Letters of reference-what to do?

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2007

What about earning top grades and developing good relationships with your professors? Then you could ask them to write you letters of reference. That is what I'm doing.

Otherwise, have you been involved with something like PTA? Perhaps you could get a good reference that way.

Ladypie · Aug 15, 2007

Have you been taking any prereqs recently? Maybe a professor could help you. Even if they don't know you that well, they can still write that you came to class and worked hard, you were punctual, etc.

Do you belong to a church? I am sure my priest would write me a letter stating that I am committed to church activities and that I am a compassionate person.

Do you volunteer in your kid's classrooms? Maybe the teacher or some administrator could write about how you come in and are dependable and energetic.

I understand your frustration. I have been out of work for 5 years and it is weird filling out job applications with recommendations. These people haven't dealt with me in 5 years! But everyone I have asked has agreed to help me out.

Good luck.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 15, 2007

The other posters have listed some good possibilities. Churches, PTA's, community groups, etc. ... What have you been doing over the last few years? Who knows your potential to do a good job? Have you done any volunteer work or helped anyone with a project? etc. etc. etc. Those are the people you can ask.

If you truly have had no contact with any adults who can attest to your potential, then perhaps you need to spend a little up front developing those contacts -- and the skills that such activities help a person learn. Think of it as "Step 1" of joining the work world. Volunteer for some community activities (e.g. PTA, hospital, library, museum, church group, girl scouts, etc.) and learn to work with other adults on a project that accomplishes something. Those activities will help you learn valuable skills and give you a chance to discover your work talents and preferences. You'll also develop the contacts you'll need to write those references and a track record of success to help support your application for school and for future jobs.

If that means delaying your entry into school a little -- compared to the 10 years you have waited already to begin, what's one more semester? Use the semester to get back into the swing of being a student again by taking a basic introductory course that will help you be successful later. For example, if you feel a little insecure in math or science -- take a basic (or even remedial) class in that topic. The experience of taking a class (even it is just an adult continuing education class) will help get you back into the student role and hone your student studying and test-taking skills.

Good luck.

Mrs. Nesbit · Aug 15, 2007

I am not taking any pre-req's til January, which is when my NS application is due (the school said they can accept me contingent on a passing grade in chem.)

So, I can't really wait til I'm in school for a reference, if that makes sense. They'd be waiting for a pre-req grade and 1 reference. Can you say DENIED? lol.

I could probably ask my daughter's teacher from last year, as I was a room parent, and we had a good report.

This school thing is tough, and this is NOTHING compared to what lies ahead.

Thanks for the replies, I do so appreciate them!

Mommycakers · Aug 15, 2007

I am in the exact same situation. I also have been out of the work force for almost 10 years and I have been a SAHM. I am tying to get my application out before this Friday for the Fall of 2008 program. The people I ask to fill out the reference sheet can just mail it directly to the nursing school. I asked my Anatomy instructor to give me a reference. I am still trying to figure out who would be the best for the second reference that I need. The nursing school I think understands. They gave me the idea of clergy but I don't feel they know me that well. My best friend's sister is an instructor at the University I attend and has known me forever so I may use her. She writes them all the time and would be more of a character reference I quess. Otherwise, I may use the president of the home and school association at my kids school. I was a homeroom mom and one of her kids was in the class. She has seen me volunteer in different activities and she is a leader in boyscouts like my husband is now. Call your nursing school and see what they recommend. Maybe because of your situation they will take character references.

Mrs. Nesbit · Aug 15, 2007

Mommycakes,

It sounds like you have a good plan and thanks for the advice!

I'll be pulling for you good luck!

coolpeach · Aug 15, 2007

Another thing you can do this semester. My school has a health professional students club, and I joined that. I also joined the honor society Phi Theta Kappa. I do not need letters of reference, but if I did the A&P professor that heads the health profession club already said in a group meeting that she would write one for any member. In addition, I could get one from Phi Theta kappa, or from my micro, A&P, or Biology professor who I had a good relationship with.

So this semester when you start school sit in the front row, ask questions, and go to any tutorials your professor offers. In this way you will kinda stay his/her memory a bit more. Get involved in groups, and clubs, and by next semester you will have too many references to choose from.