How hard is it to write a stinkin' recommendation letter

[Lovelymo79]

I feel like screaming!

So, I applied to summer nurse externship programs. I knew from the start that everything would be easy to get together but recommendation letters may be a problem. Not because I'm not worthy of getting one..but because I would have to depend on other people to write them. And I was right.

For one externship, there were 2 forms. I applied in November so I got my clinical instructor (Ms. CI) at the time (last semester) to fill it out and another non-clinical instructor to fill it out (Ms. J) . Cool. For the 2nd one, I haven't heard back from them yet but I applied to another program they have where they will pay for my schooling in exchange for me working for them. I needed 3 references and 2 recommendation letters. Got the references and 1 recommendation letter (from my new clinical instructor for this semester -- Ms. B). It was December, so I had asked my first clinical instructor (Ms. CI) for the 2nd recommendation letter for the program. She promised she would get one together and I believed her because she was able to do the 1st one so quickly. Not.

So, here it is THREE months later and I'm still waiting. Thankfully, the coordinator of the program stated that it was no rush because they didn't start reviewing the applications until early spring. But, now, it IS early spring! I also have an externship interview next Monday (the 15th for a 3rd externship), and I need 2 recommendation letters. I still have my current clinical instructor's letter -- Ms. B. But, I need another letter!

So, I am going crazy. I emailed, called and talked in person for Ms. CI to get me a recommendation letter and she has failed so I have given up on her. I spoke with my manager (I'm a nursing assistant part-time) to see if she could write me a recommendation letter but she was like "What am I suppose to put in to it?" HUH?? You're a manager over 3 units and a regular floor..how do you NOT know what to put in the letter? So, I'm a little shaky on her. I emailed Ms. J (my non-clinical instructor) to write a letter but that letter would only be good for the interview. I would STILL need another letter for the program at the hospital because since I put her down as a reference, I can't have her writing a letter -- go figure. I haven't heard back or seen Ms. J yet, which is weird. I've gotten so desperate that I emailed my former boss at my corporate America law firm job (the job I had before I left for nursing school). She's actually at a conference but she said that although she hopes I get a letter from someone from school since it would probably be more relevant than her letter, that she would email me an unsigned letter of recommendation.

So, what should I do? I've given up on Ms. CI. I hope Ms. J gets back to me. I won't be back at the hospital until Friday but I may try to run up there to the hospital to see if I can get my manager to write a letter (as well as bring a sample letter so she can see what goes in a letter!). Would a letter from my former boss in corporate America be relevant? Or should I just email the interviewer and tell them I haven't been able to secure a second letter?

What would YOU do?

Thanks in advance!

[caliotter3]

A letter of recommendation is not a requirement. The person asked can refuse. I had a doctor renege on a doctor statement one time after saying they would do it. I had a deadline from a third party for the statement and I waited and waited some more. Every time I brought it up to the office staff, either they knew nothing about it, could not find it, or they told me that the doctor didn't do that sort of thing. The letter was never written for me. That is not only rude but also unprofessional. I would think that a doctor would have the gumption to speak up for themselves without playing the passive aggressive game.

[carlam37]

lovelymo79 ..... i cant send private message since im new on her but ive been looking up different threads about MHSON and saw you respond with helpful information so i was hoping i could get some feedback from you.... i went to the school about a week ago because i unfortunately did not get into essex county's rn program and heard nothing but good things about mhson... i was wondering if you know anything about their acceptance rate or what they look for in students...and also the hours you were in school (hoping i can attend and keep my job) ... and after becoming an rn with mhson can i go to any school for my BSN? thanks for your time!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Carlam37, you do realize that this thread is three years old?

[Lovelymo79]

Carlam37 you do realize that this thread is three years old?[/quote']

It's 3 years old but I can still respond.

Carlam37, MHSON was an awesome school. I loved the instructors and my classmates and feel that it really prepared me to go straight into CTICU after graduation. However, many instructors left when they decided to close the school about 3.5 years ago. Ultimately, they decided to keep the school open but many of the well-known and longtime instructors had left. So I don't know the ones they have now.

It is a really stringent program and the level of grading is high. If you fail out, which a number of people did each semester, you have to wait a year to take the courses again. However, those that do make it, do well and our nclex passing rates were really good.

I was in the evening program but they only have a day program now. I worked full-time and went to school full time. It was hard and busy but doable. I didn't have any kids however.

I'm going back for my BSN now. The only trouble I had was I couldn't get in to a school that only accepted regionally accredited schools. MHSON is private and is nationally accredited. Other than that, I know tons of grads that went on to get their BSNs.

Let me know if you have any other questions!