A reference letter for nursing school is a document that showcases a student’s abilities and achievements to help them secure admission to a nursing program. It is an important element of the application process and can greatly influence the decision of the admissions committee. In this article, we will discuss tips for writing a great reference letter for nursing school, provide seven examples of what to include in the letter, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Tips for Writing a Great Reference Letter Nursing School
When writing a reference letter for nursing school, it is important to keep in mind the following tips:
1. Use a Professional Tone
The language used in the letter should be professional and formal. It should reflect the writer’s expertise and experience in the field of nursing.
2. Highlight the Student’s Strengths
The letter should focus on the student’s strengths and accomplishments, including their academic achievements, clinical experience, and extracurricular activities.
3. Use Specific Examples
Provide specific examples of the student’s work, such as a project they completed, a paper they wrote, or a clinical experience they had. This will help to paint a clear picture of the student’s abilities.
4. Tailor the Letter to the Program
The letter should be tailored to the nursing program the student is applying to. This means highlighting the specific skills and qualities that are valued by that program.
5. Proofread Carefully
Finally, proofread the letter carefully for errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. A poorly written letter can be a red flag for the admissions committee.
Seven Examples of Reference Letter Nursing School
Letter of Recommendation for Strong Academic Performance
Greetings Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to your nursing program. As [his/her] academic advisor, I have had the opportunity to observe [his/her] academic progress closely. [Student Name] has consistently demonstrated strong academic performance, earning a GPA of [insert GPA].
[Student Name] is a dedicated student who is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure [he/she] fully understands the material. During [his/her] time in my class, [he/she] demonstrated excellent critical thinking skills and a strong ability to work independently and as part of a team. [He/She] is also an excellent communicator and able to clearly articulate [his/her] thoughts and ideas.
I have no doubt that [Student Name] will excel in your nursing program and make a valuable contribution to the nursing profession. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Title]
Letter of Recommendation for Clinical Experience
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to your nursing program. As [his/her] clinical supervisor, I have had the pleasure of working closely with [him/her] during [his/her] clinical rotation at [insert hospital or organization].
[Student Name] has demonstrated excellent clinical skills and a strong ability to work with patients and families. [He/She] is compassionate, empathetic, and able to provide high-quality care to a diverse patient population. [He/She] is also a quick learner, able to adapt to new situations and environments with ease.
I have no doubt that [Student Name] will be a valuable asset to your nursing program and the nursing profession as a whole. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name and Title]
Letter of Recommendation for Leadership Skills
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to your nursing program. As [his/her] faculty advisor, I have had the opportunity to witness [his/her] leadership skills firsthand.
[Student Name] is a natural leader who is able to motivate and inspire [his/her] peers. [He/She] has taken on leadership roles in [insert club or organization] and has shown a strong ability to organize and coordinate events and activities. [He/She] is also an excellent communicator and able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
I have no doubt that [Student Name] will be a valuable member of your nursing program and the nursing profession. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name and Title]
Letter of Recommendation for Research Experience
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to your nursing program. As [his/her] research advisor, I have had the opportunity to work closely with [him/her] on several research projects.
[Student Name] is an excellent researcher who is able to think critically and creatively about complex problems. [He/She] has a strong ability to analyze data and communicate [his/her] findings effectively. [He/She] is also a strong team player, able to work collaboratively with others to achieve common goals.
I have no doubt that [Student Name] will make a valuable contribution to your nursing program and the nursing profession. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name and Title]
Letter of Recommendation for Compassionate Care
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to your nursing program. As [his/her] clinical supervisor, I have had the opportunity to observe [his/her] interactions with patients and families.
[Student Name] is a compassionate and empathetic caregiver who is able to provide high-quality care to patients in need. [He/She] has a strong ability to communicate with patients and families and to advocate for their needs. [He/She] is also able to work collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
I have no doubt that [Student Name] will be an excellent addition to your nursing program and the nursing profession. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Title]
Letter of Recommendation for Cultural Competence
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to your nursing program. As [his/her] faculty advisor, I have had the opportunity to observe [his/her] interactions with people from diverse backgrounds.
[Student Name] is a culturally competent caregiver who is able to provide care to patients from diverse backgrounds. [He/She] is respectful of different cultures and able to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds. [He/She] has a strong ability to adapt to new situations and environments and is able to work effectively with people from different disciplines.
I have no doubt that [Student Name] will be a valuable member of your nursing program and the nursing profession. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name and Title]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a reference letter for nursing school?
A reference letter for nursing school should include the student’s strengths and accomplishments, specific examples of their work, and a professional tone. It should also be tailored to the nursing program the student is applying to.
Who should I ask to write a reference letter for nursing school?
You should ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths and abilities as a student and caregiver. This could include a faculty member, clinical supervisor, or employer.
How long should a reference letter for nursing school be?
A reference letter for nursing school should be approximately one page in length, or about 50 to 80 sentences.
What should the greeting be in a reference letter for nursing school?
The greeting should be professional and formal, and should address the admissions committee or the person responsible for reviewing the application.
What should the body of the letter include?
The body of the letter should include the student’s strengths and accomplishments, specific examples of their work, and a description of why they would be a good fit for the nursing program.
What should the complimentary close be in a reference letter for nursing school?
The complimentary close should be professional and formal, and should thank the admissions committee for their time and consideration.
Conclusion
A reference letter for nursing school is an important document that can greatly influence the decision of the admissions committee. By following the tips provided in this article and using the examples as a guide, you can create a strong and effective reference letter that showcases the student’s abilities and achievements. Remember to tailor the letter to the nursing program the student is applying to and proofread carefully before submitting.