Letters of recommendation for the AF

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I have been working in a non-clinical setting for a little over two years, but I have been a nurse for about 12 years. I did travel nursing full time for the majority of that time in telemetry, medical/surgical, neurology and oncology. I recently decided to join the military and was told that three to five letters of recommendations are required from a clinical supervisor. I initially thought that this should not be too hard, but was in for a big surprise when I called around and was told by many of the hospitals that I have worked at that the supervisors are not able to give letters, everyone request is referred to HR. Besides, I was a travel nurse working for 13-26weeks at a site. I am concerned as to whether I will be remembered. I was call one my travel agency and was told that I have many positive evaluations on file and I have saved some of my most recent evaluations as well. I did ask my current supervisor, but she is not a clinical nurse and cannot provide any insight to my clinical skills (my current job has a lot of dysfunction which makes me wary of asking much of anyone).

Question: Is there any way to get around the letters of recommendation? Can I provide my past evaluations of performances instead? Are there any exceptions to the rule? Do I have any hope for the future?

Specializes in pediatrics.

This is definitely something your recruiter will know. But I don't see why you couldn't use your past clinical evaluations. I joined the AF fresh out of nursing school so I just had my clinical professors write evals. And if you're an experienced nurse, I'd think the military would want you all the more, even with "old" evals.

Good luck though!

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I believe letters of recommendation have to be dated within the past year.

Thank you for the feedback. When I wrote the thread I was feeling a little down trodden, but you are right I will contact the recruiter for more direction. I also had the opportunity to speak with an my friend who had completed her years in the military and she gave me the same insight.

Thanks again for your response. I greatly appreciate it.

They actually give you a form for the people you choose for these letters to fill out. These are personal recommendations as well - definitely talk to your recruiter.

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