Asking professors for references

ArmaniX, MSN, APRN · May 26, 2015

I asked one professor for a letter of recommendation. I asked via email and she was kind enough to type/print/seal in four separate envelopes for me to have in my job hunt.

I only used it for one place, where I did not end up going anyways. But the point is yes you can ask. I asked my instructor who also was my clinical instructor. I had developed a good rapport with her in over two years.

Jenngirl34RN · May 26, 2015

Yes, it is a good idea ask your professors for references. You may want to check your student handbook to see if your school has a policy on how to ask for references. At my school, we have a form we have to fill out and turn in to the professor after we ask if they will be references.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · May 26, 2015

I've had a few of my previous clinical instructors/professors serve as references for me when obtaining my current job. I asked via email and maintain those relationships, even though they are no longer my instructors. I have not yet asked for any letters of recommendation but probably will as my graduation date grows closer. Don't burn those bridges! You never know who could serve as a potential gateway for future opportunities.

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · May 27, 2015

I asked my main three professors for a reference to use in my job hunt and it wasn't a big problem. I showed up in the office the Monday after graduation/pinning and thanked them for their help, their support, and a great pinning ceremony. At this time I asked and they were very happy to do this for me. It might be dependent on your relationship with the professors and the policy of the school. I would do it, at worst they will say "no".

mrsboots87 · May 27, 2015

I still have until December to graduate from my ASN program, but I used my professors for my BSN application a couple months ago. When asking, they let me know they would also be willing to give me good recommendations/references for future jobs as well. Right now your clinical instructors and class professors are your future employers best insight into your potential as a nurse. If an instructor writes you a good reference, then it could definitely help in the job hunt.

For me, I sent a casual yet professional email to instructors I felt I made a good impression on and would give good references. I let them know what I needed it for and said that if they felt they could give me a good reference, would they be willing to write one for my application and send it directly to my Uni. They replied that they would be happy to and that was that. I agree that an email can be written well, but not put the professor on the spot if they dont want to write one or dont have time.

SunnyTrailRunner · May 27, 2015

I asked my clinical instructor and my advisor (because we talk a lot). They both gave me outstanding recommendations and went out of their way to do so. My clinical instructor told me to let her know if I ever need a reference. My point is they're the best people to ask. I've used both letter for two separate jobs.

johsonmichelle · May 27, 2015

Is this done? Is it kosher? And if it is done, is it best approached through email (so as not to put them on the spot) or in person?
Finally, when is the best time to do this? For example, do I wait until I'm applying for jobs (eight weeks until graduation) or can I ask now to get references to have in my portfolio?

I think you should request the letters early, you need to give them ample time to write the letters. I'm graduating early next year and I'm already asking for letters of recommendation because I'm currently applying for a pct/student nurse jobs. You can ask either in person or through email. Only ask professors who you have established a good rapport with, so that they can write a good recommendation letter for you.

springchick1, ADN, RN · May 27, 2015

Absolutely! I had a clinical instructor offer to be a reference and I asked another instructor to be a reference. I did email this instructor to ask them but that was mainly because it was on a weekend.

Whatever you do, DO NOT use someone as a reference without asking. We had an instructor say that happened to her and she was not happy to get a call about a student and be put on the spot.

canigraduate · May 28, 2015

Yes, definitely. My first job was in a hospital that was affiliated with my school and we were actually required to get two references from instructors.

Just make sure you let them know first.

Melody Pond · May 28, 2015

I always ask for references from clinical instructors if I feel I did well in the clinical and we developed a good relationship during the clinical. I have both asked in person and via email. All the instructors I've asked have been happy to do so, and have actually written really amazing and specific letters. I've been humbled and very grateful, and I think the letters have really helped me obtain my recent job!

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · May 28, 2015

Absolutely, you can use your professors and clinical instructors for references. I just interviewed for a nurse residency position and I had to give them 5 references. 1 was a nursing instructor & 3 were my clinical instructors. Our school actually has release forms that we are required to have on file before we ask a professor or clinical instructor for a reference. Once we have the forms on file, we can allow the employers to directly contact them for references. Or we can request a letter. Most prefer to give references directly to the employer, rather than write a letter in advance.

If you were a good student, most are happy to give you reference :)