• Undergraduates
  • Ph.Ds & Postdocs
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Prospective Students & Guests
  • Student Athletes
  • First Generation and/or Low Income Students
  • International Students
  • LGBTQ Students
  • Students with Disabilities
  • Students of Color
  • Student Veterans
  • Advertising, Marketing & PR
  • Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
  • General Management & Leadership Development Programs
  • Law & Legal Services
  • Startups, Entrepreneurship & Freelance Work
  • Environment, Sustainability & Energy
  • Media & Communications
  • Policy & Think Tanks
  • Engineering
  • Healthcare, Biotech & Global Public Health
  • Life & Physical Sciences
  • Programming & Data Science
  • Graduate School
  • Business School
  • Health Professions
  • Cover Letters & Correspondence
  • Interview Preparation
  • Professional Conduct & Etiquette
  • Job Offers & Salary Negotiations
  • Navigating AI in the Job Search Process
  • Yale Career Link
  • CareerShift
  • Gap Year & Short-Term Opportunities
  • Planning an International Internship
  • Funding Your Experience
  • Career Fairs/Networking Events
  • On-Campus Recruiting
  • Resource Database
  • Job Market Insights
  • Informational Interviewing
  • Peer Networking Lists
  • Building Your LinkedIn Profile
  • YC First Destinations
  • YC Four-Year Out
  • GSAS Program Statistics
  • Statistics & Reports
  • Meet with OCS
  • Student Organizations Workshop Request
  • Office of Fellowships
  • OCS Podcast Series
  • Contact OCS
  • OCS Mission & Policies
  • Additional Yale Career Offices
  • Designing Your Career
  • Faculty & Staff

Writing the Personal Statement for Health Professions Applications

  • Share This: Share Writing the Personal Statement for Health Professions Applications on Facebook Share Writing the Personal Statement for Health Professions Applications on LinkedIn Share Writing the Personal Statement for Health Professions Applications on X

🎥  Watch this short video

The personal statement gives you the opportunity to present a compelling snapshot of who you are and perhaps why you want to be a doctor. Use your personal statement to say what others can’t. The personal statement can be a tricky genre to master. On the one hand, you want to give the admissions committee a sense of your personality and who you are. On the other hand, you must sound focused and professional, which sounds like it might impede your ability to capture your personality.

But this does not have to be the case. What you need to do is figure out how to say what drives you to want to become a healthcare professional in as specific a way as possible. The more specific you can be, the more the admissions committee will feel as if they have a sense of who you are.

You don’t need gimmicks, jokes, artificial drama, or hyperbole to express who you are or why you would make a good medical student or doctor. All you need are carefully selected details that you can craft into a unique and compelling story that conveys a sense of purpose and motivation.

What Makes a Good Personal Statement?

  • There is no exact template for an effective personal statement. Often, however, strong personal statements combine a concise description of a personal experience with reflection on how this experience either led the writer to pursue medicine or indicates the writer’s character or commitment.
  • Good personal statements often have a strong sense of narrative. This does not mean that they read like short stories, though they can relate a few scenes or anecdotes from your life. They have a strong sense of narrative, rather, in how they convey the writer’s sense of dedication to medicine. Strong personal statements often give readers an idea of how applicants see their experiences as leading to the decision to pursue medicine.

How to Get Started

The personal statement is an exercise in self-reflection. Questions to consider:

  • Who are you?  I am driven to… I have learned to… I believe…
  • What are your most passionate interests or concerns?  What problem(s) most occupy your thinking and your efforts?
  • How did you develop those interests?  (Not just the story, but what drives you.)
  • What errors or regrets have taught you something important about yourself?
  • When does time disappear for you?  What does this tell you about your passions, your values?
  • What ideas, books, courses, events have had a profound impact on you?  How so?
  • To what extent do your current commitments reflect your most strongly held values?
  • When have you changed?  Consider yourself before and after; what does this change mean?
  • How do your interests and who you are relate to your goals in medical school and as a doctor?

Start a “shoebox”; a place to keep random notes for your personal statement; be ready to write at any time. Review these items occasionally; let them tell you more about what you want your personal statement to say. Start writing drafts, experiments; you will know when a paragraph begins to gel.

A Suggested Writing Process

Everyone writes differently, so these are potential strategies rather than rules.

  • Make a list of some of your most defining experiences – extracurricular activities, specific classes, volunteer work, research, hobbies, etc. Try not to include overly personal experiences (breakups, trouble with parents, illnesses in the family, and so on). It’s difficult to write about such things without being sentimental or cliché. You want experiences in which you did something and had to make a choice.
  • From this list, try to select an experience that particularly demonstrates your intellectual curiosity, your dedication to service, your composure under pressure, your leadership ability, or any other personal trait that you think is particularly relevant to your case that you would make a good doctor or medical student.
  • Start writing a draft based on this experience. You want to be specific, but don’t get bogged down with an abundance of anecdotes or minutiae. Try to use your draft to craft a succinct story that demonstrates your character and your motivations.
  • Set the draft aside for some time (a number of days or weeks), and then revisit it with fresh eyes. Be as honest with yourself as you can be: What works in this draft? What doesn’t work? What sounds cliché or unspecific? Would a reader who doesn’t know me at all get a sense of my personal character and dedication?
  • Revise, revise, revise: tighten the structure, add new things to make your point clearer, take away sentences or sections that now seem unnecessary, use the active voice as much as possible, and anything else that needs to be done. If what you have just doesn’t seem to be coming together, do not be afraid to start over.
  • Solicit feedback from a couple of trusted readers and revise again based on the suggestions that you find most useful. Don’t solicit feedback from too many people though – too many responses can be overwhelming.
  • Edit your work for grammatical mistakes, typos, clumsy repetitions, and so on. Make your prose impeccable before you submit your statement. Asking help from other readers can be especially helpful with editing, as sometimes it gets difficult to read your work with fresh eyes.

Things to Do

  • Use the experience that you describe to tell a story of personal progress, particularly progress towards your commitment to medicine.
  • Write with active verbs as much as possible.
  • Strive for concision.
  • Sound humble but also confident.

Things Not to Do – Common Pitfalls

  • Don’t talk in hyperbolic terms about how passionate you are. Everyone applying to medical school can say they are passionate. Instead, show your readers something you have done that indicates your passion.
  • Don’t adopt an overly confessional or sentimental tone. You need to sound professional.
  • Don’t treat the personal statement like a piece of creative writing.
  • Don’t put your resume in narrative form.
  • Don’t use jargon, abbreviations, slang, etc.
  • Don’t use too many qualifiers: very, quite, rather, really, interesting…
  • Don’t write in overly flowery language that you would normally never use.
  • Don’t include famous quotations. If you must quote, use something that shows significant knowledge.
  • Don’t write about yourself in an overly glorifying or overly self-effacing manner.

What to Remember

  • They are read by non-specialists, so write for an intelligent non-medical audience.
  • Actions sometimes speaks louder than words so give examples of experiences rather than describing them.
  • All information must be accurate – don’t pad, but don’t be falsely modest either.
  • The personal statement, in part, serves as a test of your communication skills.  How well you write it is as important as the content.

Writing Resources

  • AAMC: 7 Tips for Writing your AMCAS Personal Statement
  • Graduate Admission Essays: What Works, What Doesn’t and Why , Donald Asher, Ten Speed Press
  • On Writing Well , William Zinsser
  • Elements of Style , Strunk and White, Macmillan
  • Article :  2 Med School Essays that Admissions Officers Loved
  • Guidance for Writing Personal Statements, Work & Activities Section, Secondary Applications

Office of Career Strategy

Visiting yale.

Nursing Bay

College personal statement examples and writing tips.

A crucial step in your nursing journey is learning how to write a personal statement that resonates with admissions committees and vividly portrays your passion for healthcare. This collection of amazing personal statement examples is curated to guide and inspire you as you articulate your aspirations, experiences, and motivation to pursue nursing.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a written narrative that typically forms a significant part of an application to universities, colleges, or professional programs, particularly in fields like nursing. It’s an opportunity for junior year applicants to present themselves beyond test scores and grades, offering insights into their personalities, experiences, goals, and motivations.

In a personal statement, applicants explain why they are interested in a specific field of study or profession, what they hope to achieve through the program, and how their background and experiences have prepared them for this path. It’s a chance to highlight unique attributes, significant life experiences, challenges overcome, or special achievements that make them an ideal candidate for the program.

Why Read Personal Statement Examples?

Reading personal statement essay examples is immensely beneficial for several reasons, especially when preparing your own statement for applications to nursing programs:

  • Inspiration and Ideas: Examples can inspire you and provide ideas on structuring your statement, what kind of content to include in your application essay, and how to convey your story and passion effectively.
  • Understanding Expectations: They offer insight into what admissions committees look for, helping you understand the level of detail, tone, and approach that resonates successfully in such applications.
  • Learning from Others: Seeing how others have articulated their experiences, challenges, and aspirations can guide you in reflecting upon and articulating your own journey and motivations.
  • Avoiding Common Mistakes: By examining a range of examples, you can identify common pitfalls and clichés to avoid, ensuring your statement stands out and feels genuine.
  • Gaining Confidence: Reading successful common app essays can boost your confidence, showing you that crafting a compelling narrative that combines personal experiences with professional aspirations is possible.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Examples offer a glimpse into the diversity of paths and motivations that lead people to nursing, potentially broadening your perspective and enriching your own approach to writing your statement.

How Long Should a Personal Statement Be?

The length of your personal statement should ideally align with the guidelines provided by the institution or program you are applying to. Personal statements are expected to be concise yet comprehensive, often ranging around 500 to 650 words , translating to about one to two pages. 

This word count allows enough space to clearly articulate your experiences, motivations, and aspirations without overloading the reader with information. It’s important to always adhere to the program’s specific word or character limits to demonstrate your ability to follow instructions and present your thoughts.

What Should a Personal Statement Include?

A well-written college admissions essay should include several key elements to effectively communicate your suitability for the program or position you are applying for. Here’s what to typically include:

Introduction

Your personal statement should begin with an engaging introductory paragraph that captures the essence of your motivation for pursuing your chosen field. This could be a brief narrative of a defining moment, an experience that ignited your passion, or a clear articulation of your interest and enthusiasm.

The introduction sets the tone and should intrigue the reader, providing a glimpse into your unique journey and motivation. It’s important that this section hooks the reader’s attention and provides a compelling reason to continue reading your statement.

Academic and Professional Background

In this section, brainstorm and detail your relevant academic and professional experiences that have prepared you for this next step. Highlight key academic achievements, coursework, research, or projects that align with the field you are pursuing.

Also, include any relevant work experience, internships, or positions that have given you practical skills and insights. This part of the statement is crucial for showcasing your foundational knowledge and preparedness for advanced study or professional development and gaining a scholarship in your chosen area.

Extracurricular Activities and Volunteering

Your involvement in extracurricular activities and volunteering can significantly enrich your personal statement. This section should reflect how these activities have contributed to your personal growth, skills development, or understanding of your field.

Whether it’s a hobby, leadership roles in clubs, participation in sports teams, or volunteer work in community organizations, these experiences demonstrate your broader interests, commitment, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities. It’s an opportunity to show aspects of your character and values that academic achievements alone might not convey.

Personal Qualities and Skills

Reflect on and draft the personal qualities and skills that make you suited for your chosen path. This might include traits like resilience, empathy, critical thinking, or effective communication. Use specific examples or experiences to demonstrate how you have developed and applied these traits.

This personal reflection not only provides depth to your statement but also gives the admissions committee a clearer picture of who you are as an individual, beyond academic and professional achievements.

Career Goals and Aspirations

Discuss your career aspirations and how the program or position you are applying for aligns with these goals. This section should convey a clear vision of where you see yourself in the future and how the specific program or role will be a stepping stone toward that vision.

It’s important to show that you have a direction and purpose and that you see this opportunity as integral to your career journey. This not only demonstrates foresight and planning but also shows your commitment and seriousness about the path you are choosing.

Reasons for Choosing the Specific Program or Institution

Clearly articulate why you are applying to this particular program or institution. Discuss what specific aspects of the program, faculty, institution’s philosophy, or opportunities available are particularly attractive to you and why they resonate with your goals and preferences.

This shows that you have done your research and are making a well-informed decision. It also indicates that you have a genuine interest in what the program or institution uniquely offers, rather than a generic application.

Conclude your statement with a strong, memorable closing that encapsulates your main points and reaffirms your enthusiasm and suitability for the program or career. This is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression, summarizing why you believe you are an ideal candidate.

The conclusion should tie back to your opening, creating a cohesive narrative that leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your passion, commitment, and readiness for the next step in your academic or professional journey.

What Does an Admissions Officer Look for in a Personal Statement?

When reviewing a personal statement, admission officers are looking for several key elements to assess the suitability of a candidate for their program:

  • Clarity of Purpose: Admissions officers want to see a clear understanding of why the applicant wants to pursue a particular field or program. The statement should convincingly articulate the candidate’s passion, motivation, and how the program aligns with their career goals.
  • Personal Insight and Self-Reflection: A strong personal essay offers insight into the applicant’s personality, experiences, and the factors that have shaped their decision to pursue a specific path. Admissions officers look for depth of reflection and a sense of how past experiences have driven the candidate’s current ambitions.
  • Relevant Experience and Skills: It’s important for the statement to highlight any relevant academic, professional, or volunteer experiences that demonstrate preparedness for the program. Admissions officers are interested in how these experiences have contributed to the development of skills and knowledge pertinent to the field.
  • Writing Quality and Structure: The ability to communicate effectively and coherently through writing is crucial. Admissions officers pay attention to the overall quality of writing, including grammar, clarity, coherence, and the ability to organize thoughts logically.
  • Individuality and Authenticity: They seek to understand what makes each applicant unique. A personal statement should reflect the individual’s authentic self, showcasing unique perspectives, diverse experiences, and personal growth.
  • Commitment and Passion: Demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and a strong commitment to the field is essential. Admissions officers look for candidates who are likely to thrive in the program and contribute positively to their field.
  • Alignment with Program Values and Goals: Candidates who show that their personal and professional values align with those of the program or institution often stand out. Admissions officers look for indications that the candidate has researched the program and understands how it fits into their broader aspirations.
  • Future Potential: Finally, they are interested in the applicant’s potential for future success and contribution to the field. A compelling statement should give a sense of the candidate’s ambition to go to college and how they intend to utilize the education and opportunities provided by the program to achieve their long-term goals.

The Best Personal Statement Examples

Here are some nursing statement examples that illustrate effective writing styles, clear articulation of goals, and the ability to connect personal experiences to broader career or academic aspirations:

Personal Statement Example #1 

Personal statement example #2, college essay example #3, personal statement example #4, application essay example #5, personal statement example #6, personal statement example #7, personal statement example #8, personal statement example #9, personal statement example #10, personal statement example #11, personal statement example #12, personal statement example #13, personal statement example #14, personal statement example #15, child nursing personal statement examples, community nurse personal statement examples, key takeaways for writing a great personal statement.

When reflecting on the nursing personal statement examples provided, several key takeaways emerge that are crucial for anyone crafting their statement. These insights are vital for effectively conveying your passion, commitment, and suitability for a career in nursing:

  • Clearly articulate your personal motivation for choosing nursing.
  • Highlight your relevant healthcare experiences and achievements.
  • Specify your interest in any particular nursing specialty.
  • Showcase qualities and skills that make you suitable for nursing.
  • Outline your long-term professional aspirations in nursing.
  • Acknowledge the challenges and rewards in the nursing profession.
  • Express dedication to ongoing learning and professional development.
  • Ensure clarity, structure, and coherence in your statement.
  • Customize your statement for each specific nursing program.
  • Maintain authenticity and genuineness throughout your statement.

Final Thoughts: Personal Statement Essay Examples

These nursing personal statement examples and key takeaways provide valuable insights for anyone aspiring to enter the nursing freshman year. They demonstrate the importance of a well-crafted statement that blends personal motivation, relevant experiences, and a clear understanding of the nursing profession’s demands and rewards. 

An effective personal statement is not only a reflection of your qualifications and aspirations but also a testament to your passion, empathy, and commitment to the field of nursing. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your individuality and suitability for a career that is as challenging as it is rewarding. 

dmcaGroup

Health Professions Advising

  • Health Professions Resources

Personal Statements

Health Professions Advising CBB 203/205 (Second Floor) E: [email protected]

Schedule a Health Professions Advising Appointment

Mailing Address: University of Houston ATTN: Health Professions Advising Center University Classroom & Business Building Room 215 4242 Martin Luther King Boulevard Houston, TX 77204 Google Maps

uh-phac-personal-statement-handout-7.2020_page_1.png

Although most applicants focus on GPA and test-scores, the personal statement is a very important component of your application and should be carefully composed. This is your opportunity to highlight things about yourself that may not be mentioned in other sections of your application and to distinguish yourself from other applicants.

You should have several different people objectively read your personal statement and provide constructive feedback. In addition to the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) , your letter writers are often a great option. There are also resources on campus that can assist you, such as the UH Writing Center , University Career Services , and your major advisor. Consider the feedback you receive carefully, but be sure that the personal statement is still written in your voice!

Below we have outlined some advice and general guidelines to consider while writing your personal statement. Keep in mind that these recommendations are not restricted to medical/dental applications, but can be applied while writing essays for any healthcare professional program.

  • See also UH University Career Services Personal Statement Tips
  • Sign up for the UH Writing Center Personal Statement Workshops

Types of Prompts

Before beginning your personal statement, it is important you carefully review the specific question (or prompt) that is being asked and the character-limit, as there can be distinct differences between the application services.

TMDSAS ( 5000 characters ):

  • Explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. You are asked to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician.
  • Explain your motivation to seek a career in dentistry. You are asked to discuss your philosophy of the dental profession and indicate your goals relevant to the profession.
  • Personal Characteristics Essay - Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics (background, talents, skills, etc.) or experiences that would add to the educational experience of others. The personal characteristics essay is required to all applicants and limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.
  • Optional Essay – The optional essay is an opportunity to provide the admissions committee(s) with a broader picture of who you are as an applicant. The essay is optional, however, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Consider briefly discussing any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application which have not previously been presented. Optional Essay is limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.

AMCAS ( 5300 characters ):

  • Why have you selected the field of medicine?
  • What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
  • What do you want medical schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?

AACOMAS ( 5300 characters ):

  • What motivates you to learn more about osteopathic medicine?

AADSAS ( 4500 characters ):

  • Explain a defining moment that helped steer you toward a career in dentistry. Consider using that moment as the focal point of your essay.
  • Be colorful, positive, imaginative and personal when discussing why you are a good candidate for dental school. Ask yourself—in a pile of 100 applications, would I enjoy reading my statement? Be sure to convey your passion for dentistry in your statement.
  • Be yourself.  Don’t use jargon, clichés or big phrases that you would not use in daily conversation. Remember, dental schools want to know about the real you.
  • Be original and thoughtful: Discuss how you would contribute to the profession and patient care, all of which will help you stand out from other applicants.

AACPMAS (4500 characters):

  • State below why you are interested in becoming a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Provide information about your development for a career in Podiatric Medicine

CASPA (5000 characters):

  • In the space provided write a brief statement expressing your motivation or desire to become a physician assistant.

OptomCAS (4500 characters) :

Essays can be customized for each individual Optometry program.  Most Optometry schools include this as their main essay question:

  • Please describe what inspires your decision for becoming an optometrist, including your preparation for training in this profession, your aptitude and motivation, the basis for your interest in optometry, and your future career.

OTCAS (no character limit):

  • Your Personal Statement should address why you selected OT as a career and how an Occupational Therapy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

PTCAS (4500 characters):

  • Prompt: Every person has a story that has led them to a career. Since there are a variety of health professions that "help" others, please go beyond your initial interaction or experiences with physical therapy and share the deeper story that has confirmed your decision to specifically pursue physical therapy as your career.

PharmCAS (4500 characters):

  • Your Personal Essay should address why you selected pharmacy as a career. How the Doctor of Pharmacy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. You should describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

VMCAS (1000 characters):

  • There are many career choices within the veterinary What are your future career goals and why?
  • In what ways do veterinarians contribute to society and what do you hope to contribute?
  • Consider the breadth of society which veterinarians What attributes do you believe are essential to be successful within the veterinary profession? Of these attributes, which do you possess and how have you demonstrated these in the past?

When should I start writing?

You should begin working on your personal statement early in the spring semester prior to your intended application year and submitting your application materials to HPAC (if applicable).  Remember that the people who are helping you with your statement will need time to review it and you will need time to work through multiple drafts before submission.  In addition, some of your letter writers may want to see a copy of your personal statement before they write your letter, so you should strive to have a competent draft by mid-March.

What should be included?

It is important to treat the personal statement as an answer to a question (i.e., the prompt), rather than the opportunity to flex your creative writing muscles. Indeed, most applicants are STEM majors without much experience in creative writing; therefore, it is recommended that you avoid using the essay to practice your creative writing skills and stick to simply addressing the prompt in a direct, concise way. Some questions you may want to consider while planning your essay are:

  • Why have you selected the field of medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
  • What motivates you to learn more about medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
  • How have you demonstrated your interest and commitment to your decision?
  • What experiences have allowed you to develop the skills necessary to be successful in this program and to become an effective physician, dentist, PA, etc.?
  • Did you have any exposure to role models who influenced your decision? Which of their attributes inspired you?
  • Are your perceptions of this profession realistic?
  • What are your professional goals?
  • Is there anything you wish for your chosen health professional schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?

Depending on the nature of the prompt, you may also wish to include information such as:

  • Unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits.
  • Commentary on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application.

What should NOT be included?

  • Avoid clichés and over-using/mis-using terms : How many times do you think admissions committees have read the phrase, “I want to become a physician because I like science and I want to help people”? Similarly, words like empathy and passion are, while applicable, can become empty in meaning when overused or misused. Consider exemplifying these terms, rather than simply stating them.
  • Avoid unnecessary drama: While you may feel compelled to "hook" the reader with a dramatic opening to your statement, doing so may detract from the overall purpose (i.e., describing your decision to pursue medicine/dentistry) and may induce many an eye-roll by committee members.
  • Avoid being vague : "[Insert experience] was challenging and rewarding." What does that mean? Be specific about what was impactful and how it affected you.
  • Avoid brash decision-making :  Your decision to become a doctor/dentist should be the result of a series of thoughtful, conscious, and reflective decisions. NOT an instantaneous realization or epiphany. Similarly, you have not “always known” that you want to be a physician/dentist. No one is "born to be a doctor." Nothing is innate, you have to work for it.
  • Avoid excuses :  In general, there are better uses for your personal statement than explaining away and justifying poor grades, incidents of misconduct, etc. Indeed, TMDSAS offers additional essays and opportunities to discuss these issues. However, if you choose to address these subjects, be sure to focus on what you have learned from those incidents and how your experiences have made you a stronger person.  Always accept responsibility and avoid blaming anyone else for your decisions or mistakes.
  • Avoid restating your resume or activities section :  Choose ONE or TWO significant and distinguishing experiences to elaborate upon when outline the reasons behind your decision to pursue a career in healthcare. There is no need to narrate completely your 4+ years of college or carefully detail your activities from year to year; indeed, there are other sections in the application where you can detail your experiences and what you learned from each.
  • Avoid grandiosity :  Claiming that you plan to cure cancer (or HIV, or healthcare disparities, or anything else) shows a grave lack of understanding of whatever problem you are planning to solve. Similarly, avoid “I know what it is like to be a physician/dentist from [shadowing/clinical volunteer experience].”  No, you do not.  That is precisely why you are hoping to go to medical/dental school.
  • Avoid inflammatory or controversial topics :  You do not know the values, beliefs, and background of the committee member reading your essay.  For these reasons, you are advised to avoid making any strong statements regarding politics, religion, and other polarizing topics.  Be extremely cautious to avoid expressing any views that could be construed as derogatory to any group.  Additionally, your beliefs are not the only “correct” beliefs. 
  • Do not lie :  Honesty and ethical behavior are the hallmarks of being a healthcare professional. Do not include details anywhere in your application or essay that you are not prepared to talk about or that are simply untrue.

Additional Recommendations

  • Use simple formatting : Avoid the use of bullet-points, italics, and symbols.
  • Read your statement aloud : As you draft your statement, reading what you have written aloud can help you determine whether your writing "flows" well and is an easy read for a reviewer.

Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

Image of hands typing on a laptop

Sample Supporting Statements

For Students and Newly Registered Nurses, Nursing Support Workers, and Nurses and Midwives.

The supporting statement is the most important part of your job application. This is effectively where you convince the employer that you're the right person for the job and explain why they should hire you.

This page offers sample supporting statements and a tutorial to help you. we can also offer feedback on your supporting statement via email..

Different employers will have different instructions or expectations with regards to supporting statements, but generally they'll be looking to see if you're applying for the right reasons and that you meet the essential criteria. If you haven't already done so, read the general advice on writing job applications first. To help give you an idea, have a look at our sample supporting statements which have been written to correlate to a sample Person Specification. In particular, pay attention to the way the sample supporting statements:

  • Cover all the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification
  • Use examples or evidence to demonstrate how the criteria is met
  • Follow the order of the Person Specification as much as possible.

The samples should be used as a guide only. Your own supporting statement should be structured around the job and person specification you're applying for. You may also want to watch the Supporting Statements tutorial below.

  • Apply for jobs that are right for you
  • Never write a 'one size fits all' supporting statement
  • Explain why you want the job, showing your passion/interest and motivation
  • Demonstrate how you meet all the essential criteria from the person specification using examples or evidence
  • Demonstrate how you meet any organisational/trust values if there are any
  • Imagine you're being asked the question, "Why should we hire you?"
  • Run a spelling and grammar check

Supporting Statement Tutorial Preview

Nurse uniform closeup

Resources for nurses and midwives: improve your employability or explore options and ideas if you're at a career crossroads.

HCA uniform closeup

Career resources for Healthcare Assistants, Assistant Practitioners, Nursing Associates and Support Workers.

Student officer uniform 250 x 100

Resources to help you write your first nursing CV or job application, and tips on how to stand out at interview.

Your Spaces

  • RCNi Profile
  • Steward Portal
  • RCN Foundation
  • RCN Library
  • RCN Starting Out

Work & Venue

  • RCNi Nursing Jobs
  • Work for the RCN
  • RCN Working with us

Further Info

  • Manage Cookie Preferences
  • Modern slavery statement
  • Accessibility
  • Press office

Connect with us:

© 2024 Royal College of Nursing

CV Plaza

  • CV Examples
  • CV Templates
  • Cover Letter
  • Job Interview

health visitor job application personal statement

Health Visitor Cover Letter Example

author

Mrs Diana Corbin Centre Manager Victoria Health Centre 78 Station Road Pershore PL6 9JB

Dear Mrs Corbin,

Re: Health Visitor (Ref: #779L)

It is with great interest that I am applying for the Heath Visitor position at Victoria Health Centre. I am convinced, as I hope you will too, that my formal education and work experience is a perfect match for this job.

I am currently working as a Health Visitor at the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where I have been working for the past 16 months. My key responsibilities include providing ante-natal and post-natal support, performing regular home visitors, resolving any health or upbringing concerns, liaising with health and social care professionals, and giving nutritional advice and support to parents. Before this, I was working as a Community Midwife for the same NHS Trust.

I am a hard-working, enthusiastic and friendly person with a passion for working with children and their parents or guardians. My excellent communication skills, combined with my outgoing personality, enable me to build strong relationships with people and make a positive impact on families’ lives. I am methodical, work well under pressure, and I have my own method of transportation.

Victoria Health Centre is a trusted and reputable health clinic in the county, and it would be a privilege to work for your organisation and provide quality service to the community.

I would like to finish by saying that I really appreciate your time, and I would be immensely grateful if you could give me a chance to meet you in person to further discuss this opportunity. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to hear from you shortly.

Yours sincerely,

~ Signature goes here ~

Preview + comments:

health-visitor-cover-letter

You may also like

  • Physiotherapist Cover Letter Example
  • Audiologist Cover Letter Example
  • Dietitian Cover Letter Example
  • Optical Assistant Cover Letter Example

health-visitor

Competencies

health visitor job application personal statement

Related Resources

health visitor job application personal statement

Related Cover Letters

health visitor job application personal statement

Over 15,000 amazing people have connected with us - and you're amazing too!

Copyright © 2024 CV Plaza All Rights Reserved

Privacy Overview

CVLocum

Band 6 Nurse Personal Statement Examples & Tips | Get Helpful Advice from CVLocum

Jack Murray

Get a Head Start on Writing Your Nurse Personal Statement with our Band 5, 6, and 7 Examples.

A nursing personal statement is one of the essential elements of a successful nursing application. It is a chance to showcase your skills, knowledge, and experiences that make you the best possible candidate for the course and the profession.

For a band 6 nursing personal statement, you need to provide detailed evidence of your abilities, including communication skills, multi disciplinary working, and evidence-based practice. In this blog post, we will explore some successful examples of band 6 nurse personal statements, highlighting what you should include and how you can make your statement unique.

What to Include in a Nursing Personal Statement

Writing an effective personal statement is important because it serves as a reflection of one’s passion, commitment, and suitability for a career in nursing.

It provides an opportunity to showcase relevant experiences, skills, and qualities that make an individual a strong candidate for nursing school or a nursing position. A well-crafted personal statement allows applicants to convey their understanding of the nursing profession, their motivation for choosing this path, and their potential to contribute to the field.

It helps admissions committees and employers gain insight into an applicant’s character, values, and potential for success as a registered nurse. A compelling personal statement can set an applicant apart from others and demonstrate their genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and the healthcare community as a whole.

health visitor job application personal statement

Related: Crafting the Perfect CV Nurse Writing Tips, Templates and examples included.

Related: 11 Example Nurse Safeguarding Questions for Interview + Answers | CVLocum

It is worth mentioning these important points when writing your nursing personal statement:

– Introduce yourself and explain your passion for nursing.

– Highlight any relevant experiences, such as clinical placements or healthcare volunteering, and describe how they have shaped your desire to pursue nursing as a career.

– Discuss your understanding of the nursing profession, including the challenges and rewards it entails.

– Demonstrate your knowledge of and commitment to providing compassionate and patient-centred care.

– Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and a multi disciplinary team.

– Showcase your dedication to lifelong learning and medical profession development in the field of nursing.

– Discuss any specific areas of nursing that you are particularly interested in or have experience in, such as adult nursing, mental health nursing, or paediatric nursing.

– Highlight any relevant skills and qualities, such as empathy, resilience, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

– Reflect on any personal qualities or experiences that have prepared you for a career in nursing, such as being a good listener, working well under pressure, or being able to adapt to changing situations.

– Conclude by summarising your commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of patients and your enthusiasm for embarking on a nursing career.

Nursing Personal Statement tips

Example of Band 6 Personal Statement:

A Band 6 person statement may differ from other bands as it represents a higher level of experience, expertise, and responsibility. As a Band 6 Registered nurse, you are expected to demonstrate advanced clinical skills, leadership abilities, and the capacity to work autonomously.

Additionally, showcasing your ability to adapt to changing healthcare environments and your dedication to delivering person-centred care will set you apart as a strong candidate for a Band 6 nursing role.

Band 6 Personal Statement Example 1:

”As a dedicated and compassionate nurse, I am excited to apply for the Band 6 position in your hospital. With several years of experience working in various healthcare settings, I have developed a deep understanding of patient care and a passion for delivering high-quality services.

My clinical expertise extends across different specialties, including medical-surgical, paediatric, and geriatric nursing. I pride myself on my ability to establish therapeutic relationships with patients and their families, providing empathetic and patient-centred care.

My goal is to contribute to the enhancement of healthcare delivery, advocate for patient rights, and promote evidence-based practice. I believe that my experience, skills, and passion make me a strong candidate for the Band 6 role, and I am eager to contribute to the team and make a positive difference in the lives of patients”

Band 6 Personal Statement Example 2:

”As an experienced nurse with a strong passion for patient care since a young age, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the your team. With a solid foundation in various healthcare settings, I possess the skills and knowledge necessary to provide compassionate and evidence-based care.

My commitment to continuous professional development ensures that I stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in nursing practice. I thrive in collaborative environments and am dedicated to working alongside interdisciplinary teams to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

With a patient-centred approach and a focus on delivering high-quality care, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact as a Band 6 nurse.”

health visitor job application personal statement

Adult Nursing Personal Statement Example:

Your adult nursing personal statement should highlight your knowledge and skills related to adult care. Additionally, showcasing your understanding of the unique challenges and needs of adult patients.

Your personal statement should also highlight your commitment to continuing professional development and your dedication to staying updated with evidence-based practices in adult nursing.

Adult Nursing Personal Statement Example 1:

”I have always been passionate about providing high-quality care to individuals during their most vulnerable moments. As an aspiring adult nurse in the UK, I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of adult patients and their families in your nursing home.

I possess excellent communication skills, enabling me to establish trusting relationships with patients and effectively collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. My empathetic nature and ability to remain calm under pressure allow me to provide compassionate support to patients facing challenging health conditions.

With a commitment to lifelong learning and a desire to continuously enhance my skills, I am eager to embark on the next step of my career as an adult nurse, contributing to the well-being of individuals in need.”

Adult Nursing Example 2:

”I am a dedicated and compassionate nurse and particularly a nurse for elderly patients. Through my experience as a healthcare assistant, I have developed essential skills in administering medications, providing personal care, and supporting patients with diverse needs.

I possess excellent communication and teamwork abilities, which enable me to establish rapport with patients and collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals. With a focus on delivering patient-centred care, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of nursing practice.

I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my career as an adult nurse in your nursing home and make a positive impact on the lives of individuals in need.”

Example of Band 5 Personal Statement:

Band 5 personal statement example 1:.

”As an enthusiastic and dedicated nurse, I am excited to start my career as a Band 5 nurse after completing my nursing degree. With extensive experience in various healthcare settings, including medical-surgical units and mental health facilities, I possess strong assessment and medication administration skills.

I excel in building rapport with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams, prioritising effective communication. Committed to lifelong learning, I stay updated with evidence-based practices to provide high-quality care.

With my passion for nursing and drive for continuous improvement, I am ready to make a positive impact as part of a healthcare team as that is where my own personal fulfilment lies.”

Band 5 Example 2:

”As a passionate and caring individual, I am thrilled to embark on my journey as a Band 5 nurse. With a solid foundation in nursing education and hands-on clinical experience, I have honed my skills.

I am adept at fostering therapeutic relationships with patients and their families, providing emotional support, and promoting their well-being. Collaborating effectively with healthcare teams is a priority for me, as I believe in the power of multidisciplinary care to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Through ongoing professional development and a commitment to evidence-based practice, I strive to deliver compassionate and patient-centred care. With a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for nursing, I am eager to contribute to the healthcare profession.”

Example of Band 7 Personal Statement:

Band 7 personal statement example 1:.

”As an experienced Band 7 nurse, I am dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care, leading quality improvement initiatives, and mentoring junior staff.

With advanced clinical expertise and a commitment to ongoing professional development, I strive to enhance patient outcomes through evidence-based practices. By fostering collaborative relationships and prioritising patient well-being, I create a supportive and innovative healthcare environment.

I am eager to utilise my skills and passion for nursing to make a positive impact.”

Band 7 Example 2:

”As a Band 7 nurse, I want to feel a high level of job satisfaction in a rewarding field of healthcare, I possess extensive clinical knowledge and leadership skills that enable me to deliver high-quality care and drive positive change in healthcare settings.

With a focus on evidence-based practice, I continuously seek opportunities for professional development and stay abreast of advancements in nursing. Through effective communication, teamwork, and a patient-centred approach, I strive to provide personalised care and create a supportive environment for both patients and colleagues.

With a strong commitment to excellence and a passion for nursing, I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the field.”

health visitor job application personal statement

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a nursing personal statement is a chance to showcase your skill sets, knowledge, and nursing experience that make you the best possible candidate for the profession. Emphasise your passion, commitment, and desire to provide the best possible care for patients.

Good luck in your journey towards becoming a great nurse!

Ready to find a Job and Enhance Your Nursing Career?

To find a job, you can browse our job board with hundreds of Nursing roles waiting for someone like you!

health visitor job application personal statement

Social Worker Assessment Team £42p/h+

Social worker advanced practitioner £40p/h, social worker – duty and assessment £38p/h, social worker – targeted youth support service £40p/h, social worker – senior practitioner £32.35p/h, children’s social worker – £38p/h, social worker – senior practitioner £33.30p/h, social worker – adult social care £34p/h, social worker – children’s safeguarding £42p/h.

  • Free Interview Course

Home > Blog > Crafting The Perfect Supporting Information Statement for NHS Job Applications

Career Advice , Interviews , NHS

Crafting the perfect supporting information statement for nhs job applications.

NHS SUPPORTING INFORMATION APPLICATION FORM TEMPLATES

Are you aiming for a fulfilling career while making a significant difference in people’s lives? The National Health Service (NHS) provides a wide variety of employment options to suit different skill sets and interests. It’s critical to recognise the value of supporting information in your job application as you set out on your quest to land a position with the NHS. We’ll walk you through the essential steps of writing a strong supporting information statement in this guide so you can stand out in the crowded field of NHS job applications.

Regardless of the job role, you will need to submit comprehensive supporting information in your NHS application form for all of the following bands:

  • NHS Band 8a, 8b, 8c, & 8d

UNLOCK OVER 30 NHS SUPPORTING INFORMATION TEMPLATES + GET THE NHS ONLINE INTERVIEW MASTERCLASS COURSE FOR FREE !

health visitor job application personal statement

  • 30+ expertly written supporting information examples not found anywhere else.
  • Get the edge over other candidates by enhancing your application with templates designed to help you create your own winning examples with ease.
  • Don’t waste time wondering what to include – ensure you are including what the assessors want to see to make your application successful.
  • Instant access to all of the examples so you can complete your NHS application fast!
  • PLUS… get a 14-day free trial to our bestselling  Online NHS Interview Masterclass to elevate your interview to a whole new level! (Thereafter just £27+vat per month, no minimum term. Cancel anytime).

SPECIAL OFFER EGP 2,519.37 TODAY’S PRICE ONLY: EGP 441.00

NHS Application Process: A Brief Overview

Let’s briefly discuss the application process for NHS jobs before getting into the specifics of the supporting documentation. Typically, this entails:

  • Job Search: Look through the official NHS job board to find openings that fit your qualifications and professional objectives.
  • Online Application: Complete the application by entering accurate details about your education, professional background, and contact information.
  • Supporting Details: This is your chance to shine. By demonstrating your suitability for the position and your alignment with NHS values, your supporting statement should support your application and is key to your success.
  • References: List people who can attest to your skills and work ethic.
  • Submission Check: Check your application carefully and submit it on time.

Crafting Compelling Supporting Information for NHS Jobs

You have the chance to explain why you are the ideal candidate for the position in your supporting information statement. Here are some things to add:

  • Relevance: Emphasize your qualifications and experience that are pertinent to the position. Be sure to emphasize your love of medicine and commitment to bettering patient outcomes.
  • NHS Values: Discuss how your values, such as compassion, teamwork, and dedication, align with those of the NHS’s values.
  • Specific Examples: Give specific instances where you’ve overcome obstacles or proven your aptitude for the position.
  • Motivation: Describe your interest in the position and how it aligns with your long-term professional goals.
  • Soft Skills: Demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, which the NHS values highly.

Tips for Crafting an Outstanding Supporting Statement

  • Research: Learn about the particular position, division, and NHS Trust you are applying for. Create a supporting statement that mentions these areas.
  • Clear Structure: Use a paragraph structure, similar to an essay. Your skills, experiences, motivation, and conclusion should come after a captivating introduction.
  • Be Concise: Maintain a clear, focused statement. Avoid using overly technical or unnecessary jargon.
  • Quantify Your Successes: Include figures to demonstrate your success, such as the quantity of patients you have treated or the number of projects you have managed.
  • Proofread: Double-check for grammatical and spelling mistakes. A statement that is presented well demonstrates your attention to detail and shows that you care about your application.

Example of a Supporting Statement

Below is a short snippet of an example NHS Supporting Information statement for a Band 8a role: 

As a committed healthcare professional with a track record of providing excellent patient care and managing productive interdisciplinary teams, I am excited to apply for this NHS Band 8a position. I am confident that I can succeed in this tough position due to my enthusiasm for healthcare, leadership skills, and dedication to continuous improvement.

I have consistently looked for opportunities to increase my knowledge and abilities throughout my career. I am registered with [insert professional body, e.g., HCPC/NMC] and have a [insert educational degree or qualification] . I have also successfully completed a variety of professional development courses, such as [insert training or certifications] , which have given me the skills necessary to influence improvements in patient outcomes and service delivery.

My position as [insert current role] , where I have the honour of managing a diverse team of…

Making a strong supporting statement for your NHS job application is essential if you want to land the position you desire at this esteemed national organisation. To help you accelerate your NHS application form, you can get “ready-made” templates to boost your chances of success right now at the bottom of this page…

health visitor job application personal statement

Joshua Brown

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

  • Free Aptitude Tests

How 2 Become

  • Privacy Overview
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Recruitment process for health visiting programmes: personal and professional attributes

The process of recruitment and selection for students applying to health visitor programmes.

Health visiting attributes

PDF , 31.8 KB , 2 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Health visiting and midwifery partnership – pregnancy and early weeks

PDF , 407 KB , 5 pages

Health visiting integrated model

PDF , 89.1 KB , 1 page

Health visitors: Q&A for GPs

PDF , 37.9 KB , 4 pages

Health visitors: Q&A for local government

PDF , 41.6 KB , 5 pages

Health visitor factsheet

PDF , 29.9 KB , 2 pages

These documents are for higher education institutions to support and inform how they recruit and select students wishing to join health visitor programmes.

The documents outline the personal and professional attributes needed for the health visitor role.

Related links

Getting it right for children, young people and families

Updates to this page

New health visiting and midwifery pathway uploaded.

First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Related content, is this page useful.

  • Yes this page is useful
  • No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

  • Find Health Careers on twitter
  • Find Health Careers on facebook
  • Find Health Careers on youtube
  • Find Health Careers on linkedin
  • Find Health Careers on instagram
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Linkedln

Health visitor

Health visitors are specialist community public health nurses, (SCPHN) registered midwives or nurses.

They specialise in working with families with a child aged 0 to five to identify health needs as early as possible and improve health and wellbeing by promoting health, preventing ill health and reducing inequalities. 

health visitor holding baby

Ready to get started?

Get practical advice and everything you need to know in your inbox.

Working life

Health visitors are NMC -registered nurses or midwives who have undertaken additional training in community public health nursing to become specialist community public health nurses. Health visitors lead the Healthy Child Programme (0-5) and are fundamental in ensuring every child has the best start in life.

Your role will routinely include working with families with a new baby from late in the antenatal period up to five years of age. You will use your expertise and training to identify needs and determine risks and work with clinical and public health colleagues to make sure the right support is provided as early as possible. You may work with at-risk or deprived groups such as the homeless, addicts or travellers.

You will usually provide individual support and advice for families in their homes. But you will also facilitate clinics and groups with different professionals, including early years practitioners, children’s social care professionals, GPs, school nurses, allied health professionals, and voluntary services to support the needs of children and families.

Your day-to-day role may vary from area to area, but will typically include:

  • supporting parents during their transition to parenthood and in the weeks following the birth of their baby
  • providing support and advice for the initiation and duration of breast feeding, infant feeding and healthy eating for young children
  • assessing children’s growth and development needs
  • delivering health reviews to assess children’s growth and development needs, including the two-year health review and to be ready for school
  • promoting the best start in speech, language and communication including identification of need and additional support to be ready to learn
  • supporting maternal and infant mental health
  • supporting healthy weight and healthy nutrition conversations to prevent childhood obesity through behaviour change techniques.
  • advising on minor illness, home safety, safer sleep and accident prevention

You will also complete holistic assessments in partnership with the family which builds on their strengths and identifies any difficulties they have with meeting their child’s needs.

You’ll often be the first to recognise whether a child is at risk of harm and a very important part of your role will be working with other health and social care partners to:

  • safeguard and protect vulnerable children
  • identify those at risk
  • support local safeguarding arrangements and ensure the voice of the child is considered  

Richard Montague

I am one of the very few male health visitors in the area so I also offer specialist support to fathers and promote fathers as positive role models in a child's upbringing.

Entry requirements and training

The health visitor training programme is known as the  Specialist Community Public Health Nursing - Health Visiting  (SCPHN - HV). It is offered at degree or Master's level. You need to be a registered midwife, adult, child, mental health or learning disability nurse to apply.

The full time programme is run over 52 weeks, but you may be able to train part time over a longer period. In some areas training may also be offered as a master's level apprenticeship.

You will need to apply to be sponsored or seconded by a health provider organisation who will provide your clinical placement and a community practice assessor and supervisor. The course is 50% theory with a university and 50% practice with a health provider organisation, under supervision from a range of specialised practitioners working with children and families.

Training opportunities are usually advertised on  NHS Jobs . Make sure that your search includes words such as SCPHN /student /Health Visitor/HV. 

Pay and conditions

Some health visitors are now employed outside of the NHS, for example in local authorities or private healthcare providers, charities, or community interest companies, where terms and conditions can vary.

If working for the NHS, you'll usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week and be paid under  Agenda for Change   pay system, typically starting at band 6. You’ll also have access to our generous pension scheme and health service discounts, as well as at least 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.  

Must-have skills

To be a health visitor, you need:

  • an interest in children and public health
  • excellent communication skills
  • to be well organised
  • to be able demonstrate leadership skills

You will need to be able to cope with potentially challenging situations such as child safeguarding.

You need to be able to work both independently and as part of a team and will be flexible, observant and able to prioritise effectively. 

Where your career can take you

You will have opportunities to progress into operational or management roles, leading teams, specialising in quality and governance, service transformation or commissioning.

You could go into teaching within the community, working as a practice assessor or supporting clinical academic research. Or you could move into an academic position as a lecturer or researcher at a university

Want to come back to health visiting?

If your SCPHN registration has lapsed, you will need to complete a return to practice programme.   Email us  so that we can put you in touch with someone in your local area who can offer tailored advice. 

Live vacancies

Find a vacancy.

  • Compare role
  • Printer-friendly version
  • PDF version
  • Login to Bookmark

Other roles that may interest you

  • Public health nurse
  • Adult nurse
  • Mental health nurse
  • Learning disability nurse

Help us improve

This form is for you to tell us about something that could be improved about the website or if there's anything wrong, incorrect or inaccurate with what you see. 

If you have a query about a career in the NHS, please visit our contact us page  and call or email us. 

Print logo

UVA Career Center

Red Icon, reads "Pre-Health"

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is an opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants.  It is the portion of the application where you get to discuss who you are and what is important to you, so take advantage of this opportunity!

To successfully utilize the personal statement, spotlight two or three particular experiences or examples that demonstrate your motivation and preparation towards making an informed decision about your career path. Unlike the majority of your application, which is largely concerned with what you did, your personal statement should provide depth into why and how you came to your decision that a career in the health professions is a good fit for you.

Here are some questions to help you in the brainstorming process:

  • What characteristics and skills do you possess that enhance your prospects for success?
  • What is special, distinctive, unique or impressive about you or your life story?
  • What is the most important thing for an admissions committee to know about you?
  • Did you take time off after earning your undergraduate degree? If so, why and how have you used this time to grow?

Health Professions Guidelines

AMCAS (MD)

5,300 characters

AACOMAS (DO)

5,300 characters

CASPA (PA)

5,000 characters

AADSAS (Dentistry)

4,500 characters

OptomCAS (Optometry)

4,500 characters

VMCAS (Veterinary) 

3,000 characters

PTCAS (PT)

4,500 characters

OTCAS (OT)

No character limit

AACPMAS (Podiatry)

4,500 characters
 

For a full guide and details on each step in applying to medical school, read the Pre-Health Application Guide .  

PRE-HEALTH RESOURCE CARD

Red Icon, reads "Pre-Health"

Drop-in Advising Hours: Tu - Th 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Clemons Library (2nd floor)

Validate your membership/access to the iHV Champion hub here to receive your password. Not a member? Join here .

Forgot Password

If you are thinking of becoming a health visitor this information will help prepare you with information and tips for your application and interview

health visitor job application personal statement

  • For Health Visitor Students
  • Become an iHV member
  • Becoming a health visitor
  • Policy, Legislation and Guidance
  • Resources for SCPHN Students
  • Student Events
  • Student news and views
  • Top Tips for SCPHN Students

health visitor job application personal statement

Institute of Health Visiting | c/o Royal Society for Public Health, John Snow House, 59 Mansell Street, London E1 8AN

Tel: +44 (0) 207 265 7352 | Email: [email protected]

  • © Institute of Health Visiting   |
  • FAQ   |
  • Privacy and cookies   |
  • Sitemap   |
  • Accessibility   |
  • Terms of use   |
  • Registered Charity Number 1149745

Website design by wave

Online Learning College

How to Become a Health Visitor

How to Become a Health Visitor

In this post

Are you thinking about becoming a health visitor? If you love working with young children and their families, are keen to play an active role in your local community and want a career where you can really make a difference then it could be the right path for you! Health visiting is a complicated and demanding profession, but the challenges of this career path are outweighed by its many benefits.

From what to expect a health visitor’s salary to look like, to how to find the best health visitor jobs, here’s everything you need to know about how to become a health visitor:

What is a Health Visitor

A health visitor is a healthcare professional that supports new parents, often in their own homes, helping to make the transition to parenthood as easy as possible and ensuring that families with children aged five and below (but often new babies on discharge from hospital) are healthy, happy, and thriving. Health Visitors are usually nurses or midwives that gain additional qualifications in order to take on the greater responsibility of becoming a health visitor.

Health visitors are officially known as specialist community public health nurses (SCPHN) and in order to carry out the role health care professionals must undertake additional training in community public health nursing. Health visitors play a vital role in the lives of parents with young children, establishing relationships with families from every socio-economic group, and they are often the first port of call for all parents of children under five if they have any concerns about their child’s health, development, or general wellbeing. As part of their day-to-day role, health visitors work with children and families in at-risk groups, including but not limited to, travellers, addicts, asylum seekers, refugees and the homeless. The main aim of the health visitor is to give all children in the UK the best possible start to life and therefore the role of a health visitor is vital, as well as being incredibly fulfilling. 90% of a child’s brain development happens before that child is five years old, so supporting a child through those first five years will give a child the best chance of developmental normality, and ultimately success in later life.

As a health visitor, you will typically work a standard 37.5 hours per week, which allows for a good work-life balance. Some evening work at clinics, manning drop-in centres and leading support groups may be required. Part-time and job share opportunities do exist within this profession, as do opportunities to take a career break when needed.

Personal Qualities of a Health Visitor

The journey to becoming a health visitor is not an easy one, but it is a career path that is incredibly rewarding for the right person. No two days are the same, you can see the positive impact you are making within your community, and you are able to provide immediate support to children and their parents when they really need it. Here are just some of the personal qualities that you will need if you are thinking of becoming a health visitor:

  • The desire to work with people, and to help them to reach their full potential
  • A passion for working with children, and confidence in handling children aged between 0-5
  • Strong knowledge of neonatal care, childcare, public health, sociology, mental health and psychology
  • Understanding of the legislation and standards surrounding parenting and childcare in the UK
  • Knowledge of confidentiality, data protection and GDPR, and a desire to maintain these privacy standards
  • Being able to communicate with all people in a way that is caring, compassionate, understanding and empathetic
  • Being sensitive to the needs of others
  • Having a manner that is patient, tolerant and understanding, so that both parents, children and other family members would feel able to talk to you and confide in you
  • Being non-judgmental in your approach to all situations
  • Having a desire to be involved in your local community and to working within it to make it a better place
  • Excellent interpersonal skills that are easily adaptable, meaning you can communicate with families, children, and other healthcare professionals, often within the space of the same conversation
  • High levels of written and verbal communication skills
  • Good observation skills: the ability to observe key information in a relatively brief period of time
  • Good organisation and time management skills, so that you can organise your own workload
  • Fast and well-thought-out decision-making skills
  • The strong desire to help other people, and to encourage them to be the best that they can be, without judgement
  • The ability to be flexible and to make change within your working day, often at short notice
  • Having strong attention to detail and thorough analytical skills, so that no details about a child’s development is missed
  • The ability to both work well with others and to work well alone
  • An understanding nature, so that you can understand and empathise with the reactions of others (both positive and negative)
  • Having a resilient and mature approach to emotionally demanding and challenging situations, and the ability to leave these situations behind you at the end of the working day
  • The ability to work well under pressure, and to keep a level head when situations are tense or stressful
  • Good IT skills and the competence to learn how to use new equipment quickly
  • The ability to follow policies, procedures, instructions and risk assessments

What a Health Visitor Does

The role of a health visitor will change from day to day, depending on the unique needs of their clients and, in part, to the age of the children that they are visiting. However, some of the most common roles completed by a health visitor will include:

  • Assessing their client’s wellness and providing support where needed. This can include weighing and measuring children to ensure they are developing well , assessing new mothers to ensure they are recovering well from birth, undertaking child development screening, and helping with the general mental and physical wellbeing of all the family members under their care
  • Providing support to new parents who may need additional advice on feeding, establishing a routine, development, and anything else that will ensure the baby is well cared for and healthy
  • Working closely with social services to ensure that any families in need of additional support are given the referrals they need, ensuring that families are cared for and protected
  • Educating and supporting families to make healthy choices and sharing the role this can have in illness prevention. This can involve support with nutrition, hygiene, and establishing other routines too
  • Health visitors can encourage to ensure their children are properly immunised and can work with parents, and their GPs, to ensure that an immunisation schedule is implemented and followed
  • Health visitors also promote general good health and will encourage parents to ensure they are eating and drinking well, taking their medications, and getting enough sleep, so that they have the energy they need to take care of their small children

Health care assistant training.

How Much Does a Health Visitor Earn

As most health visitors in the UK work within the NHS, the health visitor salary will be determined by the NHS pay band that they fall under. If you are a newly qualified health visitor, then it is likely that you will fall into band 6 and will be offered a salary of between £32,306 and £39,027. Once you have gained more experience you could progress to a specialist or senior health visitor; at this stage you will fall in NHS band 7 and your health visitor salary will increase to between £40,057 and £45,839.

It’s important to note that these figures are rough approximations rather than precise figures and that varied factors could have an impact on your earning potential. If you live in London, your salary will be subject to London weighting, for example. The number of years experience you have in your field and any additional on-the-job training you undertake could also have an impact on the salary you will receive.

If you are training to become a health visitor then you will receive a training salary, which is slightly less than that offered to a newly qualified health visitor. There are other perks to working for the NHS which should be taken into account: a generous pension scheme, paid sick leave and good maternity benefits, in addition to nationwide discounts from a variety of organisations and corporations.

Qualifications Needed for a Health Visitor

If you wish to become a health visitor then, before you can begin your training for this role, you will need to be a qualified and registered nurse or midwife. This registration must be logged with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) . If you are not already a registered nurse or midwife, therefore, the route to becoming a health visitor is a relatively long one involving registering onto a specific nursing programme. Depending on the programme you choose (and whether you do this on a part time or full-time basis) it can take anywhere between 16 months and 4 years to gain your nursing qualifications, for example.

If you already have your nursing or midwifery qualification, or once you have secured this qualification, you will need to undertake the health visitor training programme known as the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing – Health Visiting (SCPHN – HV) course. The good news is that there is no requirement to have a certain amount of experience within the nursing or midwifery fields before you start this course, so if you know you want to be a health visitor you can start this programme as soon as your initial training is completed.

The SCPHN – HV training programme courses are degree level courses: you can study for this at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. These courses take 1-2 years to complete (depending on whether you study on a full or part-time basis) and it is only when you have received this qualification that you will be able to begin to work as a health visitor.

On the Job Training

If you are a registered nurse or midwife with ambitions to become a health visitor, then it is possible to apply for a specialist community public health nurse (master’s) degree apprenticeship. This is a route to the profession that allows you to both work and earn as you achieve the qualification that you need. It usually takes 18 months to complete, and you will spend 50% of your time on academic study and 50% of your time on work-based learning. Work experience and volunteering are key if you are hoping to gain a position on one of these on-the-job training courses, as they can be incredibly competitive.

As in all medical professions, on the job training is vital when you become a health visitor as it is important to keep up to date with new innovations in the field, as well as new medical advances and practical best practice.

Professional Bodies

The main professional body you need to be aware of if you wish to be a health visitor is the nursing and midwifery council (NMC), as you cannot practice as a nurse, midwife, or health visitor in the UK unless you are registered with this professional body. To maintain your registration, you’ll have to complete revalidation every three years. In order to have your registration revalidated, you will need to complete at least 450 hours of registered practise and 35 hours of continuing professional development (CPD), which must include 20 hours of participatory learning, during the three years since your membership was last activated.

Membership to the Institute of Health Visiting (IHV) may also be beneficial. This is the professional body dedicated solely to health visiting and their members are offered a wide range of training courses, access to industry-specific research and documentation, and access to a private members area where they can communicate with other experts in their field as well as access webinars that are exclusive to members of the organisation. Joining a professional body dedicated to your specialism is a wonderful way to find out about new training opportunities and continue enhancing your career.

cache health and social care level 3

Interested in a healthcare qualification?

We offer the CACHE Level 3 Award in Health and Social Care

Learn more about our healthcare courses

Read another one of our posts

Heart disease: prevention, treatment and care strategies.

Heart Disease: Prevention, Treatment and Care Strategies

Chronic Pain Management: Techniques and Therapies

Chronic Pain Management: Techniques and Therapies

Essential Skills Every Babysitter Should Master

Essential Skills Every Babysitter Should Master

Community Health Initiatives – Promoting Wellness Locally

Community Health Initiatives – Promoting Wellness Locally

Enhancing Language Development in Early Years

Enhancing Language Development in Early Years

GCSE Maths in Everyday Life: Practical Applications You Never Knew

GCSE Maths in Everyday Life: Practical Applications You Never Knew

Acing A-Level Exams- Revision and Exam Preparation Tips

Acing A-Level Exams- Revision and Exam Preparation Tips

Balancing Work and Personal Life in Home-based Childcare

Balancing Work and Personal Life in Home-based Childcare

Save your cart?

IMAGES

  1. Health visitor CV sample, how to write a CV, resume, curriculum vitae, jobs

    health visitor job application personal statement

  2. Writing Personal Statements for the Health Professions

    health visitor job application personal statement

  3. Personal statement application examples. Example. 2022-10-21

    health visitor job application personal statement

  4. MHA Personal Statement

    health visitor job application personal statement

  5. Nursing Personal Statement Example

    health visitor job application personal statement

  6. Health visitor CV sample, how to write a CV, resume, curriculum vitae, jobs

    health visitor job application personal statement

VIDEO

  1. How Do I Study for the LSAT? Part II

  2. EAT MORE COLORED FOODS FOR INTELLIGENCE: FP MENSAH

  3. BEST CV FORMAT TO LAND AN OVERSEAS JOB

  4. Personal Statements

  5. How to Write A Personal Statement that Matters

  6. Understanding Coverage for Lab Tests & Blood Work in Visitors Travel Health Insurance

COMMENTS

  1. PDF Health Visiting Example Application

    Health Visiting Example Application . 2. IN SUPPORT OF YOUR APPLICATION - please read the excellence profile in the guidance document and give us examples from your practice of how your expertise matches the areas below. Please remember this is not a job application, we are not looking

  2. Writing the Personal Statement for Health Professions Applications

    The personal statement gives you the opportunity to present a compelling snapshot of who you are and perhaps why you want to be a doctor. Use your personal statement to say what others can't. The personal statement can be a tricky genre to master. On the one hand, you want to give the admissions committee a sense of your personality and who ...

  3. Health Visitor Personal Statement Examples

    Health Visitor Personal Statement Examples. Personal profile statement I am a highly motivated. outgoing and dedicated Health Visitor with a passion for supporting and helping people from all ages and a variety of backgrounds. I have worked for more than two years of providing excellent service to patients in hospitals.

  4. Health Visitor CV Example + Template (2024 Guide)

    One of your references must be your current or former employer, the other can be anyone who has worked with you and knows you well, such as your former manager, teacher, coach, etc. Example: Ms Claire Summers. Health Visitor Manager, Coventry Hospital. Address: 7 Station Road, Coventry, C2 3GF. Tel: 07663576088.

  5. 15 Amazing Personal Statement Examples That Stand Out

    Personal Statement Example #13. Title: A Journey to Geriatric Nursing. My path towards a career in geriatric nursing has been shaped by a unique blend of personal experiences and a deep-seated respect for the elderly. My interest in this field was first sparked during my time as a volunteer at a local nursing home.

  6. Writing Personal Statements for the Health Professions

    Personal Statements. Most applications to health professional programs will require a written personal statement. Though exact prompts will vary depending on the application, your personal statement is typically your first opportunity to share your reasons for pursuing a career in a particular healthcare path with an admissions committee.

  7. Sample supporting statements

    To help give you an idea, have a look at our sample supporting statements which have been written to correlate to a sample Person Specification. Follow the order of the Person Specification as much as possible. The samples should be used as a guide only. Your own supporting statement should be structured around the job and person specification ...

  8. Health Visitor Cover Letter Example

    Health Visitor Cover Letter Example. Sobhan Mohmand, Career Expert 28 Jun 2020. Dear Mrs Corbin, Re: Health Visitor (Ref: #779L) It is with great interest that I am applying for the Heath Visitor position at Victoria Health Centre. I am convinced, as I hope you will too, that my formal education and work experience is a perfect match for this job.

  9. Becoming a health visitor

    Health visitors play a vital role in ensuring that every child gets the best possible start in life! And the iHV supports health visitors to do just that! Membership of the iHV is open to anyone working in the area of health visiting. It is a widely recognised mark of commitment to health visiting and brings real professional benefits.

  10. Band 6 Nurse Personal Statement Examples & Tips

    Band 6 Personal Statement Example 2: "As an experienced nurse with a strong passion for patient care since a young age, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the your team. With a solid foundation in various healthcare settings, I possess the skills and knowledge necessary to provide compassionate and evidence-based care.

  11. Writing Your Personal Statement

    Before you begin your personal statement, you need to familiarize yourself with the parameters specified by your application. Depending on the application service or school, there are different requirements and expectations for the personal statement. Character Limitations. AMCAS and AACOMAS - 5,300 characters - including spaces

  12. Nursing Personal Statements: Insider Tips & Examples

    First, if you haven't already, make sure you've joined Nomad for free as either a nurse or doctor. Then follow these quick steps: Go to the "Edit Profile" section on your Profile page, and ...

  13. Personal Statement

    I currently work as a BAND5 public health nurse for Livewell Southwest, working into a developmental post in January 2023 to begin my health visitor training to then be qualified in December 2023. I absolutely love my job and always admire the Health visitors and I can't wait to finally do what they do one day.

  14. Crafting The Perfect Supporting Information Statement for NHS Job

    Online Application: Complete the application by entering accurate details about your education, professional background, and contact information. Supporting Details: This is your chance to shine. By demonstrating your suitability for the position and your alignment with NHS values, your supporting statement should support your application and ...

  15. Recruitment process for health visiting programmes: personal and

    These documents are for higher education institutions to support and inform how they recruit and select students wishing to join health visitor programmes. The documents outline the personal and ...

  16. Health visitor

    Entry requirements and training The health visitor training programme is known as the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing - Health Visiting (SCPHN - HV). It is offered at degree or Master's level. You need to be a registered midwife, adult, child, mental health or learning disability nurse to apply. The full time programme is run over 52 weeks, but you may be able to train part time ...

  17. Pre-Health

    Tu - Th 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm. Clemons Library (2nd floor) Or click here to schedule an appointment now! Your personal statement is an opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. It is the portion of the application where you get to discuss who you are and what is important to you, so take advantage of this opportunity!

  18. PDF Writing a health and social care personal statement

    Writing a health or social care personal statement is an important part of your application process, whether you are applying for a nursing, midwifery or allied health profession course. Health and social care Admissions Tutors and Course Leaders from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) share their top dos and don'ts:

  19. PDF Personal Statement Examples

    This is an entry level job. Ella Phoebe is 18 years old. Personal Statement Examples. Example 1: Ella-Phoebe. I am an outgoing person who loves interacting with and helping others. I listen and respond well, I'm reliable and responsible, and I'm a quick learner. I have always been drawn towards a career in care and chose to study Health

  20. Becoming a health visitor

    Health visitors play a vital role in ensuring that every child gets the best possible start in life! And the iHV supports health visitors to do just that! Membership of the iHV is open to anyone working in the area of health visiting. It is a widely recognised mark of commitment to health visiting and brings real professional benefits.

  21. How to Become a Health Visitor

    How Much Does a Health Visitor Earn. As most health visitors in the UK work within the NHS, the health visitor salary will be determined by the NHS pay band that they fall under. If you are a newly qualified health visitor, then it is likely that you will fall into band 6 and will be offered a salary of between £32,306 and £39,027.

  22. How To Become a Health Visitor

    3. Gain experience as a nurse or midwife. Before becoming a health visitor, it's a good idea to gain experience working as a nurse or midwife in a hospital or other medical institution. By gaining experience in your role before becoming a health visitor, you can develop your interpersonal skills and technical medical abilities.

  23. 9 winning personal statement examples for a job

    Here are some examples of personal and professional statements: 1. Personal statement for a postgraduate programme. Joan David Personal statement for master's programme in Public Policy and Administration London School of Policy 'I held my first textbook when I was a 23-year-old undergraduate.