LAUREN ELISE GRAY

11148 N. MOUNTAIN BREEZE DR. TUCSON, AZ 85737

(520)528-1017 ▪ laurengray@email.arizona.edu

February 15th, 2019

United States Navy Nurse Candidate Program

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
8901 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20889

Dear Navy Nurse Candidate Program,

I am applying to the Nurse Candidate Program because I want to contribute to this

nation and serve those who are serving others. Thousands of people risk their lives, not
only for our country, but for the world as well, and I believe they shouldn’t have to worry
about whether they or their family is receiving the best medical care. I want to be a
part of the team that helps the nation heal its heroes. Additionally, I am aware of the
humanitarian work that the Navy has done and currently undertakes. I have always
known that I want to travel as a medical professional to countries that are in need of
medical care for philanthropic purposes. This is a passion of mine and I aspire to be
able to do it through the Navy. I also want to be a leader for the country and have the
opportunity to make a difference around the world and for my own country.

I am a strong candidate for for the Nurse Candidate Program because I am a person of
great leadership, integrity, dedication, and compassion. The past two summers I worked
at a summer camp and learned what it means to be a great leader. In this role I was
selected for positions of increasing responsibility. Two summers ago, I was a counselor
that at times required me to be responsible for up to 40 children at a time. Because of
my past performance and strong leadership skills I was asked the next year to be part of
the upper leadership team. On this team, I oversaw counselors and preformed
administration duties. At the same time, I was also the health technician for the camp in
which I supervised and facilitated camper safety through providing first aide. From my
work experience I have learned integrity is the hallmark of a great leader. Leading with
integrity and authenticity earns trust and respect from those that follow you and are
qualities that must always be the focus of a leader’s role.

Another trait I have embraced is dedication and commitment. I have learned to set
my goals and work hard to attain them. I realized in order to be competitive as a
candidate to the University of Arizona’s College of Nursing I would have to work to the
best of my abilities and embrace a will to achieve. My hard work paid off and I was
accepted after my first application to the nursing program. Due to my determination
and will to achieve, I also gained leadership positions in clubs, such as when I was the
volunteer coordinator for the Professional Achievements in Nursing Club. Furthermore, I
have learned compassion from the volunteer work that I do. Compassion is one of the
most important attributes for nurses and is something I will work to further develop as a
Navy nurse caring for patients under my care.
Finally, I know this program is a high honor and many of the people applying are also
leaders and excel in academics. I understand in order to be awarded the honor of
being part of the Navy Nurse Candidate Program I need to stand above other
candidates. I feel I possess the qualities the Navy is looking for as a leader, officer and
professional nurse. I am adaptable, capable and committed to serve. I understand if
selected I will be challenged with frequent relocations, deployments and time away
from my family. I understand I will be called on to be in possibly dangerous situations in
order to provide care during conflicts and war. I feel I am aware and ready for those
challenges and hope to be considered for the Navy Nurse Candidate Program and the
honor of serving in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Lauren Gray