Letters of Reference for Nursing Program

[DCarman-student]

I am going to be needing two letters of reference for application to the Nursing program. I have professors who are very happy to write them for me but they are fairly new and have little experience writing one. What should be in the letter?

Thank you!

[dgolden]

My suggestion would be to write them a letter of things you wish they would include about you, or give them a resume and physically highlight the lines you hope they address.

Beforehand, I would try to meet with them after class/during office hours and introduce yourself further, and even go over your resume in person.

If I wrote the letter, I would include:

- my contribution to the class

- my other RELEVANT activities that I claimed on the resume

-how they observed my desire/learning habits/ etc

- How and why they think I could become successful in nursing

Hope this helps! good luck!

[GoldenDomer63]

The schools that I applied to provided standardized forms for both personal and academic references. All that was required of the professor was to complete the questionnaire and either return to the student in a sealed envelope, or send to the respective nursing school. I opted for the former and sent the completed applications, essay, CV and recommendations together. However, in my case, the professors felt compelled to write personal statements on my behalf as well and asked that I provide them a bit about my academic achievements, GPA (both cumulative and core-science). I think the previous poster captured the salient points of what to include in the recommendation.

Given these professors are new to writing recommendations, I think you need to be proactive and make sure they are emphasizing the traits/characteristics that you think are most important; you only get one shot at this. Most will provide you with a copy of their recommendation and ask for feedback; be sure to take advantage of the opportunity.

If at all possible seek recommendations from your science professors; particularly in the pre-requisite science courses (A&P, micro, chem and bio). It is my understanding that the majority of nursing programs look at your core-science GPA as an accurate indicator of your ability to handle the academic workload.

I know you didn't ask for feedback on your personal goal statement, but I was told during one of the informal information sessions at my nursing school was to be sure that your passion for nursing comes across in your statement; convey your career goals and what made you want to become a nurse. Use anecdotal events and humor; let your personality flow...don't write "canned" responses on what you think they want to hear...be original and have faith that what you write is heartfelt and sincere.

I hope this helps...good luck!