Asking professors for references

[RookieRoo]

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?

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Faculty are not surprised when students ask them to give references. Many potential employers want to get them directly, so ask how to meet those requirements-- provide the teacher with a stamped envelope addressed to HR, give HR a phone number or email, etc. It's not usually OK to have them in hand because some will be suspicious that you wrote it yourself. :) Exception: Written on department letterhead and sealed in department letterhead envelope.

If any faculty member feels that recommending a given student isn't a good idea, the response is usually something like, "I'm not your best choice for this. Is there someone else you could ask?" Don't press.

[VETEROSA]

Yes you can. Email the professor and give plenty of time for a reference

[bathrobemom, LPN]

I did this. I emailed an instructor and asked, she wrote a nice email back to me. My references all had to fill out an email from a third party site and she completed hers very promptly.

I don't know if there's a best time, I did it when I was actively applying for jobs. You could explain in your email(or whatever communication you decide on) what your plans are. Hopefully you're asking an instructor you've gotten to know pretty well, I think then they are happy to help you get started on finding a job.

[VETEROSA]

That's correct I had written recommendation letters for the RN new grad program and filled out 3rd party information. Fortunately my students got their 1st RN gig. Hope this helps you out.

[Summer Days]

I have asked for letters of rec from my instructors at the conclusion of clinical, and usually following the 1:1 final clincal evaluation. I've had instructors tell me to text or call them, which is very generous of them!