The Letters of Recommendation for Applications

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Still got a year to worry about this kind of stuff, but hey, why not start now! When looking at applications for nursing programs, many want that letter of recommendation from a few people. I'm guessing you can't or shouldn't have a family member do one for you. How did you go about this step. Did you go to a teacher, a family friend, a co-worker? Trying to keep a heads up now with teachers and if I should keep any of them in mind for the future. Just one of those steps that I'm not too certain about.

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Specializes in Postpartum, Mother/Baby, Comm. Health, Geriatric.

I work at hospital as a pharmacy technician, so I had my pharmacist, a fellow tech, and an RN write reference letters for me. I got in

!

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So a co-worker is fair game? That's good to know :)

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Keep it strictly people who know you professionally.

Are you absolutely certain that you need them? I didn't need a single one, ever.

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I agree with RunBabyRun. Professional references are the way to go. It's usually best if it relates to your work ethic and ability to work with others - however, I have seen references that highlight character. But I also did not need references when applying to the nursing program. All programs have different requirements though, so I would look into that.

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Hmmmm, I know I saw it more than once. Just can't remember where! But it came as part of an application. Wanted 3 individuals to do the letters. I do agree on the professional level though. Else we'd all get our friends/family on board and well that might just be the teeniest bit biased.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

I had an academic (college professor), professional (current work manager, I work in healthcare) and personal (high school bio teaher with whom I still talk to regularly) references.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Make sure it is someone that can say more than "Yes, I know this person and she made an A in my class." Nursing is just as much about character as it is about your academic success

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Make sure it is someone that can say more than "Yes, I know this person and she made an A in my class." Nursing is just as much about character as it is about your academic success

Yeah, very true. As of this moment, I do not have close ties to any teacher (hence keeping ears open now) and I don't work anywhere near healthcare. I do know that my boss is somebody I couldn't ask. He works across the US from me and pretty much has no clue on my work habits. Only cares if I'm at my desk or not. Though I do have one co-worker here who I work closely with and is not an outside friend that is good to keep in mind. Unless he retires the next year or so.

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Specializes in ICU.

I recently applied for some scholarships and I needed one for it. I had my Anatomy and Physiology professor write one for me. I asked her permission before she was sent the info for it. I had her in fall and spring semester and I built a repore with her. I felt she was an excellent professor and I told her it was pleasure having her both semesters. I do that with almost all my professors. I always make sure I turn in homework on time and am never late for class and I participate so they will remember me. If you have a good relationship with at least one professor I can't imagine a better reference. I am not talking about being a kiss up, I am talking about building positive relationships that will help you in the future. I think this would also help when I am looking for a job in a couple of years.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Definitely start to develop a rapport with your professors. Maybe even consider volunteering somewhere healthcare related. Even if it's just filing papers or bringing flowers to a nursing home you can get recs from the staff there.

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I used my supervisor at work, a co-worker and a friend who works in the medical field.

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