A reference letter is a type of document that can greatly help a new nurse land a job. It is a written statement that highlights the skills and attributes of the applicant. A reference letter from a former employer or professor can give the employer a glimpse of the applicant’s work ethic and attitude towards their profession. In this article, we will provide tips and examples of a reference letter for a new nurse.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter for a New Nurse
Writing a reference letter can be challenging. Here are some tips:
1. Clear and Specific Title
The title of your reference letter should be clear and specific. It should be related to the job that the applicant is applying for.
2. Introduction
The introduction should briefly explain how you know the applicant and how long you have known them. Also, mention the purpose of the letter which is to support the application of the new nurse.
3. Explanation of the Applicant’s Skills
The body of the letter should describe the applicant’s skills and attributes. Write about how the applicant has demonstrated these skills in the past. Use examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
4. Examples and Editable Templates
There are many examples and templates available online that you can use to help you write a reference letter. You can edit these templates to suit your needs.
Examples of Reference Letter for New Nurse
Example 1: Reference Letter for New Nurse – Leadership Skills
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend [Name] for the position of a new nurse. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number of years] at [Name of Hospital].
[Name] is an exceptional nurse with great leadership skills. She is always willing to take on new responsibilities and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that her patients receive the best possible care.
Her ability to work in a team is also impeccable. She is always willing to help her colleagues and is a great asset to any team she is part of.
I highly recommend [Name] for the position of a new nurse. Her passion for nursing and her dedication to her patients make her an excellent candidate for the role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 2: Reference Letter for New Nurse – Attention to Detail
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend [Name] for the position of a new nurse. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number of years] at [Name of Hospital].
[Name] is an extremely detail-oriented nurse who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that all aspects of patient care are taken care of. She is meticulous in her work and always ensures that her patients receive the best possible care.
[Name] is also an excellent communicator who is able to work well with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
I highly recommend [Name] for the position of a new nurse. Her attention to detail, passion for nursing, and dedication to her patients make her an excellent candidate for the role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 3: Reference Letter for New Nurse – Critical Thinking Skills
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend [Name] for the position of a new nurse. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number of years] at [Name of Hospital].
[Name] is an exceptional nurse who has exceptional critical thinking skills. She is able to think on her feet and make quick, informed decisions that benefit her patients.
She is also an excellent communicator who is able to work well with her colleagues, patients, and their families.
I highly recommend [Name] for the position of a new nurse. Her passion for nursing and her dedication to her patients make her an excellent candidate for the role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 4: Reference Letter for New Nurse – Compassionate Care
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend [Name] for the position of a new nurse. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number of years] at [Name of Hospital].
[Name] is a compassionate nurse who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that her patients receive the best possible care. She is patient, kind, and always takes the time to listen to her patients and their families.
Her ability to provide compassionate care is one of her strongest attributes. She is able to put her patients at ease and help them feel comfortable during what can be a stressful and difficult time.
I highly recommend [Name] for the position of a new nurse. Her compassion, passion for nursing, and dedication to her patients make her an excellent candidate for the role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 5: Reference Letter for New Nurse – Strong Work Ethic
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend [Name] for the position of a new nurse. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number of years] at [Name of Hospital].
[Name] is an extremely hard-working nurse who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that her patients receive the best possible care. She is always willing to take on new responsibilities and is never afraid to work long hours.
Her strong work ethic makes her a great asset to any healthcare team. She is also an excellent communicator who is able to work well with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
I highly recommend [Name] for the position of a new nurse. Her passion for nursing and her dedication to her patients make her an excellent candidate for the role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 6: Reference Letter for New Nurse – Excellent Patient Care
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend [Name] for the position of a new nurse. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number of years] at [Name of Hospital].
[Name] is an exceptional nurse who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that her patients receive the best possible care. She is patient, kind, and always takes the time to listen to her patients and their families.
Her ability to provide excellent patient care is one of her strongest attributes. She is able to provide personalized care that meets the unique needs of each patient.
I highly recommend [Name] for the position of a new nurse. Her passion for nursing and her dedication to her patients make her an excellent candidate for the role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I include in a reference letter for a new nurse?
A: A reference letter for a new nurse should include an introduction, an explanation of the applicant’s skills and attributes, and a closing statement. It should also include specific examples that demonstrate the applicant’s expertise as a nurse.
Q: Who should I address the reference letter to?
A: Address the reference letter to the hiring manager or the person who is responsible for reviewing the applications.
Q: How long should a reference letter be?
A: A reference letter should be one page long. It should be concise and to the point.
Q: Can I use a template to write a reference letter?
A: Yes, there are many templates available online that you can use to write a reference letter. You can customize these templates to suit your needs.
Q: What is the best way to format a reference letter?
A: Format the reference letter like a formal business letter. Include your contact information at the top, followed by the date and the recipient’s contact information. Use a formal tone and keep the letter concise and to the point.
Q: Can I include my contact information in the reference letter?
A: Yes, include your contact information at the end of the reference letter. This will allow the employer to contact you if they have any questions or if they want to verify the information in the letter.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter for a new nurse is a great way to help them land their dream job. Use the tips and examples provided in this article to create a letter that highlights the applicant’s skills and attributes. Remember to keep the letter concise and to the point.