| While it is common knowledge that there is a nursing | | | | for improvement. |
| shortage in the United States, it is not so commonly | | | | Application to BSN programs typically requires letters |
| known that this also means there is a shortage of | | | | of recommendation from individuals who know the |
| nursing instructors. For prospective nursing students, | | | | prospective student and can vouch for their character |
| this translates into long waiting lists for nursing school | | | | and work. For a nursing school, it is best if |
| and serious competition with others for a spot at their | | | | recommendations come from science teachers or |
| chosen school. However, students can take action to | | | | health care professionals that the student may have |
| improve their chances of acceptance. | | | | worked with. Since teachers and professors are |
| For students interested in pursuing the four-year | | | | inundated with requests for recommendation letters |
| Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) degree, it is critical that they | | | | every semester, it is important the prospective nursing |
| get good grades in high school. They may even want | | | | student makes his or her request as early as possible |
| to take some classes at a community college before | | | | to ensure that they will be completed by the application |
| applying for acceptance into a BSN program. This will | | | | deadline. |
| show the school that they are willing and able to do | | | | One of the best things a student can do to improve |
| college-level work. | | | | the odds of getting accepted at the nursing school of |
| Another important element of the application process | | | | choice is to work in a health care setting, either through |
| is the admissions essay. Some schools refer to this | | | | volunteering or a part-time job. This shows the |
| essay as a statement of purpose. Prospective BSN | | | | admissions committee that the student is clear about |
| students may be asked to compose an essay that | | | | his or her career choice and that some experience in |
| describes to the nursing school admissions authorities | | | | the field has been obtained. Students will also learn |
| why they chose to go into nursing and what they plan | | | | about the various health care settings in which nurses |
| to do with a nursing degree. It is important to answer | | | | actually work, so they will have a better idea of the |
| these questions honestly instead of trying to determine | | | | various specialties available when it comes time for |
| what the admissions committee wants to hear. The | | | | them to select one. Additionally, obtaining the Certified |
| essays should always be carefully proofread before | | | | Nursing Assistant (CNA) designation can make |
| submission, and students should ask someone else to | | | | becoming a nurse much easier and look very good on |
| read the essay and provide feedback and suggestions | | | | a nursing school application! |