How to Ask For a Letter of Recommendation
The Simmons School of Nursing and Health Sciences seeks nurses who possess the skill set and personal drive to improve patient outcomes and make a greater impact in health care.
In addition to providing a complete academic record, personal statement, and resume, Nursing@Simmons applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation when applying to the online RN to MSN or Master of Science in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs and two letters of recommendation when applying to the RN to BSN online program. Well-written letters of recommendation provide important insight into an applicant’s background and preparedness to succeed.
However, the process of gathering these letters can leave applicants with many questions and feeling intimidated. The following information and advice will help you successfully submit your letters of recommendation.
Nursing@Simmons recommendation letter guidelines
For Nursing@Simmons RN to BSN applicants, two letters of recommendation are required and need to be written within one year of the date of submission. These letters must come from the following:
- A clinical supervisor or nurse manager who has direct knowledge of your skills in a clinical setting.
- A professor, faculty member, or academic adviser who can speak about your academic record. If you have been out of school for more than five years, a clinical instructor or nurse educator can be used in place of an academic adviser.
RN to MSN and Master of Science in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner applicants will need three letters of recommendation written within one year of the date of submission. These letters must come from the following:
- A clinical supervisor or nurse manager who has direct knowledge of your skills in the clinical setting and how they will translate into the Family Nurse Practitioner role.
- A professor, faculty member, or academic adviser who can speak about your academic record. If you have been out of school for more than five years, a clinical instructor or nurse educator can be used in place of an academic adviser.
- A practicing clinical nursing professional or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who has served as a mentor and can speak about your abilities as a nurse and your potential to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Who should I choose?
Choose someone who knows you well and who can speak to your abilities as a nurse and student. Stick to faculty and supervisors you have worked closely with, and who can speak directly to your clinical skills and academic abilities. It can be tempting to choose a recommender based solely on a job title or credentials, but you should avoid this practice. Stick to recommenders you have formed a professional relationship with. Select recommenders who are good communicators and have previous experience writing letters of recommendation.
How should I ask?
Rather than asking a recommender via email or phone, seek out your selected recommenders in person. This will show your commitment and will provide you with an opportunity to share your objectives with your recommenders. Once you have decided on recommenders, make sure you ask them early in the application process. Rushed letters tend to be low quality, so plan ahead and allow for as much time as possible. Let recommenders know the specific date that the letter needs to be sent by in order to help them stay on task.
What should I provide?
Make sure your recommenders have the right information for a successful letter. Provide them with a copy of your resume and a list of your accomplishments. With this information, they will be able to include specific examples of your experience and qualifications. Give your recommenders guidance on how they should submit their recommendation to the Simmons School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Quality letters of recommendation are essential when presenting a well-rounded perspective of your nursing experience and academic achievements. Taking the time to select the right recommenders and providing them with the tools to develop an accurate and honest letter can help start the next chapter of your nursing career.