Letter of Rec for Preceptee?

[BrezyRN]

I was asked by by student extern to write a letter of rec (she is applying to new grad RN positions) and was curious: What do you typically include besides the obvious attributes that would make them a good addition? Do you go into specific skills that were worked on or leave it pretty basic?  I know she is planning on applying to my unit and would love for her to get hired.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Good Article

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-write-a-nursing-reference-letter

Especially: Provide specific examples that highlight their skills

Give an example of a situation in which this nurse extern showed exceptional abilitity. Talk about how they reacted or what made this example stand out to you.  How this skill/situation handling would be an asset on this unit.

Thanks for extending a helping hand -- we need to grow our own staff.

 

[JKL33]

Personally I would include something about attitude and/or communication specific to nursing, such as "asks great/appropriate questions to further his/her nursing knowledge/practice safely"....or, "pays close attention to feedback and incorporates it into patient care/workflow, etc., etc.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I've written a few of these and always keep it brief complimenting their assessment skills, good rapport with staff and patients, that they deliver care with compassion, are a fast learner, etc.  I never felt the need to go into specific details.  

 

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

The suggestion to be specific is good, and especially avoid cliches, or generalizations that are not meaningful.

I have always tried to increase their chances of being hired by being personable and authentic in describing their attributes.