors that can be changed during the development of nursing professionalism and lay the foundation for future strategies to foster nursing professionalism.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings of this study have important implications for exploring the development of nursing professionalism. Nursing managers can support nurses’ professionalism from various perspectives, depending on the stage of the nurse’s life, such as valuing nurses’ family relationships, focusing on nurses in transition, listening to nurses’ voices, and creating a “magnetic nursing” work environment. These measures will not only positively impact the careers of individual nurses but will also help improve the standard and quality of health care in general. In the future, we should no longer view the development of nursing professionalism as solely the responsibility of individual nurses; the influence of family, organizations, and society is indispensable in collectively promoting the development of nurses’ nursing professionalism.

Data availability

Data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Abbreviations

The Hall Professionalism Inventory

Miller’s Wheel of Professionalism in Nursing

SHwang’s Nurse Professional Values Scale

The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to all participating nurses.

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School of Nursing, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China

Xingyue He, Ya Mao, Linbo Li, Yanming Wu & Hui Yang

Department of Nursing, Linfen Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University (Linfen People’s Hospital), Linfen, 041000, China

Department of Nursing, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China

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XYH, YM, and HLC were responsible for the study’s inception, study design, and data collection. All authors analyzed the data. XYH wrote the first draft of the manuscript, LBL, YMW, and HY reviewed the manuscript, and HY finalized the final version. All authors reviewed and approved the manuscript prior to submission.

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Correspondence to Hui Yang .

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All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations of the declaration of Helsinki (ethical approval and consent to participate). The aims and methods of the project were explained to all participants, and necessary assurance was given to them about the anonymity and confidentiality of their information and audio files. Informed consent was taken from all participants. The participants had the right to withdraw from the study during or at any other time. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (Ref. 201811049RIND).

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He, X., Mao, Y., Cao, H. et al. Factors influencing the development of nursing professionalism: a descriptive qualitative study. BMC Nurs 23 , 283 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01945-6

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Received : 03 March 2024

Accepted : 17 April 2024

Published : 26 April 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01945-6

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  • Nursing professionalism
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