James post #1

James is often overshadowed on this here blog.  This last week we have finished submitting both his application to graduate school at the U and a scholarship application to the College of Nursing.  Both required writing samples.  I got to edit them and decided that for posterity's sake I would blog them and therefore archive them in the history books!

Read if you'd like!

Writing Sample #1 - Application for entrance into Masters of Nursing, Care Management:

The medical field has always interested me.  I didn’t always know that I wanted to be a nurse, but through numerous experiences including first aid in the Boy Scouts, high school health classes, military training and volunteer firefighting, nursing became the pathway that was going to fulfill my desire to learn about how the body works and my desire to sincerely help people.  I have been working as a registered nurse for the last three years in the home health arena, but I feel I have the skills and desire to move to the next level.  I am pursuing a Masters of Nursing in the field of Care Management in order to become a leader among colleagues and expand my nursing skill set to a broader spectrum of patients. 

As a youth, I enjoyed learning about the body and specifically first aid through my experiences in health classes and as a member of the Boy Scouts.  However, after graduating from high school I joined the Utah National Guard, was taught how to perform “Buddy Aid,” and even became certified as a combat lifesaver.  Though all this was extremely interesting, things got even better!  I was able to gain a position in my hometown of Garland, Utah as a volunteer firefighter.  I attended satellite classes from the Utah Fire Academy and received certifications in Firefighter Level I and II, Wildfire Firefighter Level I, and Hazard Materials Operations.  I enjoyed this service, whether it was aiding an incident on the freeway, helping in an extraction after a massive car incident, or in assisting those with various illnesses.

I thought I was well on my way to becoming a Paramedic/Firefighter.  However, while in my Firefighter Level II class I meet a Life Flight Medic. Through talking with him, I realized that this was a career path I hadn’t considered before, but it seemed like something I would really like to pursue.  He recommended that I go on and try to become a Flight Medic or Nurse. He said that it would be hard, but that I must be strong and continue my education.  This was the first time that nursing came to mind as a possible career choice, though pursuing it was going to be put on hold.  In 2004 I was called to serve our country for a period of 18 months during Operation Iraqi Freedom. For the first couple months we received training on how to assist our comrades in saving their lives.  Because of my skills and interest, I was placed on a first response team.  I was helping those who fell victim to various injuries, but I felt restricted in the care that I was able to give and was determined to learn more once I returned home. 

Since then, I have been committed to nursing.  I completed a CNA certification, EMT-Intermediate, graduated from Salt Lake Community College with honors, and graduated from the University of Utah BSN program with honors. I have worked in a memory care center and two hospitals as a CNA.  I performed hundreds of practicum hours in pediatrics to intensive care units and have worked the last three years as a nurse for a home health agency which is best in outcomes for Wound Care in the state of Utah, First Choice Home Health and Hospice. 

            As a home health nurse I have served many people from all walks of life. One thing I found consistent with nearly all patients is a lack of knowledge of resources that are there to help them. This is something that is normally addressed with a medical social worker, but most of my patients do not have access to visits from them due to insurance denies or other reasons.  I have experience in gerontology, but I lack the knowledge to effectively assist this population.  I also have patients with Stage III lymph-edema compounded by acute and chronic wounds. I work closely with the company CWOCN and I am the “clinical wound educator” for the staff in the Salt Lake office of First Choice, but my leadership opportunities are limited within my current capacities.  I have experience, but I am ready to move forward in my education in order to 1) more effectively manage the care of a larger spectrum of patients, and 2) pursue the administrative realm of nursing.  These goals can be achieved with a Masters of Nursing in Care Management. 

I have a unique background of experiences that have contributed to my skills as a nurse.  I have experience in pre-hospital emergency care, firefighting, care-giving, combat care, memory care), and immediate care in a hospital setting.  I have experience in hospitals and in home health.  I can educate a patient and teach new skills to colleagues.  But, to continue developing new skills and pursue any further career experiences, I need to become a Masters prepared nurse.  This is what will allow me to continue to enhance the nursing profession.  Just as my story began, I still have a desire to continue to learn about the body and to continue helping people.  The next step in my journey is to earn a Masters of Nursing from the University of Utah.  I appreciate your time and eagerly await your decision!