personal essay. The Master of Science Nurse Practitioner program essay should be a typewritten essay (limited to 5 pages double spaced) in which the topics for your specialty track (Mental Health NP) are addressed. This essay will be reviewed as an academic writing sample for admission, and will be reviewed for content, writing style, and grammar. It will be used as one of the criteria that will be scored for admission along with other application requirements.

A graduate level essay should meet the following criteria:

Clear and well-focused on the appropriate topic. Main ideas are clear and are well supported by detailed and accurate information.

The author’s purpose of writing is very clear, and there is strong evidence of attention to audience. The author’s extensive knowledge and/or experience with the topic is/are evident.

All sentences are well constructed and have varied structure and length.

Special attention should be given to errors in grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling.

Please address the following topics in the essay:

What it means to be a Nurse Practitioner, particularly in today’s US healthcare system

Reasons for pursuing this degree

Specific NP career goals you feel this program will help you achieve. Particularly address the practice and community setting in which you hope to work.

Your plan for success in completing the program including:

time to completion,

plans for balance of work/school/personal life roles and responsibilities with evidence of past success;

practical application of core APRN values/ethics that include but are not limited to : integrity, honesty, dependability, empathy, altruism, etc..;

implementation of self/care/wellness measures

stated employer support

Other information you feel is important in the consideration of your application