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Writing a Band 5 Personal Statement, With Examples

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A Band 5 personal statement example is a great way to understand what is expected in your nursing application. A band 5 nurse is generally proficient and has the ability to work autonomously. When writing your personal statement, include specific examples demonstrating how you have exceeded expectations in nursing roles.

Make sure to highlight your unique skills and abilities and what distinguishes you from other applicants. Above all, ensure that your statement reflects who you are as a nurse and why you would be an excellent addition to any team.

This article outlines tips to write a high-quality band 5 personal statement and help you write one effectively.

What Is a Band 5 Nursing Personal Statement?

A band 5 nursing personal statement is an important document that showcases a potential nurse’s skills and qualifications. It is often used as a reference or application requirement by hospitals , care homes, or other health-related organizations.

The document provides additional information about the applicant, such as their education, work history, achievements, and goals related to their career in nursing. Having a well-crafted band 5 personal statement can often play a critical role in securing employment opportunities within the field of nursing.

What Is Unique About Band 5 Nurses?

Band 5 nurses are responsible for providing basic nursing care to patients. This includes tasks such as taking patient vitals, administering medication and treatments, and assisting with other medical procedures.

They also provide emotional support to patients and their families and help maintain a positive environment in the hospital or clinic setting. To be successful in this role, you need strong communication skills, compassion for others, and a dedication to providing high-quality care.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Personal Statement

Below are some valuable tips for writing a nursing personal statement:

• Ensure your personal statement is well-written and error-free. A sloppy or poorly written personal statement will likely count against you, no matter how good your qualifications otherwise may be.
• Start early and allow yourself time to write a strong essay. Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing; it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to produce your best work under pressure.
• Tailor your statement specifically for the nursing program(s) you are applying to. Research the requirements of each program carefully so that you can highlight relevant experience and skills in your essay.
• Finally, make sure your personal statement is authentic and representative of who you are. Avoid generic statements or clichés, and let the admissions committee see what makes YOU unique.

Band 5 Personal Statement Example

A nursing band 5 personal statement example is a way of understanding what is expected of you. It also shows what it will take to be competitive for a nursing job. Here’s a strong nursing personal statement example generated by the Hey INK tool.

I have always been passionate about nursing and working with children. I first discovered my interest in child nursing when I worked as a volunteer at a pediatric ward during my undergraduate degree. This experience solidified my decision to pursue a career in child nursing.

Since then, I have gained valuable experience working in various pediatric wards across the UK. In addition, I have also completed numerous modules related to child health care which has helped me develop strong core skills in this area. My educational qualifications further confirm that I am fully equipped to work as a nurse with children.

What drives me most is the desire to help children who are unwell or injured get better quickly and return to their families. Working as a nurse for children fills me with immense satisfaction. It makes me happy knowing through our efforts, we impact their life journey – no matter how small it may be!

My interest in nursing has always been quite strong. I have wanted to be a nurse since childhood because nurses are the backbone of any hospital setting. They provide essential medical care and support to patients who need it most. This is why I decided early on in my academic career that nursing would be the perfect career for me. This is a field where I could make a real difference in people’s lives.

I pursued this dream by studying Nursing at University. And during this time worked as an intern at St George’s Hospital in the intensive unit care ward. This experience was invaluable, as it allowed me to develop hands-on skills which will be vital in my future nursing career. I also gained qualifications such as First Aid certificates and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification. It stands me in good stead for working as a nurse.

My work experience at St George’s Hospital has taught me many valuable lessons about success in this profession. Integrity, empathy, and dedication top that list! As someone with strong ethical values, these are precisely the qualities that drew me towards nursing. And nursing is a field where upholding patient dignity is paramount above everything else. It is clear to see then why nursing holds so much value to me and my dedication to pursuing a career as a nurse.

Nurturing patients back to health is a rewarding but challenging role. If you’re dedicated to pursuing a career as a nurse, make sure to write a compelling personal statement for the position.

This article provides practical tips to help you write a Band 5 nursing personal statement with examples to use as guidance.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Creating an effective personal statement for RNAs

Director of Nurse Education, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Roehampton

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Organisations are starting to redesign services to meet the changing health needs of the local community and align with the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan ( NHS England, 2023 ). These changes are creating new roles within a variety of settings, opening up the job market for the registered nursing associate (RNA). Applying for a new job can be a daunting and competitive process; standing out from the crowd is an essential criterion for success. When marketing yourself to potential employers, it is important to demonstrate that you have the qualities, skills and attributes they require, to convince them that you are the best person for the job.

Do your research

In the first instance when considering a new job, it is important to be sure it is what you want and where you want to work. If it is with a new employer, do your research: find out about its values and culture. As a health or social care provider, review its most recent Care Quality Commission report; review the latest news and developments shared on both its website and social media platforms. This will not only give an insight into it as a potential employer but also help with tailoring your personal statement and preparing for interview. More specifically, when considering the role, consider the job description and the person specification – is it clear what the role involves and what skills are required to undertake the role?

Adverts often include a contact person for an informal discussion; this is a great opportunity to interview them as a potential employer and get answers to questions about the organisation or the role. As an RNA, enquire about RNA roles in other departments and see how the role is being used across the organisation; it may even be possible to speak with an RNA already in post.

Applying for a role

The application form will consist of standard questions on previous employment and education. It is the personal statement section that provides the opportunity to showcase your skills and experience and to explain why you are the best candidate for the role. It is important to keep it concise and focused on the requirements of the role and to highlight how your skills and experience match these requirements.

Throughout the personal statement, reference should be made to the requirements of the job description and the personal specification. Take words and phrases from these to make it easier for the employer to see clearly how you are demonstrating the requirements of the role. Highlight your achievements and provide examples of how you have added value to previous roles. Use specific, measurable examples that demonstrate your skills and experience.

When looking to demonstrate performance in relation to professional practice, reflect on your previous studies, current and previous practice and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates ( NMC, 2018 ). By taking the time to reflect, you will naturally start to realise the skills and qualities you possess and identify examples that can be quoted to support a claim that you have the experience or skills required.

‘Examples of how you have used your teamwork and collaborative skills could include taking the lead in a project or activity, resolving conflicts, or encouraging others to achieve a common goal’

Demonstrate your skills

Some of the skills you will identify will be specific; for example, recording 12-lead ECGs if working in a cardiology department. However, other skills will be non-specific; these are equally important and often referred to as transferable skills.

Transferable skills are identified within the NMC standards for RNAs ( NMC, 2018 ) but can often be overlooked by people focusing on practical skills. The modern job market values individuals who can adapt to changing circumstances and continuously learn and develop. The journey from health or social care support worker to RNA will have supported this development. As an RNA, the journey through academia will have exposed you to various subjects, teaching methods, and learning environments, developing your ability to adapt and acquire transferable skills.

Whether through considering case studies, research projects or practical assignments, you will have encountered and resolved various challenges, therefore developing strong problem-solving abilities. Providing examples will demonstrate analytical thinking and the ability to consider creative solutions. These could include an instance where you identified a problem, developed a strategy, and implemented it effectively within your practice or your studies. Linked to this may be how you have honed your teamwork and collaborative skills through completing group projects on your academic journey.

Many job roles within health and social care require employees to work effectively in teams. Examples of how you have developed and used your teamwork and collaborative skills could include taking the lead in a project or activity, resolving conflicts, or encouraging others to achieve a common goal.

Demonstrating excellent organisational and time management skills will strengthen the examples of transferable skills already identified. During your studies, you would have balanced multiple assignments, exams, and extracurricular activities simultaneously. In addition, if you completed your Nursing Associate Foundation Degree as an apprentice you would have been working at the same time as studying. Ensure you identify instances where you have effectively managed your time and prioritised tasks to achieve desired outcomes. These examples will demonstrate your ability to meet deadlines and handle the demands of a professional role.

Underpinning all of this is demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and professionally. Communication skills will clearly be shown through the personal statement, not only via the examples used for all the other transferable skills but also in the presentation of the personal statement. Ensure that what has been written is presented in a professional manner in the chosen writing style and terminology used, that there is clarity of thought and proofreading has been employed.

Submitting your application

The last stage in the application process is the submission of the application. Different organisations use different approaches to this, so ensure you have checked the closing date and time and that you have left yourself sufficient time to make the application. Make sure you keep a copy of what you have written; this will be useful when preparing for interview. Interviewers may want to explore the examples you have given with you, and it is helpful if you can remember what you wrote.

A strategic approach

Selling yourself via your application and, more specifically, your personal statement involves strategically highlighting the skills you have acquired through your academic and professional journey. Research the organisation and the role, communicate clearly, demonstrate problem-solving abilities, emphasise adaptability, showcase teamwork skills, discuss time management, and express your passion.

By effectively communicating how your values and skills align with the department's needs, you can leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of securing the job. Box 1 provides some top tips on writing your personal statement. Remember, an application is not just an assessment of your qualifications, it is also an opportunity to showcase your unique strengths and potential contribution.

Box 1.Personal statement top tips

• Tailor your personal statement to the job description
• Think about transferable skills, not just practical ones
• Use active words to give impact
• Give examples, not just sweeping statements
• Highlight positive things that only you can bring
• Proofread for errors, clarity and fluency

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How To Write A Personal Statement For A Nursing Course Application

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Writing your personal statement will take time, effort and several revisions before you can submit it, so don’t leave it right up until the deadline to start work on it.

Putting together a high quality nursing personal statement can be difficult, but we’ve broken it down into manageable sections below to give you some ideas of how to get started., start with who you are.

Your personal statement is your chance to talk directly to the course admissions officer about who you are, what motivates you, and why you should be chosen for a place in the branch of nursing you’ve applied for.

If you've worked in healthcare previously, you can definitely give details of your experiences to back up your reasons for applying.

Be specific about how your work has affected your decision to apply and why you feel suited to progressing your career in nursing .

Give practical examples of your interactions with nurses, and how they may have influenced your decision to apply.

Check out Eniola's advice on applying to university for a student nursing degree course  - she talks about applying through UCAS and interviews!

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Relevant experience and skills

Everyone has skills and experience that can be applied in a nursing environment, even if they weren’t acquired in a healthcare setting.

Here are some examples of skills and qualities that can be applied in nursing:

1. Communication - it is a vital skill that every nurse must possess. The ability to convey information in a concise and clear manner with both colleagues, patients and their family.

You could use examples from previous work to demonstrate this; maybe a difficult situation with a customer while working in a retail job that you managed to diffuse and resolve.

2. Organisation - another essential skill is to maintain an organised routine in a very busy environment, and often under pressure. Think of another situation where you worked under pressure in a logical fashion.

Here you could maybe talk about your time management of juggling a-levels with a part-time job, or your access to nursing course with a family.

• Applying to university for a student nursing degree course

• How to get into nursing schools in the UK

• How to get into Nursing at University

3. Advocacy - this is the active support of those in your care. It’s a specific point in the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code and you should address how you will be an advocate for your patients when you become a nurse in your personal statement.

Your ambitions and career goals in nursing

The competition for nursing course places in every branch at every university is fierce, and consequently they want to ensure the places go to candidates who genuinely want to become a nurse, and are motivated to pursue their career in nursing.

Even if you don’t have a specific nursing role you would like to attain in your career, you should go into some detail about what sort of environment you could see yourself working in.

Upload or create your CV on Nurses.co.uk. Our CV building tool is designed specifically for UK healthcare. Use it to apply for jobs and get hired.

Things to watch out for

Check any documentation from the university to see if there is a word limit set for a personal statement.

You don’t want to risk your application not being considered because your personal statement is too long.

If you’re applying through UCAS, they set their own character limit, so make sure you stick to it.

Send your application in before the deadline; the earlier the better. This means you need to start work on your personal statement as soon as you decide to apply.

Some courses will close applications before the given deadline if they’ve filled all their places, so you don’t want to miss out because you procrastinated.

It’s by far the most time consuming part of the application process, and it will undoubtedly require revisions prior to submission.

Don’t feel you have to write in a ‘forced’ way. It’s easy to feel insecure if you don’t feel you can write well, but it’s worse if you feel you have to write in an unfamiliar way just to sound more academic.

It’s important it comes from you and your experiences, and if you can get the reader interested in you as a person from the very beginning, you’ll be in with a better chance of getting an interview.

A personal statement should be just that - personal.

Any employer, or university in particular, could check your statement using specialist plagiarism software that detects whether or not you’ve directly lifted text from someone else.

If they discover you have copied someone else’s work, you could be rejected by that university or employer for this or any future place.

So, the message is, make it personal to you.

About the author

I qualified as a Mental Health Nurse (RMN) in August of 2018 and started as a newly qualified nurse shortly after. On top of nursing I juggle creating content for both my YouTube channel and blog.

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Are you applying for a new nursing role, but stuck on what to write in your personal statement for your CV? Here is our expert advice on what to include and how to present your knowledge, skills and experience to create an excellent first impression.

Personal statements give you the chance to showcase what you’re all about and where your talents lie. We recommend using this personal profile to promote your strengths, achievements and key skills. Use this 100-150 words to provide examples of how you match the job specifications, and show your desire for this nursing vacancy.

You can also check out our full guide on  how to write a personal statement  for more information.

What to include in your nursing personal statement

Activity - Where have you gained nursing experience?

• Working on surgical ward with patients before they receive surgery.
• Department of Medicine for the Elderly.

Skills - What have you done?

• Developed my communication skills by working closely with other nurses and doctors and by interacting with patients of all ages.
• Developed my organisation skills by arranging the discharge of patients, liaising with the multidisciplinary team.

Evidence - Give examples of your experiences

• Managing group of patients waiting for surgery. I had to organise pre-operative care, ensuring that patients were prepared for theatre. I was responsible for discussing each patient’s post-operative needs and answer important questions they had about their surgery. It was important to pay attention to every patient and reassure them with the correct information.
• I was able to plan patients discharge after discussing the patient’s condition with the rest of the medical team treating them. Helped to keep accurate results and updates of the patients’ conditions.

Example Nursing Personal Statement

A dedicated and compassionate nurse with a first class honours degree from the University of Manchester and over five years of nursing experience. I am highly focused on providing the best possible care for patients and ensuring they are comfortable and receiving the correct pain relief. I am exceptionally organised and have excellent time management skills meaning that I work well under pressure and can manage the needs of individual patients effectively. From working at East Surrey Hospital, I developed my communication skills from discussing post-operative care and answering patients’ questions about their upcoming operations and provide reassurance. I pride myself on my professionalism and carrying out every duty to the highest standards, resulting in patience confidence and trust.

Need guidance on how to structure the rest of your CV? Check out our  Nursing CV Template.

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• Dental Nurse CV Template
• How to Write a CV
• Personal Statement Examples

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6 New Grad Nurse Cover Letter Examples + How To Write

Finding your first nursing position after graduation can be a daunting task. Knowing what steps to take to find your dream job will help propel you toward your goal of gainful employment as an RN. Once you have prepared an excellent resume, be aware that you have one final action to take in the application process; that of a persuasive cover letter. You may be unclear about how to write an exceptional cover letter and wonder what are some excellent examples of new grad cover letters? Using a professionally prepared cover letter as a guide is a great way to learn how to compose a top-notch document. Read the following article “6 best new grad nurse cover letter examples + how to write” for recommendations that will help you get started on your best ever nursing cover letter without stress.

What Exactly Is A New Grad Nurse Cover Letter?

How is a new grad nurse cover letter different from an experienced nurse cover letter, 4 reasons why an excellent cover letter makes a difference to new grad nurses, 1. nurses are professional-, 2. leads to an interview-, 3. expands on resume-, 4. you may be up against experienced nurses-, what are some excellent examples of new grad nurse cover letters, example #1: cover letter of diane joyner, what makes this an excellent new grad registered nurse cover letter:, example #2: cover letter of jan bock, example #3: cover letter of joan zimmerman, example #4: cover letter of lizzie arndt, what makes this an excellent new grad registered nurse cover letter: new grad nurse cover letter examples, example #5: cover letter of lynn horton, example #6: cover letter of paul linney, how to write an excellent new grad rn cover letter, 1. heading-.

• Your Name and Contact Information • The date • The recipient's name and address

2. Opening Paragraph-

• Your professional credentials (RN or BSN) • Which specific job you are applying for • A few brief points about why you are a great fit • Why you want to work for this particular institution or position

3. Background-

4. qualifications-.

• Specific clinical experience • Other job or volunteer transferable experience • " Soft skills " such as communication, leadership, group experience, compassion, and problem-solving

5. Closing Paragraph and Sign-Off-

6. don't just reiterate your resume-, 7. outshine with your willingness to learn-, 8. detail why you want the job-, 9. showcase your exceptional side-, 10. fashion the letter to the exact position-, 11. show your passion-.

• Adaptability • Ease with technology • Willing to accept change • Eager and positive attitude • Fresh perspective

12. Proof Read-

7 common mistakes to avoid when writing your new grad nurse cover letter, 1. too general-, 2. improper format-, 3. too wordy-, 4. duplicate resume-, 5. not selling yourself to the job-, 6. too informal-, 7. spelling and grammar errors-, 3 consequences of a poorly written new grad rn cover letter, 1. you may not be granted an interview-, 2. you may misrepresent yourself-, 3. compensation and opportunities may be compromised-, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. what is the difference between new grad nurse cover letter and new grad nurse cv, 2. is a cover letter necessary for a new grad nurse, 3. can i use the same cover letter for all new grad nurse positions i'm applying for, 4. how many cover letters do i need when applying for new grad nurse job positions, 5. can my new grad nurse cover letter expire, 6. my new grad nurse job applications says a cover letter is optional, should i still submit one, 7. do cover letters for new grad nurses have to be long, 8. as a new grad nurse, when should i write my cover letter, 9. what should be included in a new grad nursing cover letter.

• Heading • Salutation • Opening paragraph of who you are and your intentions for which specific job • Background paragraph, where you highlight your education and clinical experience • Qualification paragraph, which is used to “sell” the employer on your qualities and abilities as a nurse • Closing paragraph and sign-off

10. What Should Not Be Included In A New Grad Nursing Cover Letter?

11. how much time does it take to write a cover letter for a new grad nurse, 12. can i ask someone else to write my new grad nurse cover letter, 13. is it a good idea to use ready templates to write my new grad nurse cover letter, 14. are there any online apps or tools that make writing a good cover letter for a new grad nurse easy.

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Applying for jobs 

Now that you're coming to the end of your nurse training it's probably time to start thinking about making your first career move. make sure you're job ready with our helpful hints and tips., be job-ready , organise your cv and portfolio now.

Don’t wait until you’ve got a job application deadline looming over you. Prepare your CV and portfolio in advance now.

A lot of employers give a very narrow window in which to apply, with some vacancies closing early if a lot of applications are received. Such a deadline may fall within the same week as a jam-packed placement or right before an essay due date. The more you can do in advance in the better. We've got advice on writing your first CV  including CV samples, and advice  writing job applications , including a sample supporting statement for newly qualified nurses .

Informal visits

Try and arrange an informal visit to a workplace before you apply for posts there. Not only can it make you stand out and look keen, but it's a perfect opportunity to get a real feel for the work culture and environment.

Prepare some questions to ask for when you do visit. You could ask people what they like about working there, or ask questions about the preceptorship programme.

Research your employers

Always research your employers. It’s likely that they will be involved in projects, pilots, initiatives, etc. Maybe they’ve just recently opened a new service or department. Asking questions or talking these through during informal visits, applications and interviews could win you brownie points.

Also look to see if they’ve got any company values or visions. These will give you vital clues as to what the organisation is looking for in a candidate, and likely to reflect the framework for their recruitment scoring system. 

Make sure it’s the right job for you

Choose a job that is right for you, your skill set, your personality and your values. You might want to have a look at our career values worksheet to help you identify and reflect on what your values are.

It's important to identify the level and depth of support you will be offered if you are successful in securing a job, and c heck what resources there are to help you with your transition from student to newly qualified nurse. You'll want an employer that can offer you a robust preceptorship programme and nurturing learning environment. 

Keep up to date with healthcare initiatives

Employers may ask you about healthcare initiatives during interview and will expect you to know. Could you explain what the Francis Report was? What do you know about the “duty of candour?” Do you know what the 6 C’s are?

Use the RCN’s news and events , magazines ,  publications , campaigns  and professional networks  to help you keep up to date and in the loop.

Get social media savvy

Social media can be a great way of keeping up with healthcare news and initiatives, networking and even finding jobs. It’s imperative however that your social media profile or presence is professional and appropriate, as you're expected to uphold the reputation  of the nursing profession at all times.

Double check all of your privacy settings and make sure that any photos, content and/or views expressed are in line with the NMC code and local policies. It’s recommended that you run your name and/or any usernames past a search engine to check what comes up. 

Job specification and supporting statement

Job applications .

The process for submitting a job application varies greatly depending on the job and the employer. 

If you’re applying for jobs in the public sector or with larger private sector organisations, you will probably find a Person Specification and Job Description included within the job application pack. The Person Specification will outline which skills, qualifications, experience and/or attributes the employer is looking for in a candidate. You may be asked to write a Supporting Statement,  in which you'll have to demonstrate that you meet the desired criteria, and essentially show the employer why you'd be the best person for the job.

Alternatively, you may be applying for jobs with smaller private sector employers, (e.g. general practice, nursing home, independent company, etc) who require  you to submit a CV and covering letter.

Before you start

Make sure you read everything carefully. As well as examining the job advert itself, there may also be documents you'll need to read such as:

• A Person Specification (PS)
• A Job Description (JD)
• Company / Organisational values
• Instructions on how to apply

Leave yourself plenty of time to do your application because it may take a few hours. Furthermore, employers sometimes pull applications before the deadline if the job has had a lot of interest.

If there is no person specification 

If you’re applying for jobs with smaller companies in the private sector, or independent employers, (e.g. general practice, nursing homes, etc) then there may not be a person specification or job description. There might not even be a formal job application process at all. Instead, the job advert may contain very limited detail, or small paragraph about the job and ask you to send in a CV.

In this instance you’ll need to study the job advert to identify any skills/experience/qualities the employer does mention, so that you can evidence them in your application or covering letter. If you have particular skills or qualities that haven’t been mentioned in the advert, but you think would be attractive or useful to the employer, then you can of course include them.

If information is scarce, contact the employer to ask for an informal chat, or to arrange an informal visit. This can be the perfect chance to get more information about the job which you can use to your advantage when you later apply. You might want to ask questions such as:

• What sort of skills or experience would the ideal candidate have?
• Can you tell me a little more about what the role would entail?
• Can you tell me a little about the company/home/practice?

Arranging an informal chat or visit can also make you come across as enthusiastic or proactive, not to mention you'll be more memorable later on when the employer is shortlisting.

If you have to submit a CV, you should attach a covering letter as well, explaining why you think you're a good candidate for the job. See the CV writing  page for advice on both CV writing and covering letters. 

If the job advert includes a person specification

If you’re applying for jobs in the NHS or larger private sector organisations, you should find a person specification and job description included within the advert. 

You'll be expected to submit a, "supporting statement," as part of the application, in which you'll need to demonstrate how you meet the requirements for that job and essentially convince the employer why you'd be a good candidate for the job.

Your suitability for the post will be judged on how well your application and supporting statement tally up to the person specification, and to some extent, the job description. 

Writing your supporting statement

Essentially, think of the person specification as a checklist for your supporting statement. Candidates who can demonstrate they are the best or closest match will be the ones shortlisted for the next stage of recruitment, so make sure you've covered all the criteria listed.

You could draw examples from: 

• Current or previous roles within the healthcare industry 
• Current or previous roles from outside the healthcare industry 
• Volunteering roles 
• Previous learning / shadowing 
• University modules / essays / placements 
• Research / project work 
• Engagement with professional networks / forums / events / RCN congress 
• Advocacy / activist experience 
• Life experience (e.g. caring for a relative, personal experience as a patient yourself, doing a personal project, fundraising, etc)

Don’t be tempted to just leave something out because you’re struggling to think of an example, or don’t think you have the skills or experience required; it’s really important that you think about your  transferable skills .

As an absolute last resort, if you really can’t evidence something listed in the person specification, it's better to address it somehow than not at all. Write a small paragraph to convey your understanding of this particular point, identify how you would develop in this area, convey any desire, interest or passion you might have for learning this skill / acquiring this qualification / gaining this experience, list any steps taken to address any gaps, or talk about any research / preparation you’ve done.

Introducing your supporting statement

Aim to write a strong, punchy and meaningful introduction to start your supporting statement. Ideally it will excite and engage the reader, encouraging them to want to read more.

An employer wants to know that you are enthusiastic about the role, and not just applying for any job. Try and make sure your supporting statement conveys why this particular position and employer appeals to you, along with any personal reasons you have for applying.  If you have been on placement there or arranged an informal visit, mention this and say what you gained from the experience. 

If you're not sure what to write about, you may want to ask yourself:

• Why you're applying for the role
• What inspired you to become a healthcare professional
• What your nursing philosophy is
• Why you've chosen this particular employer or organisation 
• Why you'd be the best person for the job 
• What experience/skills/knowledge you have 
• What your strengths are
• What you're like as a colleague 
• What you could bring to the role or job

Structuring your Supporting Statement

It’s recommended that you write your supporting statement so that it follows the same order as the person specification as much as possible.

Make it clear which attribute within the person specification you’re addressing and demonstrating and consider using headings. Not only will this make life easier for the person shortlisting, but it will avoid the risk of them accidentally missing something.

As well as the content of your statement, employers may also be looking at things like: 

• Written communication skills (grammar, spelling, punctuation, language, etc)
• How your application is organised
• If you’ve followed the instructions properly
• Your ability to present your examples or evidence in a meaningful but concise way 

Do you meet the criteria?

Evidencing you meet the criteria  .

The majority of the job applications within the healthcare industry will be "competency based." This means employers want to see  practical examples   or evidence  that show you meet the criteria and competencies outlined in the job advert and person specification.

When you address the criteria within the person specification make sure you have given specific examples to demonstrate how you have the skill / competency / knowledge in question. 

Don't make unsubstantiated statements like, "I have excellent communication skills." Instead, explain why and how, using examples and evidence to back up your claims.

It’s also important that wherever possible you make your examples directly relevant to the duties, responsibilities or tasks listed in the job description.

Using the example Person Specification and Job Description below, let's look at the different ways in which an applicant could evidence the criteria, "Experience of delivering presentations," within their Supporting Statement.

Example 1: No examples or evidence

"I have excellent presentation skills and am proficient in using presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint."

• This is a bad example because it's vague, non-specific and wouldn’t give the employer much insight into the skills and experience of the candidate. Effectively, anybody could write this, and there’s no evidence or examples to back up the claim.

Example 2: Evidence of competency 

• This is a good example because it's backed up with examples / evidence that show the applicant possesses the skills required. 

Example 3: Evidence of competency that relates to the job description 

• This is a good example because it's backed up with examples / evidence. In addition, it's also relevant to the job description. The job description specifies that that whoever gets the post will be expected to deliver presentations to colleagues and the multi disciplinary team. By using examples that are relevant to the job, you are showing the employer that you are the best match.

Glossary of terms and supporting statement checklist

Job description - a list of the tasks, duties and responsibilities of the role. this could also include the scope, working conditions, reporting relationships, and purpose of the role, etc. .

Person Specification - A list of criteria (skills, qualifications, experience, personal qualities, knowledge, etc.) needed to do the job. Commonly presented in the form of a table, or sometimes as a list of bullet points. (Could also be called 'selection criteria,' or, 'role specification.') Job application - The application or process where you're required to complete and submit information in order to apply for a job. E.g. personal details, qualifications, educational institutes attended, details about past jobs and employers, your immigration status, criminal record, declarations, etc. You may also be asked to write a supporting statement. Supporting Statement - A written statement where you as the candidate demonstrate to the employer how and why you meet the requirements for the job. (Could also be called 'personal statement' or 'supporting information.')

Supporting Statement checklist

• Have you addressed all criteria listed in the person specification?
• Have you provided examples or evidence for each criteria listed?
• Where possible, are your examples relevant to the job description?
• Where possible, do your examples tie in with the organisation's values?
• Have you made your statement as concise as possible?
• Have you proof read and spell checked your statement?

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..

Supporting statements 

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
• Try to let your passion, interest and personality shine through where possible
• When writing your statement, always imagine you're being asked the question, "Why should we hire you?"
• Always run a spelling and grammar check and get someone to proof read it for you

Sample supporting statement

Job search .

How and where to start searching for jobs, networking and using social media.

Our online advice pages on interviews contain advice on interview techniques to help you prepare and practice for the big day

We've got advice on writing your first CV, a step by step guide on how to construct a CV, example CVs and CV templates you can use. Members can also have their CV checked by the RCN Careers team.

Working in a health care support role in paid employment or voluntary work

You may undertake a health care support role but you should not undertake any role which is beyond your competence/skill base. Please see our information for  healthcare assistants (HCAs) and assistant practitioners (APs).

Before agreeing to work as a health care assistant you should:

• discuss any arrangements with your clinical supervisor
• be paid a rate for the job
• ensure that any nursing bank or agency specifies the basis of your attendance
• have access to all locally agreed provisions / terms and conditions of service as other employees. 

It should be clearly understood by all staff that you are working as a health care assistant and not in a nursing student capacity.

Even though you will not be working by virtue of your status as a student nurse, you should still follow the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) guidance for student nurses available from the  NMC website .

Working in a health care support role as a nursing student

As a nursing student, you should not be rostered to work on the ward or within the sphere of nursing  as a nurse .

Students are placed on the ward or within a sphere of nursing to undertake a clinical placement and meet certain learning needs. You should not be placed in a situation where adequate levels of support cannot be guaranteed. You are not placed 'to make up the numbers'.

If you are concerned that you are being required to carry out nursing duties, please contact us .

About to graduate?

Download this guide for student nurses just about to graduate.

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CV writing for student nurses and newly qualified nurses

Writing a cv can be difficult at the best of times, but if you’re applying for your first ever nursing job it can be even trickier to know where to start. , if you're a student or newly qualified nurse looking for advice on how to make your cv stand out from the crowd, the rcn's career service can help., your first nursing cv.

Many students and newly qualified nurses worry that they won’t have adequate experience or skills to impress employers and compete with rival candidates. 

First of all, you  have  got experience, and lots of it. Think about all you’ve learnt at university through your lectures, assignments, research, presentations, studying and your dissertation. Then think about all the knowledge gained during your variety of placements, the coaching and support you received from your colleagues and mentors, and the skills, competencies, and lessons learnt first-hand whilst caring for your patients. What’s more, all this knowledge is fresh in your mind and ready to be put into practice. 

You will bring a positive and enthusiastic approach, along with passion, determination and an eagerness to learn; an asset to any employer. 

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Newly Qualified Nurse CV example

Congratulations, you’re now a qualified nurse, that’s very exciting! But now you need to update your CV to reflect this.

If you’re not sure where to start or you’re worried that your limited experience might hold you back, let us take care of you for once.

In our detailed guide below, we’ll share our top tips for writing an impressive application, and you’ll also find a newly qualified nurse CV example for extra support.

CV templates 

Newly Qualified Nurse CV example

This CV example demonstrates the type of info you should be including within your Newly Qualified Nurse CV, as well as how to format and layout the content in a way which looks professional and is easy for time-strapped recruiters to read.

This is the look and feel you should be aiming for, so remember to refer back to it throughout your CV writing process.

Newly Qualified Nurse CV layout and format

First impressions count, so a sloppy, disorganised CV may cause your CV to be overlooked..

Instead, perfect the format and structure of your CV by working to a clear logical structure and applying some simple formatting tricks to ease readability.

Don’t underestimate the importance of this step; if your CV lacks readability, your written content won’t even be seen.

Tips for formatting your Newly Qualified Nurse CV

• Length: Your CV should always be limited to two sides of A4, regardless of whether you have a year or three decades of experience. With recruiters juggling multiple responsibilities, they don’t have time to sift through lengthy applications.
• Readability : By clearly formatting your section headings (bold, or a different colour font, do the trick) and breaking up big chunks of text into snappy bullet points, time-strapped recruiters will be able to skim through your CV with ease.
• Design: It’s generally best to stick to a simple CV design, as funky or elaborate designs rarely add any value to your application. A clear, modern font and a subtle colour scheme work perfectly and allow your skills, experience and achievements to speak for themselves.
• Photos: Recruiters can’t factor in appearance, gender or race into the recruitment process, so a profile photo is not usually needed. However, creative employers do like to see them, so you can choose to include one if you think it will add value to your CV .

Quick tip: Creating a professional CV style can be difficult and time-consuming when using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. To create a winning CV quickly, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder and use one of their eye-catching professional CV templates.

CV structure

For easy reading, write your CV to the following CV structure:

• Contact details – Make it easy for recruiters to get in touch with you by listing your contact details at the top of your CV.
• Profile – A short and snappy summary of your experience and skills, showcasing what makes you a good fit for the position.
• Work experience / career history – Note down all your work history, with your current position first, then working backwards.
• Education – A short list of your academic background and professional/vocational qualifications.
• Interest and hobbies – This is an optional section, which you can use to highlight any relevant hobbies or interests.

Now you understand the basic layout of a CV, here’s what you should include in each section of yours.

Contact Details

Write your contact details in the top corner of your CV, so that they’re easy to find but don’t take up too much space.

You only need to list your basic details, such as:

• Mobile number
• Email address
• Location – Don’t list your full address. Your town or city, such as ‘Norwich’ or ‘Coventry’ is perfect.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – Remember to update these before listing them on an application.

Newly Qualified Nurse CV Profile

Recruiters and hiring managers are busy, so it’s essential to catch their attention from the get-go.

A strong introductory profile (or personal statement , for junior candidates) at the top of the CV is the first thing they’ll read, so it’s a great chance to make an impression.

It should be a short but punchy summary of your key skills, relevant experience and accomplishments.

Ultimately, it should explain why you’re a great fit for the role you’re applying for and inspire recruiters to read the rest of your CV.

CV profile writing tips:

• Make it short and sharp: The best CV profiles are short, sharp and highly relevant to the target role. For this reason, it’s best to write 3-4 lines of high-level information, as anything over might be missed.
• Tailor it: No matter how much time you put into your CV profile, it won’t impress if it’s irrelevant to the role you’re applying for. Before you start writing, make a list of the skills, knowledge and experience your target employer is looking for. Then, make sure to mention them in your CV profile and throughout the rest of your application.
• Don’t add an objective: Leave your career objectives or goals out of your profile. You only have limited space to work with, so they’re best suited to your cover letter .
• Avoid generic phrases: Clichés like “ blue-sky thinker with a go-getter attitude” might sound impressive to you, but they don’t actually tell the recruiter much about you. Concentrate on highlighting hard facts and skills, as recruiters are more likely to take these on board.

Example CV profile for Newly Qualified Nurse

What to include in your newly qualified nurse cv profile.

• Experience overview: Recruiters will want to know what type of companies you’ve worked for, industries you have knowledge of, and the type of work you’ve carried out in the past, so give them a summary of this in your profile.
• Targeted skills: Employers need to know what skills you can bring to their organisation, and ideally they want to see skills that match their job vacancy. So, research your target roles thoroughly and add the most important Newly Qualified Nurse skills to your profile.
• Key qualifications: If you have any qualifications which are highly relevant to Newly Qualified Nurse jobs, then highlight them in your profile so that employers do not miss them.

Quick tip: If you are finding it difficult to write an attention-grabbing CV profile, choose from hundreds of pre-written profiles across all industries, and add one to your CV with one click in our quick-and-easy CV Builder . All profiles are written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

To ensure that your most relevant skills catch the eye of readers, create a core skills section below your profile.

This section should be presented in 2-3 columns of bullet points highlighting your applicable skills. Before crafting this section, carefully examine the job description and create a list of any required skills, specialisms, or knowledge.

Use this list to include the necessary information in your section and present yourself as the ideal match for the position.

Important skills for your Newly Qualified Nurse CV

Patient assessment and care planning – Assessing patients’ physical and mental health, developing a care plan and communicating this to the patient and the care team.

Medication administration – Utilising knowledge of medication dosages, routes of administration and accurately administering medication to patients.

Basic life support – Utilising knowledge of basic life support techniques and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in emergency situations.

Infection control – Utilising knowledge of infection control practices and procedures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings.

Wound care – Assessing, cleaning, and dressing wounds using appropriate techniques and materials to promote healing and prevent infection.

Clinical documentation – Completing accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, care plans and interventions in electronic health records or other clinical systems.

Cross-functional collaboration – Working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide safe and high-quality care to patients.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy CV Builder has thousands of in-demand skills for all industries and professions, that can be added to your CV in seconds – This will save you time and ensure you get noticed by recruiters.

Work experience section

By now, you’ll have hooked the reader’s attention and need to show them how you apply your skills and knowledge in the workplace, to benefit your employers.

So, starting with your most recent role and working backwards to your older roles, create a thorough summary of your career history to date.

If you’ve held several roles and are struggling for space, cut down the descriptions for your oldest jobs.

Structuring each job

Recruiters will be keen to gain a better idea of where you’ve worked and how you apply your skill-set in the workplace.

However, if they’re faced with huge, hard-to-read paragraphs, they may just gloss over it and move onto the next application.

To avoid this, use the simple 3-step role structure, as shown below:

Start with a brief summary of your role as a whole, as well as the type of company you worked for.

Key responsibilities

Using easy-to-read bullet points, note down your day-to-day responsibilities in the role.

Make sure to showcase how you used your hard sector skills and knowledge.

Key achievements

Lastly, add impact by highlight 1-3 key achievements  that you made within the role.

Struggling to think of an achievement? If it had a positive impact on your company, it counts.

For example, you might increased company profits, improved processes, or something simpler, such as going above and beyond to solve a customer’s problem.

Sample job description for Newly Qualified Nurse CV

Deliver high-quality, safe, and compassionate care in a variety of specialties, for one of the largest integrated providers of acute and community health services with five hospitals and 40+ community bases that delivers outstanding care for local people.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform a range of care assignments under the direct oversight of seasoned nurses and doctors.
• Carry out examinations and other diagnostic tests to identify the cause of mental and physical ailments.
• Determine appropriate interventions based on knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, clinical practices, and pharmacology.
• Encourage individuals to participation in therapeutic activities, as well as instruct patients in treatment methods prescribed by practitioners.

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy CV Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education and qualifications

At the bottom of your CV is your full education section. You can list your formal academic qualifications, such as:

• GCSE’s

As well as any specific nursing qualifications that are essential to the jobs you are applying for. Note down the name of the qualification, the organisation at which you studied, and the date of completion.

Hobbies and interests

The hobbies and interests CV section isn’t mandatory, so don’t worry if you’re out of room by this point.

However, if you have an interesting hobby , or an interest that could make you seem more suitable for the role, then certainly think about adding.

Be careful what you include though… Only consider hobbies that exhibit skills that are required for roles as a Newly Qualified Nurse, or transferable workplace skills.

There is never any need to tell employers that you like to watch TV and eat out.

A strong, compelling CV is essential to get noticed and land interviews with the best employers.

To ensure your CV stands out from the competition, make sure to tailor it to your target role and pack it with sector-specific skills and results.

Remember to triple-check for spelling and grammar errors before hitting send.

Good luck with the job search!

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What to include in a Personal Statement

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Personal statement example adult nursing personal statement.

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Adult Nursing Personal Statement

I have always been eager to pursue a career where it’s my job to care and fend for people that are unable to care for themselves efficiently. Nursing is very challenging and demanding, however, I believe that it is also very rewarding. I have also come to understand that a career in nursing is about compassion, courage, communication, competence, care and commitment. I believe I have all these values and skills and I believe I am ready to make a difference to people and assist them and their families through difficult times when they are feeling at their lowest. The role of nursing is ever-changing as nurses are now more involved in the welfare of patients. I believe I am ready to take on this challenge and I am hopeful that the opportunities I receive will help develop my skills which in time will help further my career.

To better explore a career in nursing, I took the initiative to undertake a week-long work experience placement in St Georges’ hospital, in the Intensive Care Unit. On my placement I was given the opportunity to shadow doctors and nurses to see what they do in a typical day. I developed my communication skills as well as my empathetic skills. I was able to ‘’put myself in the patients shoes’’ in order to understand how they were feeling. I had to use this skill quite regularly as patients in the intensive care unit have life threatening illness/injuries and are in a large amount of pain.

Nurses need to have high attention to detail as they need to be able to notice any changes in the condition of the patient. I developed this skill while doing work experience in a pharmacy. I had to help the chemists dispense medication to customers, this required speed and accuracy. I had to make sure that the customers were given the right medication at the right dosage. The results of a overdose could be devastating.

The ability to keep calm under difficult, high pressure situations is an essential skill for a nurse to have. I developed this skill while taking part in the Hebe Foundation's Junior Apprentice, where we were presented with problems and provide a solution before the deadline. I learnt that you have to take initiative to resolve situations such as clients' needs and ensure the best possible outcome for each client. I understand that no day of work in a hospital is going to be exactly the same. Every day I will meet new people and I will have to work with different situations, sometimes things won’t go to plan and I have to be ready to ‘’think on my feet’’ in order to solve a unexpected situation quickly and calmly.

On a family holiday to Guyana, I was able to experience what healthcare was like in a developing country. The conditions were devastating; the nurses there were unable to attend to the patients’ needs and the general condition of the hospital was terrible. There was a shortage of beds many patients had to sleep on the floor even mothers with their new-borns. This broke my heart. My experience in there made me promise to myself that one day I will become a nurse and make sure that people that are ill are looked after in the best way possible.

I've practiced Shotokan Karate for over 5 years and competed nationally, in karate I learnt determination, discipline and respect. These values will prove helpful in a career as a nurse.

Every day as a nurse, I know I will learn something new from my colleagues and patients, which will inspire me to explore deeper knowledge of the techniques and procedures I use. I understand that nursing is not an easy route as there will be 24 hour care and on-call shifts as well as dealing with the deaths of patients, but I know that I am ready undertake this challenge and prove to myself that I can do anything I want to. The welfare of the patients is what will matter most to me, if they are happy I will be happy as well.

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CV Example Nurse

As a nurse, you’re responsible for providing patient care and administering treatments prescribed by doctors. Often working as part of a multidisciplinary team, nurses are a key link in the care chain dedicated to the well-being of patients. Taking temperatures, blood pressure, blood samples or injections, distributing medication or preparing patients for the operating room... Nurses' missions are varied and also depend on the services and establishments in which they work.

This could be in a private practice or in a health care institution, such as a hospital, clinic or retirement home. No matter the location, nurses have a lot of responsibilities and need to be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays.

Whether you’re an experienced nurse or a newly qualified one, we’re here to help you stand out from the crowd with our writing tips and our nurse CV example .

Personal statement or profile

Your personal statement or personal profile is your chance to show prospective employers your passion for nursing and why you would be an asset to their organisation.

Given the demands of nursing and long hours, be prepared to discuss your personal qualities as well as your clinical skills, that make you qualified for the job.

The best personal statement demonstrates a passion for nursing and unique traits that may make you an excellent nurse or candidate:

I am a Registered Nurse with 8 years of experience in providing care to elderly patients with complex health needs. My training and experience lies in working with patients with acute and chronic conditions and delivering emergency medical care. I am NMC registered and have an advanced nursing degree. I am now seeking a role as a senior nurse within a care home setting.

Work experience

Hiring managers want to make sure that your experience is relevant for their institution. As nurses could work in a variety of settings (hospitals, care homes, clinics, healthcare providers, schools, prisons, etc.), it’s wise to be as specific as possible when listing your tasks and responsibilities.

You could include information relating to:

• Trauma level: level I, II, III
• Unit type (ICU, ER, PICU, etc.)
• Facility types (i.e. urgent care, nursing home, etc.)
• Number of hospital beds
• Number of unit beds
• Patient demographics
• Whether you used EMR or EHR (or both)

Apr 2018 – present Senior Nurse, Woodfield Hospital, Ipswich

• Provide daily care for 6 elderly patients after major surgical procedures in an ICU unit by monitoring vital signs and administering medication.
• Collaborate with doctors to develop long-term care plans after hospital stays.
• Supervise 4 Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) working in the unit.

Feb 2014 - March 2018 Registered Nurse, Ashfield Care Home, Kent

• Worked with the unit manager to take care of 35 frail and elderly patients with complex health needs.
• Responsible for administering medicine safely, in accordance with the Nursing Midwifery Council guidelines.
• Managed the unit’s revenue and budget, including the allocation of funds for patient care, equipment, and staff supplies.

Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 Healthcare Assistant, Chase Care Home, Suffolk

• Responsible for the safety and well-being of elderly people with dementia and challenging behaviour.
• Worked with palliative care teams to help deliver end of life care to patients.

To work as an adult nurse in the UK, you need to be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). To register, you need to complete a pre-registration adult nursing programme run at an NMC-approved educational institution (AEI).

Training usually lasts three years full time (four years in Scotland or if you're doing a joint degree) and includes clinical practice, giving you experience of working with patients in a range of different settings (hospitals, care homes, etc.).

If you’ve already completed a degree in a health-related subject or completed an apprenticeship, you may be able to get a place on a two-year accelerated pre-registration postgraduate programme in adult nursing.

Sep 2010 - Jul 2013 Adult Nursing BSc Hons: 2:1, University of London

• Modules included: integrated approaches to complex care, principles of prescribing, acute care management and working collaboratively with people with long term-conditions.
• Completed clinical placements at London healthcare trusts: Barts Health NHS Trust, and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Sep 2008 - Jun 2010 A-Level: Access to Nursing, Nottingham College, Nottingham

If you don’t have a degree in nursing, a registered nurse degree apprenticeship (RNDA) also offers a route into the profession. This combines part-told study and practical placements in hospitals, GP practices, people’s homes or mental health facilities.

As a nurse, you’ll need to demonstrate excellent clinical skills, such as the ability to identify conditions, side effects of medication, and when treatments are not working.

However, the human aspect is also an innate part of nursing. That’s why it’s important to include some soft skills in your CV . While you can’t learn these on a course, you can develop them through experience, over time.

These soft skills include the ability to keep calm in stressful situations, ability to adapt, resilience and many more:

• ICU: Experience delivering Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) to patients with chronic health conditions.
• Leadership: Supervising CNAs and organised patient charts.
• Empathy: Navigating sensitive situations (abuse and mental disorders).
• Communication: Ability to communicate crucial and sensitive information to families.
• Time management: Delivering medications, drips, and evaluations are required at timely intervals.

Certifications

To enter the nursing profession, you’ll need to demonstrate the basic skills needed to save a life, whether you work in a hospice setting, an intensive care unit or in a hospital.

The level of support you’ll be required to give, will depend on your seniority and level of experience. In the UK, Basic Life Support (BLS) training is mandatory for registered nurses and healthcare assistants and Advanced Life Support (ALS) for nurses working in acute care:

Jan 2015 Advanced Life Support (ALS) - Day 2 Course, A&A Training Ltd

• Airway management
• High-quality CPR and defibrillation
• Cardiac arrest management

Professional Affiliations

As mentioned, to practice as a nurse in the UK, you need to be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), the professional regulator of nurses, midwives and nursing associates.

There are also other professional nursing bodies and organisations, such as the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), which can help expand your network, offer support and increase your career opportunities:

Professional affiliations

Jul 2013 – present Nursery and Midwifery Council (NMC)

Apr 2018 - present Royal College of Nursing

Volunteer Experience

Volunteering can be a great way to gain valuable experience in nursing or bridge knowledge gaps. By volunteering, you could expand your knowledge of healthcare-related issues or specific health conditions, gain experience of working with specific patient groups or specific health conditions and much more:

Volunteer experience

Jul 2013 - Oct 2013 Volunteer Nurse, Brantley Medical Centre, York

• Reviewed patient medical records and made recommendations to nursing staff accordingly.
• Provided assistance to doctors as needed.
• Conducted urine and blood tests on individual patients as required.

Format and layout

Nursing is a regulated profession and requires a certain amount of knowledge and training to perform specific tasks.

That’s why a reverse-chronological CV is best, where the different sections are laid out in date order (with your most recent experience first) to allow recruiters to quickly spot whether you have the requisite experience and training.

If you’re a newly-qualified nurse, you can prioritise your education , training and volunteer experience .

Layout and design

In the medical sector, a certain level of professionalism is expected. In this sense, recruiters do not expect you to be creative in your CV . On the contrary, present a neat and clear document by limiting the number of colours to two or three in rather sombre shades, in line with the profession. Use a resume template to ease the process of building a great-looking CV.

Also, make use of white space and use bold and larger font sizes to emphasise headings and titles.

Create your CV as a nurse now!

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Nurses - how does this job application statement sound?

smurfgirl · 31/03/2008 16:22

Applying for band 5 job in oncology. Will be newly qualified. I am a student nurse due to qualify in October 2008. I am hardworking and work well within a team, and have good numeracy, computer and literacy skills. I am enthusiastic, highly motivated, professional and work within the NMC Professional Code of Conduct and local trust guidelines and policies. During my training I have worked in areas caring for oncology patients within ward x Castle Hill and in the community. I have also cared for patients in the post anaesthetic for procedures such as the insertion of Hickman lines and removal of tumours. Whilst working in these areas I have built up a keen interest in oncology. I am very interested in this area of nursing and on completion of my training I am keen to join a nursing team providing care for cancer patients. Once I have settled into my role as a band five staff nurse I would like to gain further qualifications in this area. Througout my training I have been involved in palliative care and have used and have a good understanding of the ?Liverpool Care Pathway? and have seen how valuable it is within the care of the dying patient. The experience of providing care for the dying patient and their family has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling parts of my training. As part of a teaching and learning module I recently taught another student about oxygen therapy and this experience confirmed that teaching and mentoring will be an aspect of nursing I will find highly fulfilling, once qualified. I have managed patients, giving direct nursing care under the supervision of a qualified nurse and have demonstrated that I have the prioritisation skills needed to organise my workload effectively and safely while implementing high quality holistic nursing care. I have shown excellent communication skills with patients, their families and carers and the multi-disciplinary team. Undertaking a module in evidence based practice, and participating in audits and quality monitoring programme on issues such as nutrition, infection control and wound care have helped me to understand the importance of research and continuing professional development in order to provide the most appropriate, effective care to patients. I am flexible with regards to my working hours and the needs of the service. Were I to be successful in this application, a position in oncology would allow me to consolidate my existing learning and put the skills I have gained throughout my training in to practice. I have got all the essentials in from the job description but have no desirables but have tried to include plans to get them.

sounds v. good to me. My personal statement is weak compared to that and i have got a job interview for every job i have applied for. (did not get job sometimes, as crap at interviews, but that is another story ) Good luck!!!

Do you think it is better to handwrite to do online application?

ive always handwritten my applications and ive always been asked to interview! good luck! your statement sounds very well thought out

Thats what I thought but I am feeling lazy. I have lovely handwriting so think its probably good to do I hand wrote the last one but only closed on Friday so no idea how thats gone haha!

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Adult nursing personal statement example 4.

For the past fourteen years I have been working in the caring profession; almost twelve of those have been with the NHS.

Throughout this time I have gained various caring skills working in a hospital and community setting, which have also improved my people skills and how I interact with others. I have a genuine interest in all of my patient's quality of life and always aim to give one hundred percent towards this.

My experiences to date have involved caring for seriously ill children and adults. I have also cared for adults with debilitating mental illnesses such as Alzheimers and Dementia and physical illnesses such as Parkinsons, Cancer and MS.

My role as a community rehabilitation assistant requires me to support and encourage independence after fractures, strokes etc. It also requires me to work effectively as a team player and individually.

This involves liasing with various healthcare professionals, regarding patient care. Most frequently my contact would be with Community District Nurses. Their professionalism, commitment and skills inspire me.

I feel the rewards of a professional career in nursing would satisfy the goals I have hoped to achieve for quite a while. I feel I have the drive, enthusiasm and skills to train, and hopefully one-day work as a nurse. Nursing is more than a profession; it is a way of life, as so much of a nurse's personality and enthusiasm goes into their job.

I am eager to pursue this career as my present post gives me job satisfaction, but feel I could give so much more. To realise this goal I knew I needed to gain the appropriate qualifications.

While working in the Ulster Hospital, I returned to part time education in 1997 to gain Maths and English GCSEs. After this I began working in the community for the South & East Belfast Trust and in 2005 completed an NVQ level 3 in Diagnostic & Therapeutic Support.

I embarked on an Access course in 2006 at Belfast Metropolitan College, whilst remaining in my full time job. My employers were very accommodating and flexible, which allowed me time to attend college classes.

Although I have found this challenging at times, it has been a positive experience, which has made me more determined to study hard. It has also confirmed to me that I am capable of achieving my goals, by sacrificing my down time and working hard.

From the beginning of my Access course until present, I sacrificed a lot of my free time to ensure my assignments were completed and handed in on time. Most of my time had been previously dedicated to my favourite hobby; teaching Ballroom, Latin and Salsa dancing.

I really enjoy working with adults and building a rapport with them. Teaching has improved my confidence and made me more outgoing, I am not afraid of publicly addressing a group of people.

It has similarities to my job, both have taught me to appreciate people as individuals and be patient and understanding with them. I still enjoy dancing and teaching it as a form of exercise and use it as way to unwind.

I am positive that these skills and characteristics would be of benefit when training and working as a nurse. Nursing is a profession where the primary aim is providing indiscriminate care to the patient, which entails both physical and emotional support.

Secondary to the patient care, family involvement is a large factor. Providing emotional support to both patient and family in times of distress is one of the many skills required. My work experience to date has equipped me with these skills. On many occasions this has meant supporting patients until the end of life.

I am eager to pursue nursing as a life changing career in order to contribute to the welfare of others. My ultimate goal is to become as Community District Nurse, which I hope to achieve with further training.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by elly4 for application in 2008.

elly4's Comments

Hope this is helpful to any aspiring nurses like me!

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Wed, 14/01/2009 - 23:11

Thank you ever so much, your words have helped me in many ways. I hope you manage to follow your dreams and become a district nurse, i'm hoping to do the same, just getting started!

great statement

Wed, 20/05/2009 - 02:03

what a great statement you have really helped me in a certain way thanks.

I think this statement is

Thu, 04/03/2010 - 12:16

I think this statement is very clear and thought out. It speaks positively about previous employment while recognising the need to move on to a more fulfilling career path. Really good.

what a fantastic personal

Sun, 16/01/2011 - 20:14

what a fantastic personal statement i feel like mine wont even get considered now i have read yours i did apply the night before it was due as myself and my husband had enquired and realised the deadline was the next day!

Wed, 24/07/2013 - 15:34

Thank you for your article post.Much thanks again.

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