Can I accept this letter of Rec?

[Leigh711]

Okay, here is a question for you all, any input will do!

first off I will start with some background. I am a student, and I am working as a nursing assistant part time while I finish pre-requisites. I work at an assisted living facility that is home to many of the Sisters that are more or less the foundation of the massive hospital district in my city. Many of these women were and still are very highly regarded individuals in the hospital and education programs around the community for there work as nurses, directors, admin., etc. A lot of these women have been very encouraging and engrossed with my journey in education. Many of them ask frequently about classes applications and what have you. Ultimately they have allowed themselves to be intimately involved in the process.

That being said, recently two of the Sisters/ residents pulled me aside and asked if I would accept a letter of recommendation from them to aid my applications to nursing school. I Refused at first because I was afraid accepting this from a resident would be deemed unprofessional, but both of them have persisted, explaining to me that they respect me being careful and professional but that they felt it was their duty, as they had inside knowledge of how I preform as a caregiver and my abilities to lead and incorporate creative solutions to problems, that would otherwise be overlooked. They insisted that it is people like me they want to see in the nursing community and by being highly regarded nursing professionals themselves knew they could be of help to me.

Does anyone have any advise for my situation? I'd hate to miss an opportunity such as this but On the same note, is accepting such letters overstepping my boundaries as a caregiver?

Thank you you for reading I realize I rambled on a bit but I felt the details were necessary lol

[oceanblue52]

You would be better off getting letters from your pre-req professors, your supervisor, or even a co-worker.

[RNrhythm, BSN, RN]

Many of these women were and still are very highly regarded individuals in the hospital and education programs around the community for there work as nurses, directors, admin., etc.

Yes! You work hard and deserve every advantage that comes your way.

[caliotter3]

Graciously accept their letters given to you personally. If you choose not to use the letter(s), that is totally up to you. It is nice that these people think so highly of you and your work.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Accept the letter, but I would not refer to it as a "Letter or Recommendation" or submit it as part of an application when one is requested. On applications, letters of recommendation should be from your professional supervisors, instructors, charge nurses, managers, etc. unless otherwise stated. You could use their letter as an exemplar that demonstrates your ability to build relationships and provide patient-centered care.

There is no over-stepping of boundaries or unprofessionalism, as you did not request a letter from these residents, nor is this letter given at any cost to the residents (like a monetary gift).

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would accept them and use them as a supplement to any other application materials you have. They are knowledgeable professions who can offer a unique perspective. Their opinions could be valuable to you -- and may be taken quite seriously by anyone who knows these women and their backgrounds. Just because someone gets old and retires doesn't mean their opinion becomes invalid. But I would use them "in addition to" other letters, not "instead of" other letters of recommendation.