As a nurse and a Spanish-speaking Latina, it brings me great satisfaction that my services are needed. My state, California, needs highly qualified, bilingual Spanish/English nurses. After earning my DNP, Degree, I hope to increasingly put my Spanish to beneficial use in my nursing career, as I progressively devote increased time to helping the underserved, a highly disproportionate number of whom speak primarily or only Spanish.
My interest in nursing started as I lay in the hospital bed, pregnant with twins. After days in the hospital, barely able to move, the boys came into this world at 27 weeks, weighing a little more than a pound and a half each. These tumultuous weeks were life alternating, but one constant positive was the nurses. They were the ones who got me through my scary delivery, and they were the ones to whom I entrusted the lives of my most precious miracle babies. This was a transforming, watershed experience. By the time I was discharged from the hospital, I was in love with my plan to start nursing school as soon as my boys were strong and healthy and no longer in danger because of their premature arrival. I now want to give my professional life to providing my patients with the compassion, education, and advocacy I was shown in my hour of greatest need. Earning the DNP will immediately result in my being more creative and innovative in my position as Nurse Coordinator, helping transform our organization.
I am hoping very much to be accepted to my first choice among DNP Programs, XXXX State University, not only because of the sheer excellence of your program and the thoroughgoing nature of your curriculum but also the fact that I am something of a ‘home girl and I have spent my entire life in XXXX. This is my community and the location where I will best excel as a nursing student and later a DNP Professional. As I grew up in XXXX, I would often glance furtively at Tower Hall and think how majestic it looked, symbolizing how much I wanted to attend XXXX State University someday. I started at XXXX State only after completing most of my lower-division classes at a community college. However, as soon as I arrived, I felt right at home, and I was a good fit; I felt proud walking around campus. Shortly after I began applying to the BSN Program, the most fantastic opportunity opened, and I decided to take full advantage. A particular cohort was sponsored by the Betty Moore Foundation in partnership with local hospitals. As a result, I was able to earn my BSN Degree in 18 months instead of the typical three years. The program was also tuition-free in exchange for the commitment to work at a sponsoring hospital for two years after graduation. I felt beyond blessed to be part of the first of only three Moore cohorts.
From my experience, Nursing at XXXX is a top-notch program. The faculty was always approachable and truly knowledgeable. I enjoyed earning my master's degree in nursing at the University of San Francisco in 2014 and appreciated the diversity of my experience. Nevertheless, I could not feel more confident that XXXX is the right place to earn my DNP Degree because I feel most at home in your program; and I am convinced it is where I can best excel, with the backup of my extended family and well-developed support networks.
I seek more significant levels of responsibility and opportunities to develop my leadership skills in nursing further. I have now been serving as a Nurse Coordinator since August 2016; most days, I get to work early because I am anxious to start my shift and see how my patients are doing. I manage special populations and coordinate nursing care as needed. I love my work and want to continue growing and learning by having different leadership experiences. I especially enjoy participating in the PRIME Program and contributing to widespread improvements throughout our organization. All of them are data-driven; thus, we improve patient care as we strive to meet the program's goals. I was one of the first nurses invited to participate in this project; it's exciting and rewarding to be part of such a great initiative.
Since I began serving as an Assistant Nurse Manager I have worked closely with and done everything to facilitate the work of our administrative staff. I appreciate the coordination necessary to pass all our audits; increasingly, I find myself fascinated by all aspects of policies and procedures in our hospital as they relate to nursing care. I work for the County hospital system, and we see all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Many of our patients are homeless, undocumented, and immigrants from all over the world. Of course, some of our patients are also affluent engineers. Silicon Valley is truly a melting pot. About half of the population served, however, is primarily Spanish speaking.
I am pleased that I can communicate well in Spanish with patients, resulting in trust, understanding, and appreciation. They often don't speak English, and although translation services are available, having a healthcare provider who can eliminate that other person and talk directly to the patient adds a level of comfort and compassion that the patients and their families very much appreciate. Even today, one patient and his family I cared for in the Trauma ICU cross my mind with frequency. A victim of a hit-and-run while riding his bicycle, he ended up in our central trauma unit and was eventually declared brain dead. I was his nurse. In addition to taking care of him, I took care of his wife, who didn't speak English. I had to explain to her that he was brain dead. She didn't understand how this could be because she saw him breathing and could feel his warm body. I explained to her the nature of brain death and the role of the ventilator. Then I assisted in bathing him and changing his linen. It was a compelling experience. Had I not spoken Spanish, the nurse would have used an interpreter, and while they would have provided excellent patient care, it would have been less personal for her at this worst time of her life.
Getting my doctorate has always been my goal for a long time. During my first nursing interview, they asked what my short and long-term goals were, and I told them that getting my doctorate was my long-term goal. That was more than ten years ago; now, I am at the optimal place to excel in the DNP Program at XXXX. I am a local girl, and my friends and family will be proud that a Latina from our neighborhood achieved a terminal degree in her field. My lifetime professional mission is to do my part in improving the health of my community and the quality and efficiency of the organization where I work.
Thank you for considering my application to XXXX University.