If you need a reference letter for a nurse, you might be wondering where to start. Luckily, there are many examples available online that you can use as inspiration. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips on how to write a great nurse reference letter and seven examples to help you get started.
Tips for Writing Nurse Reference Letters
When writing a reference letter for a nurse, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Be specific: Mention the nurse’s skills, qualifications, and experience in detail.
- Include examples: Give specific examples of the nurse’s work, such as how they handled a difficult patient or situation.
- Be positive: Use positive language and highlight the nurse’s strengths.
- Be honest: Only write what you truly believe about the nurse, and don’t exaggerate or make false claims.
Example 1: Nurse Reference Letter for a New Graduate
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the position of registered nurse at your hospital. Jane recently graduated from XYZ Nursing School and completed her clinical rotations at ABC Hospital, where I had the pleasure of working with her.
During her time at ABC Hospital, Jane demonstrated excellent clinical skills and a strong work ethic. She was always eager to learn and never hesitated to ask questions or seek feedback. Jane has a great bedside manner and was able to establish positive relationships with her patients and their families.
I have no doubt that Jane will be an asset to your team and will provide excellent patient care. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
John Doe, RN
Example 2: Nurse Reference Letter for a Charge Nurse
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the position of charge nurse at your hospital. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah for the past five years, and I can confidently say that she is one of the best nurses I have ever worked with.
Sarah has excellent leadership skills and is able to manage a team of nurses effectively. She is always willing to take on new challenges and is able to adapt quickly to changes in the healthcare environment. Sarah is extremely organized and is able to prioritize tasks effectively.
I have seen firsthand how Sarah interacts with patients and their families, and she is always professional, caring, and empathetic. Sarah has a great sense of humor and is able to put her patients at ease even in stressful situations.
I highly recommend Sarah for the position of charge nurse at your hospital. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Jane Doe, RN
Example 3: Nurse Reference Letter for a Certified Nurse Midwife
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Maria Rodriguez for the position of certified nurse midwife at your birthing center. I had the pleasure of working with Maria for two years at XYZ Women’s Clinic, where she provided excellent care to our patients.
Maria is an extremely knowledgeable and skilled nurse midwife. She is able to handle complex cases with ease and is always up-to-date on the latest research and procedures. Maria has a great bedside manner and is able to establish strong relationships with her patients.
During her time at XYZ Women’s Clinic, Maria was able to increase the number of successful vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC) by implementing evidence-based practices and providing patient education. She was also involved in community outreach programs that helped to reduce infant mortality rates in our area.
I highly recommend Maria for the position of certified nurse midwife at your birthing center. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
John Smith, MD
Example 4: Nurse Reference Letter for a Hospice Nurse
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Michael Brown for the position of hospice nurse at your organization. I had the pleasure of working with Michael for three years at XYZ Hospice, where he provided excellent care to our patients and their families.
Michael is an extremely compassionate and dedicated nurse. He has a great ability to connect with patients and their families and is able to provide emotional support during a difficult time. Michael is also skilled at managing pain and other symptoms associated with end-of-life care.
During his time at XYZ Hospice, Michael was involved in several quality improvement projects that helped to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. He was also actively involved in providing education to other nurses and healthcare providers.
I highly recommend Michael for the position of hospice nurse at your organization. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Jane Smith, RN
Example 5: Nurse Reference Letter for a Psychiatric Nurse
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Susan Kim for the position of psychiatric nurse at your hospital. I had the pleasure of working with Susan for two years at XYZ Psychiatric Hospital, where she provided excellent care to our patients.
Susan is an extremely skilled psychiatric nurse. She has a great ability to assess patients and develop treatment plans that are tailored to their individual needs. Susan is also skilled at managing crisis situations and is able to provide emotional support to patients and their families.
During her time at XYZ Psychiatric Hospital, Susan was involved in several quality improvement projects that helped to improve patient outcomes and reduce the length of hospital stays. She was also actively involved in providing education to other nurses and healthcare providers.
I highly recommend Susan for the position of psychiatric nurse at your hospital. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
John Doe, MSN, RN
Example 6: Nurse Reference Letter for a Home Health Nurse
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jennifer Lee for the position of home health nurse at your agency. I had the pleasure of working with Jennifer for three years at ABC Home Health, where she provided excellent care to our patients.
Jennifer is an extremely skilled home health nurse. She is able to manage complex cases with ease and is always up-to-date on the latest research and procedures. Jennifer has a great ability to connect with patients and their families and is able to provide emotional support during a difficult time.
During her time at ABC Home Health, Jennifer was involved in several quality improvement projects that helped to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions. She was also actively involved in providing education to other nurses and healthcare providers.
I highly recommend Jennifer for the position of home health nurse at your agency. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Susan Smith, RN
Example 7: Nurse Reference Letter for a Nurse Practitioner
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend David Johnson for the position of nurse practitioner at your clinic. I had the pleasure of working with David for five years at XYZ Family Practice, where he provided excellent care to our patients.
David is an extremely knowledgeable and skilled nurse practitioner. He is able to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions and is always up-to-date on the latest research and procedures. David has a great bedside manner and is able to establish strong relationships with his patients.
During his time at XYZ Family Practice, David was involved in several quality improvement projects that helped to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. He was also actively involved in providing education to other nurses and healthcare providers.
I highly recommend David for the position of nurse practitioner at your clinic. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe, APRN
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a nurse reference letter?
A nurse reference letter should include specific details about the nurse’s skills, qualifications, and experience. You should also include examples of the nurse’s work and highlight their strengths.
How do I address the letter?
You should address the letter to the hiring manager or person in charge of the hiring process.
How long should the letter be?
The letter should be one to two pages long.
Can I use a template for the letter?
Yes, there are many templates available online that you can use as inspiration. Just make sure to personalize the letter for the nurse you are recommending.
Who should I ask to write the letter?
You should ask someone who has worked closely with the nurse and can speak to their skills, qualifications, and experience.
What if I don’t feel comfortable writing the letter?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing the letter, you can politely decline or recommend someone else who might be able to write a better letter.
Conclusion
Writing a nurse reference letter can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and examples, it can be easy to write a great letter. Remember to be specific, positive, and honest in your letter, and give examples of the nurse’s work whenever possible. With these tips and examples, you’ll be able to write a great nurse reference letter in no time.