The process of getting into nursing school can be difficult, especially if you’ve chosen a program at a competitive school or university. The sad truth is that although there is a shortage of nurses, and it can only benefit the medical community to have more graduates released every year, there aren’t enough programs or qualified nursing instructors to meet the demand. That means you have to work hard not only while you’re in nursing school, but in the months leading up to your enrollment, as well.

One way to help secure your position at the nursing school of your choice is to have a good letter of recommendation to accompany your admissions packet. More than just a series of grades or a list of your activities, a recommendation letter from someone in a position of authority provides both credibility and a more personal touch – both of which could tip the scales in your favor.

Who Should Write the Letter of Recommendation?

It’s important to ask the right people for help in your recommendation letter. It’s best to find someone who:

• Is appropriate for the task. Your mother or your neighbor’s grandmother who you once helped take care of are not the best candidates for the job. Someone in a professional position (like a teacher or an employer) is ideal. And if you can get someone with a medical background, that’s even better.

• Will take the time to write the recommendation letter well. A super-busy professor might not be able to devote much time to your letter, even if you have a good relationship with him or her. You want someone who can personalize the letter and really focus on your strengths. Things like grammar and penmanship count, too.

• Can portray you in the best possible light. The best candidates take the act of writing a recommendation letter very seriously. This means saying positive things when they are appropriate, and possibly even saying negative things, too. Stick to those you have been your best self around.

What the Nursing Letter of Recommendation Should Say

You should typically choose two or three people to write your letter, just in case someone can’t get to it in a timely fashion. One way in which to facilitate the process is to provide a key list of points the letter writer can cover, including:

• Why you need the letter
• What the admissions department is looking for
• Your “angle” on your admissions essay or application
• A personal resume that highlights your past

You might also want to include a self-addressed stamped envelope and give them several weeks notice—thoughtful preparation will go a long way in painting you in your best light!

Do I Have to Include a Letter of Recommendation?

Different nursing school programs have a different list of requirements, and a letter of recommendation isn’t always on there. When possible, get several copies of the recommendation letter, and keep them on file. That way you can include them not only when it is listed on the admissions packet, but also in other instances (either for school or an actual job) when you think the personalized recommendation will help get you in the door.

Related Topics:

Nursing School Competition

Nursing School Prerequisites

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