FNP and recommendation letters

[shell1983]

I am looking into the various online FNP programs and I am running into a small problem. Most of the programs require 2 or 3 references from a nursing supervisor. I work in a skilled nursing facility and they informed me that any of my supervisors are not able to fill out my recommendation requirement. Does anyone know of a school that does not require recommendations from supervisors? I have been a nurse for 12 years and I want a program that will challenge me academically. I have a competitive GPA.

Thanks in advance.

[JessicaLovesJeff, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

I just had the fun of finding recommendations too! I am the only nurse where I work and my supervisor is a MA. I applied to Frontier, Simmons, Georgetown, and Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon didn't require any recommendations, so there's that haha. Simmons and Georgetown wanted a supervisor, an advanced practice nurse, and an academic recommendation. Frontier wanted a peer recommendation instead of the academic one. I used my supervisor and the doctor I work for for all three, a friend I went to nursing school with for a peer, and finally tracked down a professor. But, Georgetown and Simmons were willing to be flexible on the academic one because I was having so much trouble getting one to reply to me (I've been out of school 6 years). In place, they asked for a mentor who can speak to my personality. If Grand Canyon doesn't work for you (it isn't in all states), Simmons is really worth a look. I had never heard of it but I'm very impressed. Georgetown seems great too! And I can't say enough about Frontier, they are awesome. I was accepted to GCU, waitlisted for Frontier (hoping to be accepted!), and still waiting to hear on Simmons and Georgetown.

[shell1983]

Thanks for your help! I will check into those programs.

[littlepeopleRNICU]

University of South Alabama doesn't require recommendations. Or didn't when I applied. However, do you keep touch with any nursing instructors from school or work with any NP/MDs that may write you references? Or even supervisors from previous jobs. That'll open up your doors to a lot more schools, and some that may be better quality too!