Do you think a professor will write you 20plus letter of recommendation?

They only need to write one and make 20 copies.

That being said do you not have anyone else who can write you a recommendation? Have you never had an employer?

They don't need to write you 20 different letters, they can just write one and give you multiple copies with different headers (if you need the hospital's address and contact person's name on it).

They can do it, but understand it will be 20 copies of the same letter.

For this many letters, you need to ask them far in advance. Like 8 weeks, with reminder emails every 3 weeks.

The hospitals in my area usually have their own form. It has very little to write in. It is mostly a few check boxes that ask their opinion of you in a few areas (ex. Time management, clinical judgement, professionalism, etc.). It has a small section where they can write in stuff if they want, but not neccessary. Those had to be from 2-3 clinical instructors.

I also had one instructor write an actual letter of recommendation, which she did an excellant job. She asked me several questions in an email about why I wanted the specialty I was applying for, and why I would be a good pick. Also, she asked me about my 5 year goal, and a few other things. She took all of that info and worked some of the details into her letter by quoteing me. If you're getting an actual letter written, try giving them some of that info. Good luck!

Make copies!

In my area all applications are online and very formated by the facility. There is no area to put a rec. letter. Nor is it wanted. If you are called in for an interview you are welcomed to bring your stuff and hand out.

They write you one. You scan it into your computer and make copies. Find out if the places you are applying to require "Wet Signatures".

Thanks everyone for your input. I always thought letters of recommendation were tailored specifically to the position or facility just like the cover letter. lol. so i really didn't think about the instructor writing just one generic letter and making copies.

@Fribblet, i am employed as a nurse tech but like MJB2010 said, these new grad programs want letters specifically from clinical instructors.

And i will definitely ask ahead of time. I thinking of asking them around Christmas break; not to write the letters yet just a head up that i will need some letters from them. most of these programs start accepting applications in and around March/April, so if i give them heads up in December, with reminders in January/February that should give them ample time right? or do i need to tell them earlier than that?

all the hospitals i applied to required sealed envelopes signed over the seal by the instructor. so i couldn't just make copies. If i were you i'd get about 5 or 6 from each instructor because that's all you might need. you bring them with you to the interview--so you have to get to the interview stage! all the hospitals I applied to required the sealed, signed envelopes.