My Career in Nursing - Admission/Application Essay Example

Mum needed years of physical therapy to relearn to walk. I saw firsthand what illness and injury can do, not just to the patient, but also to their family and friends. At this young age, I saw what a difference a nurse can make. Nana, during this time, became ill and had to have both legs amputated. We got through it together. Those years were not all easy, but I gained much from them. I learned lessons that have followed me throughout my life: perseverance, empathy, teamwork, and compassion.

Sadly, Mum passed away, after a long battle with cancer, five years ago. With her last two years on earth, I was her primary caregiver. Although a sad time in life, I was blessed to be able to care for her during her final years. I am a mother now of two beautiful children, ages 15 and 17. Watching them grow up and seeing how they have matured has brought me great joy. To experience the wonder of new discoveries through their eyes and assisting them to grow and mature into the young adults they have become is an experience I will always treasure.

Having my own children has taught me that I have a natural talent for working with children. As my own children got older, I realized I missed the daily interactions with younger children and that was enough to ascertain my career working with children. Initially, I became a Nursery Assistant working mostly as a caregiver. Although, neither glamorous nor high paying job, it was immensely rewarding. I discovered that often what a child needs is to be listened to. I developed bonds with my kids supporting them, caring for them, listening to them, teaching them but mostly, I think, fostering a positive self-image.

As I continued in my work with children, I began to involve myself more in related activities: fundraising for daycare activities and spearheading a new parent "Welcome" program. Also, I worked within a parent support group - helping, supporting, and guiding each other with child-rearing issues and concerns. As my experience working with children developed, so did my desire to meld my two passions together: children and helping children. I began working, not with just mainstream children, but also with special needs children on a personal, one-to-one basis.

I have provided care and support in the following areas: Autism, Fragile, Downs Syndrome, and Dysphasia. Additionally, I began working with a speech therapist on a weekly basis learning: Makaton; Cued Articulation, which is cueing the consonant and vowel sounds with hand movements; Picture Exchange Communication; and Sign Language. For the past five years, I Have been working with children, on my own, utilizing these skills. I have taken several different courses including Health and Hygiene, CLAIT 3, British Sign Language 1, 30 credits of "Supporting Children's Learning", Children, NLP (a communication skill), and a 12-week introductory course in Indian Head Message, Shiatsu, and Reflexology.