Emily Sillanpaa

1333 E Mead Dr., Chandler, Arizona, 85249 | (480) 313-9536 | Emily.Sillanpaa94@gmail.com

I walked into the room and was appalled to see my mother surrounded by complex machines,
wires and needles. When my mom had told me that she had cancer it hadnt seemed real, but as soon
as I entered her hospital room the full force of her condition hit me like a tidal wave. I was terrified; a
thousand questions raced through my mind and left my whole world spinning. That is when the nurse
walked in. While I do not remember her name, I will forever remember how caring and understanding
she was. I was not her patient, yet she made sure to answer my questions in a straightforward, yet
thoughtful way, and she performed her assessment with a purpose and wisdom that left me in awe. It
was clear that she treated my mother with great skill and compassion, and I left that room with a
greater peace of mind than I had ever thought would be possible. On that day, I came to realize that
nursing was my true calling.

My father was an emergency room doctor and from a young age I knew that I was interested in
following in his footsteps, which was why my revelation came as a surprise not only to myself, but to
my family. What I intuitively understood on that day and what I have since come to know with a surety,
is that nursing truly is an art. Being a nurse is not something that begins and ends with a shift; it is a
commitment to always be prepared to care for and meet the needs of a fellow human being, whether it
be in form of a lifesaving intervention or the provision of information. I love that about nursing.

I have been doing my best to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities that will allow
me to best prepare myself for the demands and challenges of nursing. These activities include acting
as Secretary in my Student Nurses Association chapter, mentoring my fellow students, and joining
various nursing organizations that keep me up to date on all matters pertaining to the field. I have also
enjoyed serving members of my community by providing informal care to a cardiac hospice patient, a
spinal orthopedic patient, and an aphasic stroke patient.

The experience I have gained from serving those around me has been an invaluable
supplement to my already enriching clinical experiences. Because of my extensive experience, I have
been able to build up my communication, critical thinking, and quality and safety skills in a variety of
settings. I have learned that I am a natural leader who also greatly enjoys the thrill of a unified team,
and I have cemented my commitment to providing quality patient-centered care. I look forward to
fine-tuning these skills and developing into a well-practiced nurse who embraces the change and

challenges that come with the responsibility of nursing. In 5-10 years I can see myself as an advanced
practice nurse who has embraced all continuing education opportunities and worked to support and
strengthen my hospital.

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