If you're applying to nursing school, you'll likely need to provide a letter of recommendation for nursing school from individuals who can speak to your abilities and potential as a nurse. A strong nursing recommendation letter can make all the difference in helping you stand out from other applicants and securing a spot in your desired program.
In this blog, we’ll provide you with tips and examples on how to craft a nursing letter of recommendation that highlights your strengths and sets you apart as a top candidate for nursing school.
Whether you're requesting a letter from a professor, employer, or other professional, these guidelines will help you create a letter that showcases your unique qualities and abilities. So, let's dive in and learn how to make your nursing reference letter shine!
What is a letter of recommendation for nursing school?
A letter of recommendation for nursing school, also known as an RN (Registered Nurse) letter of recommendation, is a document written by an individual who knows you well and can vouch for your suitability for admission to a nursing program. This individual may be a teacher, academic advisor, healthcare professional, or employer, among others.
The letter typically includes specific details about your academic performance, work experience, character, and other qualities that make you a good fit for nursing school. The author may provide examples of your strengths and accomplishments, as well as your potential for success in the nursing profession.
A well-written letter of recommendation for nursing programs can be a valuable asset to your nursing school application, providing additional evidence of your skills, abilities, and character that can help you stand out from other applicants.
It is important to choose someone who knows you well and can provide specific examples to support their recommendation, as this will give the admissions committee a better understanding of your potential as a nursing student and future healthcare professional.
Why do you need a good recommendation letter for nursing school?
A good recommendation letter for nursing student is important for several reasons. A good nursing letter of recommendation is an important part of the application process for nursing school. Here are a few reasons why:
1- Demonstrates your character and potential
A strong nursing school letter of recommendation can provide insights into your personality, work ethic, and potential as a nurse. Admissions committees want to know that you have the qualities necessary to succeed in a rigorous nursing program and that you have the potential to become a skilled and compassionate healthcare provider.
2- Provides evidence of your abilities
A letter of recommendation for nursing students from a healthcare professional or academic instructor who has worked with you can attest to your clinical or academic skills. They may be able to provide specific examples of your strengths, such as your ability to work well in a team, your attention to detail, or your communication skills.
3- Shows your commitment to the field
A nursing recommendation letter can also demonstrate your dedication to the nursing profession. It can highlight any relevant experience you have, such as volunteer work or employment in a healthcare setting, and show that you have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in nursing.
Overall, a good letter of recommendation for nursing school can help you stand out in a competitive applicant pool and increase your chances of being accepted into nursing school.
Who writes the nursing recommendation letter?
A nursing recommendation letter can be written by different individuals depending on the purpose and requirements of the letter.
For example, if a nursing student is applying for a nursing program, the letter may be written by a nursing instructor or professor who has taught or worked with the student and can attest to their academic performance and potential as a future nurse. Alternatively, if the student has completed a clinical rotation or worked as a nurse extern, a nurse supervisor or preceptor may write the letter to provide insights into the student's clinical skills, work ethic, and professionalism.
In other cases, a nursing recommendation letter may be required for a nursing job application or for admission to a graduate program in nursing. In such cases, the letter may be written by a current or former supervisor, colleague, or mentor who has worked closely with the nurse and can provide a strong endorsement of their skills, experience, and character.
Overall, the person who writes the nursing recommendation letter should have a strong professional relationship with the nurse and be able to provide detailed and specific examples of their strengths and qualifications for the intended purpose.
How to choose your recommendation letter writers?
When seeking a nursing school letter of recommendation, it's important to consider individuals who know you well, can accurately highlight your strengths and skills, and have a positive relationship with you.
You may need to narrow down your list of potential referees accordingly. If someone has not written a recommendation letter before, it would be helpful to provide them with information on the application deadline, writing requirements, and any pertinent details about the nursing school.
Additionally, you may want to share your motivation for applying to nursing school to give your referees a better understanding of your goals and aspirations as they write your letter.
Here are individuals that can write letters of recommendations for nurses depending on the purpose and requirements of the letter:
1- Employers
When seeking referees, individuals often consider their employers or supervisors from volunteer positions as one of the first options. They are often reliable choices as they can provide an objective assessment of your qualifications and strengths from a professional perspective. Moreover, submitting a nursing school application resume along with a recommendation letter from your boss or supervisor can provide additional context to your professional experience. Even if your job isn't related to healthcare, employers can still showcase your professional skills and personal virtues to the admissions committee, making them a valuable choice for referees.
2- Teachers
Referees can also be found among teachers or university faculty members, who are likely to have comprehensive experience with your strengths and skills. As they are familiar with the qualities that education programs seek in prospective nursing students, they can provide valuable insight while writing a recommendation letter. You may find it useful to read examples of medical school recommendation letters to identify which teachers or faculty members are best suited to writing recommendation letters for nursing students.
3- Shadowing supervisors
If you have shadowing experience, your shadowing supervisors can be an excellent choice for referees. As healthcare professionals, they have a deep understanding of what makes a candidate suitable for nursing school and can provide insights based on their one-on-one experiences with you. Additionally, since they have witnessed your interactions with patients and staff, they can provide valuable advice and serve as a strong referee for your nursing program application.
4- Academic advisors
International graduate students or those seeking an alternative option may opt to request a recommendation letter from their academic advisor or nursing admissions consulting advisor. Such individuals are likely to possess a comprehensive understanding of your qualifications and your application details. Moreover, they can provide expert guidance on creating a strong recommendation letter. If they are unable to write a recommendation letter, they may be able to suggest alternative referees who can assist you.
What should a letter of recommendation for nursing school entail?
A concise nursing letter of recommendation can be effective and should consist of a professional greeting, introduction, multiple body paragraphs, conclusion, and formal signature.
Introduction
When addressing the recipient of the letter, use "Dear [name]" if you know their name; otherwise, the formal greeting of "To whom it may concern" is appropriate. The introductory paragraph should be concise and direct, comprising only 2-3 sentences. It should clearly state the purpose of the letter, your connection with the applicant, and a brief statement regarding the applicant's character.
Body
The main body of the letter should consist of 1-2 paragraphs that enumerate the positive attributes of the nurse and provide specific examples of their nursing experiences. Typically, a single paragraph suffices to convey the essential points, but if there are numerous examples you wish to include, a second paragraph may be appropriate. The first paragraph can focus on the nurse's characteristics, while the second can substantiate these assertions with real-world instances.
It would be advantageous to include anecdotes that illustrate instances when the applicant went above and beyond to assist a patient or coworker, as well as any other relevant accomplishments in this field. While it is not necessary to mention the applicant's non-nursing abilities, do not assume that they are irrelevant to this occupation. Given the high competitiveness of this field, the more information you can provide, the more useful the recommendation letter will be.
Conclusion
In the conclusion paragraph, it is recommended to summarize the positive qualities of the nurse and explain why they are a suitable candidate for the position they are applying for in 2-3 sentences. You can also express your confidence in their ability to succeed in the new role by projecting their potential performance based on their past performance. Emphasize that their current position has provided them with the necessary skills and experience to excel in the new role.
Nursing letter of recommendation example
#1 Sample letter of recommendation for nursing school applicant from employer
From: John Doe
2346 Penrose Circle
Chicago, Illinois 60176
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter to give my highest recommendation to Jane Doe in her pursuit
to enroll in your nursing program. Jane is an employee of mine: she has worked here
at Bethesda Health Clinic since 2015 as a Nursing Assitant.
Over the course of her work, she showed herself as an energetic and meticulous
professional. We would discuss a variety of healthcare topics related to her day-to-day
activities and I was surprised by her outstanding knowledge and the creativity of her
ideas.
Jane is extremely dedicated to her profession. She wants to be able to truly make a
difference in people's lives for as long as she possibly can.
Jane would really like to join your nursing school in the next several months. I
recommend her completely because I believe in her ability to be the best of the best in
her profession. I wish her the best of luck for what she intends to do and I am
confident that she will be an indisposable asset to your school.
Please contact me at +1 234-567-8900 if you have any requests or questions.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Bethesda Health Clinic
[Signature]
#2 Sample nursing letter of recommendation example from a coworker
From: Ann Doe
2346 Penrose Circle
Chicago, Illinois 60176
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter to give my highest possible recommendation to Jane Doe in her
pursuit to enroll in your nursing program. I initially got to know Jane in a professional
capacity in 2015, when she joined our clinic as a Nursing Assistant. We've come a
long way since then: I consider her to be much more than just a colleague, but a close
friend of mine.
Jane is a tried and true professional, she exudes contagious enthusiasm and has deep
insight into her daily activities. The patients that are assigned to her are always cared
for with skill and compassion.
As a dedicated young nurse, Jane has the ability to design care plans and execute them
to absolute perfection. As an individual, she is helpful and always has a smile for
everyone.
In summary, Jane truly is the best coworker I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with
throughout the last several years. I have a strong belief that she will be an outstanding
asset to any healthcare facility.
If you have any further requests or questions do not hesitate to contact me at +1
234-567-8900.
Sincerely,
Ann Doe, RN
[Signature]
#3 Nursing letter of recommendation example from a professor
[Recipients Name]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
With immense pleasure, I write to highly recommend Ms. Caroline Mumbi, who has applied for admission to XYZ Nursing School.
I was Ms. Mumbi's professor in college. She was in my Biology class, and I have known her for four years. She comes out as an energetic, smart and meticulous young lady. Her performance in class was outstanding thanks to the great passion she has for helping people. She took part in a lot of volunteering projects which turned out incredibly well.
I believe she has a lot more to offer, and she deserves this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
#4 Sample letters of recommendation for nursing students from an employer
Dear Hospital Administrator and Board of Directors:
It is with mixed emotions that I write this letter of recommendation for one of my favorite nurses, Sally Sweet. She has served by my side and with other physicians here at XYZ Regional Medical Center for the past 20 years. She is an integral part of this hospital, adored by the patients and respected by her peers. Sally wishes to move to the Charleston area to be closer to her grandchildren and she needs to find a position in her profession as a nurse in that area. As a grandparent I understand her desire to be closer to her grandchildren, but as a physician I will miss her immensely.
Sally is what many of us in medicine would call “old school” in terms of her work ethic, sense of duty and responsibility, physical stamina and emotional flexibility. At the same time she does not shy away from new technologies and changes in treatment methods, but rather embraces them enthusiastically as her greatest desire is to help heal patients both physically and emotionally. Sally is always flexible when it comes to working late due to an emergency case or changing shifts due to a sick co-worker. She is one of the most reliable nurses I have ever had the privilege of supervising.
She is able to strongly empathize with very sick patients and their families while remaining calm herself, thinking clearly and rationally and controlling her own emotions. Sally has excellent communication skills and the ability to take impeccable notes for each patient’s medical record file. She thrives in a fast-paced environment and is an amazing multi-tasker. Sally is able to clearly and effectively explain discharge instructions to patients and their families and calmly answer all of their questions. Chronically ill patients often ask for Sally when they return to the hospital.
Although XYZ Regional Medical Center will not be the same without Sally Sweet, it is my pleasure to recommend her for a position as a nurse at your healthcare facility. I am confident that you would be extremely pleased with Sally’s level of dedication to her profession and most importantly to the patients. Please contact me should you have questions or wish to further discuss Sally’s work record here. My direct line is (555)-555-5555 and my email address is [email]
Respectfully,
Thomas Wilson
Thomas R. Wilson, IV, M.D.
Chief-of-Staff
XYZ Regional Medical Center
#5 Nursing letter of recommendation example
Dear Dr. Appleton,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Gwen Roring for the position of Nurse at your facility. When Gwen was studying nursing, she worked many hours at our hospital and made a very positive impression on everyone. She knew her craft, she had a great rapport with patients and she was extremely responsible.
You should know that Gwen is extremely dedicated to caring for others. On more than one occasion, she would volunteer for extra shifts to help care for patients that she had built a strong bond with. We found her to be attentive and reliable in all aspects.
Gwen also has exceptional computer skills that allow her to be very versatile. She was able to assume a position of authority when the head nurse was on a different floor attending to a patient. Gwen was also very well-versed in the necessary paperwork that follows her profession. She never missed paperwork submission deadlines and filled in all paperwork completely.
We had always wished that Gwen would have stayed in our area and stayed on as a full-time nurse here. But her life’s path took her other places and we wish her nothing but the best. If you have questions, you can email me at email@email.com or call me at 000-000-0000.
Sincerely Yours,
Erin W. Gord
Head Nurse
Graff Hospital
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Conclusion
In conclusion, crafting a compelling letter of recommendation for nursing school requires attention to detail and a thoughtful approach. It is important to highlight the applicant's strengths and qualifications while also providing specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate their potential as a future nurse. By following the tips and examples provided in this blog, you can help your student or colleague stand out in the competitive world of nursing school admissions. Remember to be sincere and honest in your recommendation and emphasize the unique qualities that make the applicant an ideal candidate for nursing school. With a well-written letter of recommendation, you can help set the stage for their success in this rewarding and challenging field.
FAQs
1- How do you write a compelling letter of recommendation?
Writing a compelling letter of recommendation requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the person you are recommending. Here are some tips to help you write an effective letter:
Start with a strong introduction: Begin your letter with a clear statement of your relationship to the person and the context in which you know them. This will help establish your credibility and set the tone for the rest of the letter.
Highlight their strengths and accomplishments: Use specific examples to illustrate the person's skills, achievements, and character traits. Be sure to focus on their most relevant accomplishments, and provide concrete evidence of their impact.
Be specific and detailed: Avoid vague or general statements that could apply to anyone. Instead, provide specific details and examples that demonstrate the person's abilities and accomplishments.
Use positive language: Emphasize the person's strengths and positive qualities, and use language that conveys your enthusiasm and support. Avoid criticism or negative comments.
Customize your letter: Tailor your letter to the specific opportunity or position the person is applying for. Highlight the skills and qualities that are most relevant to the job or program.
End with a strong conclusion: Summarize your main points and reiterate your support for the person. End on a positive note that emphasizes their potential and highlights your confidence in their abilities.
2- How important are letters of recommendation for nursing school?
Letters of recommendation can be an important factor in the admissions process for nursing schools. These letters provide valuable insights into a candidate's character, work ethic, and potential for success in the nursing profession.
Nursing schools often require at least one or two letters of recommendation as part of the application process. These letters are typically written by individuals who have worked closely with the applicant, such as professors, healthcare professionals, or supervisors.
Strong letters of recommendation can help nursing school applicants stand out from other candidates and demonstrate their potential to succeed in the program. Admissions committees may consider the content of these letters when evaluating an applicant's overall qualifications, including their academic achievements, professional experience, and personal attributes.
In summary, while letters of recommendation may not be the sole deciding factor in the admissions process for nursing school, they can certainly play an important role in demonstrating an applicant's potential for success in the nursing profession.
