No personal letters of rec...?

[fmrnicumom]

One of the schools I'm applying to says we can't have any personal letters of recommendation. I have a prof who volunteered to write a letter for me when I finished the class. I know doctor who said she'd write one as well, but I think that would probobly be considered personal. She's a neonatologist who I met when my first son was born at 24 weeks. He only lived 3 days. She was on call that day and was the one who told us he wasn't going to make it. When my second son was born almost a year ago at 28 weeks, she was involved in his care and was the one who discharged him. I thought her recommendation/reference would be great because she's seen how I handle stress and knows why and how much my heart is in this.

I don't really know where else to turn for another reference. I haven't had a job in some time because I've been home with my children since my daughter's birth in 1998. I only returned to school part time summer 2005 and the majority of the classes I've taken have been online.

Who can I ask who wouldn't be considered personal? I can't just try to impress a professor just for a reference or because they can do something for me. I wouldn't feel right about doing it that way. Have any of you run into this situation and what did you do about it?

Thanks in advance! :)

[FirstYear2005]

maybe do they mean, like friends, or family ? I would definitely have the same problem too if letters weren't allowed by teachers, etc.

[fmrnicumom]

They want at least one academic reference, so my prof's letter is okay by their standards. I'm just wondering where I'm supposed to get another reference that isn't personal. I don't know exactly what they consider personal. Family makes sense, but do they rule out all friends? Some teachers and employers are friends as well, so would that rule them out?

I'm just nervous about this whole process and don't want to do anything that would somehow jeopardize my chances. :uhoh21:

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

The best thing you can do is give them a call and ask them to specify. My school doesn't allow personal letters of reference either (No family, friends, co-workers, etc) They do allow letters from instructors, medical providers and supervisor/boss.

I would assume this is the same at your school. If not, then it makes no sense. How are you supposed to ask a stranger for a reference letter (a good one at that)?

Good luck

[fmrnicumom]

Thanks! That was what I was thinking. I have no idea how I could get a good reference from someone who doesn't know me! I'm going to call and see if I can get more information before I meet with an advisor.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

You have to think about applying to nursing school as very similar to applying for a job. A former employer will be a good reference. They can speak to your actions and characteristics as an employee. If you have no work references, how about a minister or someone who is in charge of a charity event that you participated in? If you are still strapped for a reference I would call the school of nursing, mention your dilemma and ask what they would recommend you do? Even if you have to go back to an old high school teacher, it is still a reference.

[charleybarley]

If you're in school you could ask an advisor if you have/had one. They often know your grades very well and could write up a rec.

[buddhababy2monster]

My school (TJU) considered me a "special case" and I was accepted with personal letters, even though it's not the norm. I have been out of school for 10 years and am a self-employed O.D. Who else could I ask?! Try to get through to someone in admissions who you can plead your case to. Good Luck!

[Sarah Bellum]

When I asked my school for clarification on the letters of rec they said one personal letter was fine btu the others had to be academic or professional. And that they understodd the "professional" letters wouldn't be medically oriented. After all, most applicants aren't in the field yet! He said my current supervisor at work was a good candidate, someone who can attest that you are a good worker, pay attention, goes above and beyond, blah blah blah. And then an academic letter, so a professor from a class I've taken.

HTH!