Letters of Recommendation Ideas and Concerns

[michigan nurse]

So I am looking into applying to a CRNA program. I am a strong canidate according to other CRNA's, but I will have to have all my ducks in a row since I will only have a 1 1/2 of experience once I start applying. My biggest problem: I have been in a new ICU with a new manager. My old manager left the institution. My new ICU is full of nurses that have been there for over 20+ years and I am by far the youngest (by 10 years). This is great for learning, but bad for letters because I will be the "new" nurse for it looks like the next five years. My manager is very focused on "the bottom line" and not very interested in something that does not help out the unit.

So the question: Any clever ideas for getting an amazing letter of reference from someone like this or a fellow coworker on the floor? They will be answering questions such as critical thinking skills and "judgement and maturity."

Thank you so much for any advice you may offer.

[lovegasRN, BSN, RN]

Are you in good with your nurse educator or any of the charge nurses? I called a couple of schools and they said that by immediate supervisor they mean anything from NM, NE, CN or coworker. Just someone who knows you and your abilities well. You could probably even ask your preceptor.

[AdonaiLoveable]

My professional LORs came from a nurse who frequently served as my shift's charge nurse and from another from a co-worker on the unit. Some others on my unit have received LORs from each other (other people on the unit applying to CRNA school), an NP, Fellow MD, or attending MD on the unit (we're an academic hospital). My other letters came from one of my former nursing professors and the other from a CRNA that I shadowed frequently. If you can get in touch with your old unit manager who left, you might request a letter from them. Be very cautious about who you share your future plans with on your unit since it doesn't sound like they'd be very happy about your CRNA hopes. I found nurses who work with me on the night shift more supportive of young nurses moving on to CRNA school than many of the been-there-forever day shift nurses. Also, if you frequently float to another ICU, that charge nurse or unit manager might be willing to fill out your LOR forms.

[Becky423]

I got one from my nursing school dean, one from the crna I shadowed, and one from my nsg school critical care instructor (who also held clinicals in my unit and occasionally taught classes at the hospital). No nurse manager or charge nurse (I had less than a year on my unit). Worked for me...