Graduate program recommendation letters

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I'm applying to graduate school for my MSN geared toward education. I have to provide 3 recommendation letters--one from a former instructor, one from a pastor or someone I've worked with in the last year who can attest to my character, and a direct supervisor.

I'm driving myself bonkers trying to think of a former instructor to ask--I've been out of school 7 1/2 years and I'm pretty sure none of my ADN instructors remember me. When I obtained my BSN, I did it online and never had the same instructor twice. So they would really have no clue who I am!

Has anyone else ever encountered this, and if so, what did you do?

Thanks in advance! :D

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Anyone?

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When I needed a LOR from a teacher I hadn't seen in a while, I contacted them to see if they could do it. They all said they remembered me (but who knows?) and that they would be happy to write one. I think one of them asked for a CV or something to refresh their memory, and they might have checked their records.

It might be helpful (if possible) to ask them in person. That way you can start it off by putting them on the spot, if you will- "Hi, so-and-so! How are you? Remember me?"

That way, they are kind of on the spot and will probably say sure.

If there is someone you knew at least a little more than the others, they would be the best to ask, but any will probably be ok.

You would be surprised at who remembers you. I wasn't an outstanding student, but I'm sure I could go back and they would remember me. Face to face is better than just an email, though.

Good luck!

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Try one of your old clinical intructors that you had a good experience with. If you worked in small groups, you will more likely be remembered by him/her. Hopefully you will remember their names!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Nsg QA.

I had been out of school for over 20 years when I went back for my Masters. Same thing, needed LOR from instructors. Of course ALL the instructors were gone after that time period. Instead, I used past managers and my current manager for the LOR.

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Thanks :)

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Try writing up the letter for them, and just having them sign. Explain your situation. Most would probably be cool with that.

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Specializes in ER.

Have you taken classes at your hospital such as CPR, ACLS, etc? Perhaps whoever teaches those could write you a letter of recommendation?

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Specializes in critical care.

If you are not in a rush, you could try taking a graduate nursing course as a non-matriculated student. Then not only will you have a good source for a letter, but you will have evidence that you are capable of graduate-level work.

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Specializes in LTC & Private Duty Pediatrics.

Hi there:

- You said you took courses online. Was this Excelsior College? If so, contact them and they will send out a standard recommendation letter.

- I had to do this for both my application to Nurse Practitioner school, and also for employment with my current employer (hospital).

- Even if you didn't go to Excelsior, I would recommend talking to the Dean of the college you did attend. Explain the situation, and see if they will send a recommendation letter out. I'm sure most of them have run into this situation before.

- Hope this helps.

SirJohnny

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

I'd ask one of the instructors from your BSN program. Remind him/her that you took the course online and mention some of the work you did in the class. Did you write a paper or do a project that stands out? Did you work well in groups or participate often in online discussions? Look back on previous work and don't be shy about sending any information to your former instructor that would remind him/her of who you are and what you accomplished in class.

I'm doing an online program and had to ask some of my profs for letters of recommendation. I had no problems getting them, even though I haven't met all of my instructors in person.

Just be aware---with this being the end of the semester, your request might get lost or put on the back burner. Nothing to do with you but this time of the year, most instructors are pretty crunched in terms of time.

Best of luck to you as you go forward with your education!

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Hi there:

- You said you took courses online. Was this Excelsior College? If so, contact them and they will send out a standard recommendation letter.

- I had to do this for both my application to Nurse Practitioner school, and also for employment with my current employer (hospital).

- Even if you didn't go to Excelsior, I would recommend talking to the Dean of the college you did attend. Explain the situation, and see if they will send a recommendation letter out. I'm sure most of them have run into this situation before.

- Hope this helps.

SirJohnny

I obtained my ASN from a community college 7 1/2 years ago--my BSN was online through Indiana Wesleyan :)

So I wonder how that would work since I am applying for my MSN through Indiana Wesleyan.

Thanks for all the advice!

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