Letter of Recommendation for Registered Nurses

Nursing Degrees & Schools / Letter of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are a great way to stand out when applying to nursing school. Most schools require you to provide letters of recommendation along with your application. 

In this article, we will discuss:

• Finding the right people to write the letter
• What should the recommendation letter entail?
• Recommendation letter examples

Finding the right people to write the letter

Finding the right people to write a letter of recommendation is the first step. Anyone who can attest to your professional skills and character can be a good choice. 

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A professor, administrator, school counselor, or manager are great options. Co-workers can also be good choices, but anyone in a supervising role is generally preferred. Family members are discouraged and often considered biased sources for many schools.

It is best to ask for a letter of recommendation in person and to give enough time for them to write and submit the letter of recommendation. It can also be helpful to provide specifics on the schools you are applying to and why you are interested in their nursing programs.

Be sure to inquire about your school’s deadlines and communicate this to those recommending you. 

Many schools have specific guidelines on letters of recommendation and sometimes request a specific format for the letters. You can always reach out to the admissions office if you need clarification or have questions.

What should a nursing recommendation letter entail? 

Letters of recommendation do not need to be long. The structure of the letter should include:

• a professional greeting
• Introduction
• several body paragraphs
• conclusion
• formal signature.

The most common greeting is “To Whom It May Concern” if the identity of the person is unknown. The writer should also address their relationship to the applicant in the greeting. The formal signature should include the writer’s contact information. 

The body of the letter should address the applicant’s professionalism, character, and ability to be a good asset to the applicant’s desired program. Examples of leadership and academic success should be included.

Specific examples of the applicant’s unique skills and experiences are a good way to stand out in your letter of recommendation. Any examples of leadership in projects, student organizations, or problem-solving are good ways to show how the applicant can succeed in the desired program.

Nursing recommendation letter examples

Sample 1

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Ms. Emily Colley, whom I have worked with for the past three years. Ms. Colley has worked with me at the Early Childhood Development Center as one of our preschool classroom assistants. She has demonstrated great responsibility and leadership during her time at the center.

I would gladly recommend Ms. Colley for the St. Louis University Nursing Program. Ms. Colley has a great passion for caring for others which she has demonstrated every day in her classroom assistant role. She has taken on more responsibility by leading a project to improve our playground’s safety and quality for the children. She was praised by many peers for her dedication and professionalism during the development of this project.

Ms. Colley demonstrates many skills that would make her a great nurse such as reliability, leadership, kindness, and patience. She is a quick learner, easily adaptable to new environments, and a team player. I have no doubt that she will be a great asset to your program.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

Mr. John Baker

Supervisor

Early Childhood Development Center

[email protected]

405-338-1516

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Sample 2

Dear Dr. Schiebel,

I am writing on behalf of Mr. John James for a position in the University of Wisconsin’s nursing program. I have had the privilege of teaching Mr. James in my biology class at Shawnee Mission East High School for the past year. 

Mr. James is one of my best students. He is always on time for class, turned in his assignments promptly, and advocated for himself and his peers. When many of my students were struggling with a specific concept, Mr. James organized a study group. He took time outside of class to teach his peers and help them build confidence in themselves. 

Mr. James recently received our school’s highest honor, the Jane Young Outstanding Student Award. This is awarded to five students each year who have exhibited leadership and dedication to their academic success. I was honored to be chosen to present this award to Mr. James.

Mr. James would make a great addition to your nursing program. I believe he would not only excel in the program, but be a leader to his fellow nursing students. Mr. James is always looking for ways to go above and beyond for others and any nursing program would be lucky to have him.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

[Signature]

Ellen Johnson

Shawnee Mission East High School

[email protected]

913-515-8879