If you’re a nursing professional, chances are you have been asked to provide a reference letter for a colleague or staff member. Crafting a strong and effective nursing reference letter can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and examples, you can create a letter that truly showcases the individual’s strengths and qualifications.
Tips for Writing Nursing Reference Letters
If you’re unsure where to start with your nursing reference letter, consider these tips:
1. Choose an Appropriate Title
The title of your reference letter should clearly state your relationship to the individual and their field of work. For example, “Nursing Reference Letter for ICU Nurse” or “Reference Letter for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.”
2. Provide a Detailed Explanation
Explain how you know the individual, and how long you have worked with them. Describe their qualifications, skills, and accomplishments in detail, and provide specific examples whenever possible.
3. Use a Formal Greeting
Begin the letter with a formal greeting, such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Be sure to address the letter to the appropriate recipient.
4. Write a Compelling Body
The body of the letter should focus on the individual’s strengths and qualifications, with specific examples of their work or accomplishments. Use descriptive language and highlight their key skills and attributes.
5. Close Strongly
End the letter with a strong, complimentary close, such as “Sincerely” or “Regards.” Reiterate your support for the individual and your confidence that they would be an excellent candidate for the position.
Examples of Nursing Reference Letters
Nursing Reference Letter for ICU Nurse
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Doe for the position of ICU Nurse. As Jane’s supervisor at XYZ Hospital for the past three years, I have had the pleasure of working closely with her and was always impressed with her exceptional clinical skills and strong work ethic.
Jane is a highly skilled and dedicated nurse who consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care to her patients. She is a confident and knowledgeable team player who possesses excellent critical thinking skills and is always willing to take on additional responsibilities.
It is without hesitation that I fully recommend Jane for any ICU nursing position. She is a valuable asset to any healthcare team and I am confident that she will excel in any role she takes on.
Sincerely,
John Smith, RN
Reference Letter for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Sarah Johnson for the position of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. As Sarah’s colleague for the past two years, I have had the pleasure of working alongside her in our pediatric unit at ABC Hospital.
Sarah is an incredibly skilled and compassionate nurse practitioner who always goes above and beyond to ensure the best care for her patients. She is highly knowledgeable, with excellent diagnostic skills and a deep understanding of pediatric medicine.
I highly recommend Sarah for any pediatric nursing position. She is an asset to any healthcare organization and always goes the extra mile to ensure the best outcomes for her patients.
Regards,
Kate Williams, NP
Nursing Reference Letter for Med-Surg Nurse
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Mike Thompson for the position of Med-Surg Nurse. I had the pleasure of working with Mike during his time as a nurse on our med-surg unit at XYZ Hospital, and I can say without hesitation that he is an incredibly skilled and hard-working nurse.
Mike is a highly dedicated and compassionate nurse who always puts his patients first. He possesses exceptional clinical skills, with a deep understanding of medical procedures and protocols. He is also an expert at managing patient care and ensuring positive patient outcomes.
I highly recommend Mike for any med-surg nursing position. He is an asset to any healthcare organization and always delivers exceptional care to his patients.
Sincerely,
Emily Davis, RN
Nursing Reference Letter for Emergency Room Nurse
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the position of Emergency Room Nurse. I had the pleasure of working alongside Sarah at ABC Hospital’s emergency department for the past three years and was always impressed by her exceptional nursing skills and dedication to patient care.
Sarah is a highly skilled and efficient emergency room nurse who possesses excellent critical thinking skills and is able to make quick and accurate decisions in high-pressure situations. She is also a compassionate nurse who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the best outcomes for her patients.
I highly recommend Sarah for any emergency room nursing position. She is an asset to any healthcare organization and always delivers exceptional care to her patients.
Best regards,
John Miller, RN
Nursing Reference Letter for Geriatric Nurse
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Lisa Brown for the position of Geriatric Nurse. I worked alongside Lisa at ABC Nursing Home for the past five years and can attest to her exceptional nursing skills and dedication to her patients.
Lisa is a highly skilled and compassionate nurse who possesses a deep understanding of geriatric medicine. She is able to provide excellent care to her patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other complex medical conditions. She is also skilled in managing patient care and ensuring positive patient outcomes.
I highly recommend Lisa for any geriatric nursing position. She is an asset to any healthcare organization and always delivers exceptional care to her patients.
Sincerely,
David Green, RN
Reference Letter for School Nurse
Dear Principal,
I am writing this letter to recommend Jane Smith for the position of School Nurse at ABC School District. I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for the past three years as a colleague in the nursing profession and can attest to her exceptional nursing skills and dedication to student health.
Jane is a highly skilled and compassionate nurse who is committed to providing the best possible care for her patients. She is knowledgeable in all areas of school nursing, from providing first aid to managing chronic conditions. She is also skilled at educating students and staff on health and wellness topics.
I highly recommend Jane for the position of School Nurse. She is an asset to any educational organization and will be an excellent addition to your team.
Best regards,
Samantha Brown, RN
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a nursing reference letter?
Start by choosing an appropriate title that clearly states your relationship to the individual and their field of work. Use a formal greeting, such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern,” and provide a detailed explanation of your relationship to the individual and their qualifications.
What should I include in a nursing reference letter?
Your nursing reference letter should include specific examples of the individual’s skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. Use descriptive language and highlight their key attributes and strengths.
How long should a nursing reference letter be?
A nursing reference letter should be no longer than one page, with a total of 50-80 sentences. Keep the letter concise and focused, with specific examples and a strong, complimentary close.
What is the best way to close a nursing reference letter?
End the letter with a strong, complimentary close, such as “Sincerely” or “Regards.” Reiterate your support for the individual and your confidence that they would be an excellent candidate for the position.
Can I edit the nursing reference letter examples provided?
Absolutely! The nursing reference letter examples provided are intended to serve as a starting point for your own letter. Feel free to edit and customize the examples as needed to best reflect the individual’s qualifications and strengths.
What should I do if I am not comfortable writing a nursing reference letter?
If you do not feel comfortable writing a nursing reference letter for an individual, it’s best to decline the request. Be honest and respectful in your response, and offer to help the individual find another reference who may be better suited to the task.
Conclusion
Writing a nursing reference letter can be an intimidating task, but with the right approach and examples, you can create a letter that truly showcases the individual’s strengths and qualifications. Use the tips and examples provided in this article to craft a compelling and effective nursing reference letter that will help your colleague or staff member stand out from the competition.