How to get recommendations letters?

Nursing Students SRNA

Published

Specializes in ICU.

Hello All,

I have laid the path to get into a Nurse Anesthetist program. I did all the right steps that will qualify me to go into a CRNA program. Now I would like to apply to schools but I am facing a bit of a dilemma about recommendation letters.

Who should I ask for these letters? Who did you ask?

I cannot ask my boss because she specifically asked me to commit 2 yrs of working with her prior to offering me the job; I have nothing in writing so I am ok. I cannot ask the nurses I work with because they will go and tell my boss; I am sure of it.

I graduated form my BSN recently so I can ask my previous teachers for such letters but will the Nurse Anesthetist schools accept them?

What would you do if you were me?

Please help with any thoughts or advice. All of your efforts in advance are very appreciated!

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthesiology.

I would shadow a CRNA a bunch of times and get them to write one for you. Also ask another RN with a MSN of some type and a MD you work with that knows your capabilities with acute patients. Most schools though do require your immediate supervisor. You could always just ask someone in management from your unit and not the head boss.

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If you verbally committed to two years then you should finish your commitment. Most all programs will want a recommendation from your nurse manager. If you don't have one, it may be a bit of a red flag. Also, when I was applying for my first job as a CRNA, my boss called the manager of my old unit - don't burn your bridges!

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Specializes in ICU.

You are a very wise person one crna. I appreciate your advice.

Thanks to PaSSiNGaS for your input as well. I will do what you suggested and try not to burn any bridges at the same time by keeping my commitment to my manager.

Thank you both for your wise words!

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