Introduction
This personal statement narrates the journey of a dedicated nurse from Manila, Philippines, to South Central California, highlighting the applicant's passion for nurse anesthesia and commitment to serving underserved populations. The story emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity and the applicant's determination to excel in the field of nurse anesthesia. This example serves as an inspiring guide for prospective CRNA students looking to showcase their unique backgrounds and aspirations.
Personal Statement
Background and Motivation
Born and raised in Manila, the Philippines, I am a young man and a nurse who is three-quarters Filipino and one-quarter Chinese. One of four siblings, I grew up in a tiny, humble home in one of the most impoverished slums in Manila, far from the city lights. We were happy even though fifteen people shared our house throughout my childhood. Despite losing my mother to America, I was blissfully unaware of any disadvantage of my social class. One day when I was six, I woke up to find my mother and all her things gone. A decade would pass before we would be reunited in Pasadena, California.
I came to the US when I was sixteen, a first-generation immigrant. I take immense pride in our celebration of diversity here in South Central California. I am honored to be building a career in nurse anesthesia with a particular concentration on emergency care. The underserved often have no medical care until they have an emergency; this is why I take special pride in my goal of becoming a CRNA dedicated to a lifetime of service on the front lines of care for our enormous population of undocumented residents. I recently finished my BSN at XXXU in May 2013. I treasure the opportunity to give my all to my studies when I am not on duty. I ask to be accepted to your program so I may return to doing what I most enjoy, studying to become the most effective nurse possible.
Language Skills and Cultural Competence
As with most Filipinos, I am amazingly comfortable communicating in English. I do hope, however, that my fluency in Tagalog, both writing and speaking, will be helpful in my nursing career. I want to study at XXXU’s XXXX Campus for many reasons, not the least because I live and work there. I also appreciate that your program is new, and if I am accepted, I will be part of the third graduating class. I feel profound admiration for your curriculum's breadth and depth, and I particularly appreciate your emphasis on the importance of diversity in our nursing community.
Professional Experience and Aspirations
Committed to lifelong learning, I keenly look forward to an extensive engagement with research in nursing anesthesia that I will most enjoy for many decades. I want to participate in research concerning better ways of applying anesthesia with fewer side effects and greater overall efficiency in all aspects of my field. My desire to become the finest CRNA possible is something that has been building up for several years, mainly because of several vital role models that I have had along the way, such as Dr. XXXX, an anesthesiologist, and XXXX, a CRNA, working alongside both during my military service was a special privilege.
I have extensive experience as a respiratory therapist using various ventilators and their modes. I also see my profound dedication to emergency nursing as one of the most vital aspects of my application to your distinguished program. In my current position, I deal with cardiac arrest and resuscitation daily; this has helped me learn to work well under stress.
Academic and Clinical Interests
Your program at XXXU is the ideal location for my complete immersion in clinical anesthesia. I especially admire the structure of the second phase of your program and the organization of your clinical practicums. I particularly look forward to working under the supervision of CRNAs in my practicum and clinical rotations. I appreciate that those rotations are available throughout California so that I can gain exposure to anesthesia delivery in various contexts, from large academic institutions to rural and outpatient settings. I have served as a respiratory therapist since 2002, and I have also served as an anesthesia technician, working side-by-side with anesthesia providers, including CRNAs and anesthesiologists. Most of my duties were related to anesthesia delivery throughout the four years I was stationed at Naval Hospital XXXX. For me, this was the ultimate shadowing experience.
Future Goals and Commitment to the Community
California needs exceptionally well-trained CRNAs, especially concerning emergency services — particularly here in the Central Valley, and I seek to respond to that need. I live and work here and want to continue attending school here and practicing here after completing your distinguished program. I hope at some point to teach as well as practice Nurse Anesthesia. Your DNP program in Nurse Anesthesia will serve as an ideal platform for continuing my education at some point.
While my overall GPA for my BSN program was only 3.5, for my last three semesters, I earned a GPA of 3.9. This demonstrates how my elevated level of motivation has been increasing. I believe that I could excel in your rigorous program.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Thank you for considering my application.
This applicant is multicultural and multilingual. But he does not mention his language skills. He speaks only Tagalog (spoken in the Philippines) and English. While he is part Chinese, he does not speak Mandarin Chinese. Mandarin, and to a lesser extent Cantonese, are important for helping the underserved. If an applicant speaks a Chinese language, this should be put in the statement because of its relevance for helping the underserved. The hospital is aware of the languages that are spoken by its nurses, those who are multilingual are on call to serve as translators between patients and medical professionals. So, the languages that one can communicate in are especially important in nurse anesthesia.
Summary: Why This is a Good Personal Statement
This personal statement stands out because it:
Highlights a Unique Background: The narrative of growing up in the slums of Manila and transitioning to life in California provides a compelling backdrop.
Emphasizes Cultural Competence: The applicant's bilingual abilities and commitment to serving underserved populations highlight cultural competence and dedication.
Showcases Relevant Experience and Skills: Extensive experience as a respiratory therapist and involvement in emergency care demonstrate readiness for a CRNA role.
Articulates Academic and Professional Aspirations: The statement clearly outlines the applicant's goals for advancing in nurse anesthesia and engaging in research.
Demonstrates a Strong Commitment to Community: The focus on serving the Central Valley and the broader community underscores a commitment to improving healthcare access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should a CRNA personal statement highlight?
A CRNA personal statement should highlight your motivations for pursuing the role, relevant nursing experience, cultural competence, and specific skills in anesthesia or emergency care.
How can I convey a commitment to community service in my personal statement?
How important is it to discuss future goals in a personal statement?
CRNA Personal Statement Examples