blindly asking a np/msn for a letter of rec?

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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Hey everyone! I am working towards getting accepted into a nursing masters program (entry level). I'm pretty sure I wo'nt be able to get in this cycle because i need more ECs and experience, but I still want to apply if I have the min. requirements so I can be more prepared next time around.

One thing that i'm lacking, though, is a letter or rec from a msn, np, dr, etc. Do you think it would be possible to blindly ask someone to write one for me and then just have an interview and send them materials that would help them write it? Has this been done before? How would I go about finding someone who could do this for me?

I know it's much better to get a lor from someone who actually knows you, but i'm pressed for time and i know I'll be able to get one by next cycle..

Thanks!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Orthopedics, Hospitalists.

Honestly, I can't imagine writing a letter of recommendation for someone I don't know. Why don't you find an NP or MD to shadow for a while, build a bit of a relationship and get an idea of what you've got ahead of you? Or maybe ask one of your instructors at school who has a Doctorate or Masters?

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it was pretty common at my university to ask professors for LOR that you've taken classes with but never really talked to (our school had 30,000 people). usually what the professors did was they'd have the student come in and they'd chat about what the students goals are, the professor would look at their grades..maybe read their PS and then write a LOR that way. i'm pretty sure they use templates..

but yeah, i know i should get a real LOR but i want to try applying for this cycle and one of the schools' deadlines is sept 1st so I dont have much time.

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One of the main purposes of the reference letters for grad programs is that the school wants to hear from people who can speak to your ability/performance in an academic setting. That's why most people use former faculty. A faculty member, even one who may not have known you well personally (because of class/program size), has access to your academic records and can speak to your grades and performance in school, and, for that reason, makes a much better reference than a graduate-degree'd nurse that you just happen to know or have sought out for this purpose.

I agree with Christen, RN -- I've written lots of references over time for former students and people I've worked with over time, but I can't imagine agreeing to write a reference for someone who just approached me "cold" for the purpose of getting a letter. I would be very put off by the very suggestion.

I don't understand your mention of the time factor -- why would it take longer to ask a former professor/instructor to write you a reference than it would to find a stranger and ask her/him to write one?? Most schools, even if a particular instructor is not working over the summer, know how to get in touch with the faculty members, and I wouldn't think the fact that's it's now summer means you couldn't get in touch with any of your former instructors. Another consideration is that academics are familiar with writing academic references, and practicing clinicians typically aren't. You don't want a reference letter that isn't going to help you in the admissions process ...

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Thanks for your input!

I mentioned time because since I only have a month and a half before my first deadline I don't feel like I have time to find someone to shadow and then get to know them well enough to ask them write me a letter...

But I guess that's a pretty bad idea. Do you suggest I just try to find someone to shadow asap? When would I ask them for a letter? My first deadline is September 1st...

Thanks again! And thank you Christen!

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I'm still not following. A former professor/instructor could write and send a reference letter within a few days. There wouldn't be any big delay. The grad school wants to hear about your academic ability and potential, or, at least, your performance as an employee (a reference from a current or former employer or supervisor). Someone who just met you and thinks you seem nice isn't going to have much to say that is helpful. It would be v. hard for a nurse with any degree of personal and professional integrity to write you a reference under the circumstances you describe (I certainly would not agree to do so).

There are HIPAA and other professional/acountability concerns about "shadowing" a clinician at work -- that is typically done because one is formally a student or because it benefits the organization in some way, or some other compelling reason that justifies compromising the clients' privacy, not because an individual wants to benefit her/himself (by obtaining a reference for school). Clinicians in healthcare settings can't just bring people to work with them because they feel like it. Also, unless you were actually practicing under the clinician's supervision, how would "shadowing" the person help her/him be able to write you a reference? How would your watching them practice help them form a meaningful opinion about you, your abilities, and your potential?

I'm concerned by your statement that "i know i should get a real LOR but ..." you want to find a some way to get around the usual expectations. What's wrong with just doing it the "right" way? What's wrong with getting a reference from your school -- is there some problem with that you're not mentioning?

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I have letters from professors, I just thought that I'd get one from a clinician as well.

But I guess if there is no way to get a good one in such a short time, my academic ones will have to do.

Thanks again!

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