How to write a reference letter for student?

[kcangel]

I've been asked by a couple of former clinical students to write a letter of reference for them. I've never done this before. Anybody have any ideas on what to say? What is important to include?

Thanks.

[Marshamellow]

Well, I would love to direct my letters to a specific person, but I wasn't given that information when I got my letter. It tells me that my scores were high enough to be considered for admission into the program, but that I also must pass an interview and present 3 letters of reference prior to the actual interview. They will only select 40 applicants for entrance into the LPN program so I would like to make sure that my references are 'kick-***' and that I 'knock the socks' off the interviewer. I haven't been in school in 15 years and this is a career change for me, so any advice will be greatly appreciated!

[dorimar, BSN, RN]

nurse educate said:

Vicky, as usually, that is great. BUT: what if they were not a great student.

I have a couple of form letters that I tweak for each student. I have the excellent student, the satisfactory student and the "just barely getting by" student (who is really trying but not doing so great. I have also been asked to write letters for students who have failed, that are looking to get a hospital-related job or an externship while they are waiting to repeat the course. In these cases, I keep it very objective, what they have passed or completed in the program, and their clinical performance (if they were satisfactory in clinical for me, but not theory). I will discuss their character (caring, compassionate, good communicator, team player, etc).

I also include anything 'special' they have done, projects, extra assignments, externships, class officer, etc.

I don't really agree with writing recommendation letters for those students who are "just barely getting by". I do not think everyone deserves to be a nurse, and if they couldn't cut it in the program (or barely so), then I won't recommend them in the field (whether they passed the boards or not). I would not write a negative letter either. I would just tell the student I couldn't recommend them.

[JBudd, MSN]

Reference letters are sometimes to be kept private: when I applied to grad school the letter writers were to be given stamped and addressed envelopes to be mailed directly in. I never saw them.

Its nice if you want to give a copy to the referred person, but I think it defeats the purpose to allow them to ask you to change what you have written. If they need something specific addressed, they should say so to begin with.

[love life]

VickyRN said:

Excellent question ? In most cases, these students know they performed poorly and do not ask me for a reference. If they do, I am honest and state I cannot write a reference for them. If an employer contacts me concerning hiring a graduate who (in my opinion had mediocre performance during clinicals, etc.), all I say is that "XYZ successfully completed course objectives and graduated from our program." I just leave it at that. The employer can read between the lines.

I really like this quote.