How to get the perfect letter of recommendation for nursing school

Your letter of recommendation for nursing school is one of the most important parts of your application. It shows that someone with authority believes you’re qualified and deserving of a spot in the program. Admissions boards can gain a deeper understanding of your personality, academic abilities, work ethic, and unique attributes through this letter, going beyond your CV or resume.¹

Most of your application features your accomplishments and goals, but a letter of recommendation shows how others view you, which can make your application stand out from the crowd. Learn how to get the perfect recommendation letter below.

Understanding what nursing schools look for

Being a nurse requires a dynamic range of skills and traits. Many of these can be difficult to convey on a resume or CV, which is where a letter of recommendation for nursing school can make all the difference. Nursing schools look for personal traits like:

• Empathy
• Compassion
• Flexibility
• Integrity
• Resilience
• Professionalism
• Reliability

They also want to see essential skills, such as:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Organization
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Academic aptitude
• Clinical potential

Potential is a keyword here. Nursing schools want students who have all the makings of a superb nurse.¹

Whom to ask for a strong recommendation

One of the most crucial aspects of getting a phenomenal letter is to choose the perfect person for the job. Ideally, the right person will have excellent writing skills and be familiar with the nursing field and the requirements of this academic endeavor.

Start with any nursing teachers or professors you’ve had. They hold great authority, as they understand the academic side of the nursing career path and can vouch for your ability to learn and translate those skills.

Another wonderful option includes your supervisors from healthcare or volunteer settings. These include clinical preceptors, supervisory registered nurses, or volunteer service managers.

Lastly, you may also ask employers who understand your work ethic, aptitude, and strengths. Even if you were not employed in a healthcare or nursing-related role, an employer can still provide a strong recommendation letter for the nursing school if they attest to your general abilities.¹

How to make the request professional

When requesting a nursing school letter of recommendation, make the process as convenient for the recommender as possible.

The earlier you ask, the better, but one to two months before the first application deadline is the sweet spot. This provides plenty of time for them to consider your materials and potential and craft the letter.

When possible, it’s best to ask for your letter in person. This comes off as more professional, personal, confident, and respectful. When you ask, prepare what you want to say and express your appreciation for their endorsement and instruction. Make sure you ask, and give them the option to say no without hard feelings or awkwardness.

If you cannot ask in person, you can send an email. Make the request formal but sincere, as you would in person. Be clear about what you’re asking for and why you’re asking them. Don’t provide application or program details in the email until they agree to write the letter.

If they say yes, whether in person or via email, follow up with an email that includes all the necessary details.²

What to provide your recommender

What you give your recommender will influence what they write, so select materials thoughtfully. Here are the essentials:

• Resume or CV: Provide them with an up-to-date history of your education, employment, and completed prerequisites for nursing school
• Personal statement or goals: This could be the personal statement you’ve written for your application, or something written specifically for the recommender
• Specific achievements: Be sure to mention anything notable you hope for them to discuss in the letter

Along with these materials, provide them with details about the program you’re applying to, as well as the application deadline.³

What makes a strong nursing recommendation letter

An effective letter of recommendation for nursing school often mentions:

• Specific examples of abilities
• Behavior and attitude assessments
• Examples of patient management, compassion, or advocacy
• Leadership, communication, ethical, and collaboration qualities
• Procedural, research, and problem-solving skills
• Academic or clinical performance and curiosity
• Relevant qualifications and medical knowledge
• Nature and duration of the relationship
• Confident endorsement of your potential

The letter doesn’t need to include all these points, but the more it touches on, the stronger the letter.⁴

Common mistakes to avoid

One of the most common mistakes applicants make is asking for a recommendation from someone who doesn’t know them well enough. While your nursing professor might have more authority than your employer, it’s still best to ask whoever knows you better. Asking someone with whom you don’t have a rapport can result in a generic and unconvincing letter that falls flat with the admissions board.

You should also only ask an experienced writer. Even if they’re a stellar source, if they can’t communicate why you’re an excellent candidate, the letter might hurt your application.

You need to confirm that the recommender understands the application deadline. Don’t be pushy or rude, but don’t stay silent if you think they’ve forgotten about the letter.

Providing them with the proper materials is the key to success. If you don’t give them ample evidence of your potential, the letter may feel thin. Specific examples are powerful, so give as many as you can. Make sure they have all the program details so they understand who they’re writing to.¹

Get into an RN-BSN degree program with a letter that impresses

Once your recommender submits the letter, be sure to send a thank you, whether it’s a letter of appreciation or a grateful phone call. Don’t forget to let them know if you were accepted into the program, as that's exciting for them too.

With a solid letter of recommendation for a nursing school in your corner, you can submit a convincing, confident application for the online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from Oklahoma City University and get a step closer to a career in nursing.

When you’re ready to start your application, familiarize yourself with the admission requirements first. Then, get in touch with us or schedule an appointment with one of our admissions outreach advisors.