As a registered nurse, there may be times when you are asked to write a reference letter for a colleague or former employee. A well-written reference letter can help the recipient stand out in a competitive job market. Here’s what you need to know about writing a reference letter for a registered nurse.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter Registered Nurse
When writing a reference letter for a registered nurse, keep the following tips in mind:
- Start by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship with the nurse.
- Be specific about the nurse’s skills and experience, and give examples to back up your claims.
- Highlight any special certifications or training the nurse has completed.
- Emphasize the nurse’s ability to work well with patients, colleagues, and supervisors.
- Use professional language and tone throughout the letter.
- Proofread your letter carefully for errors and typos.
- Offer to provide more information or answer any questions the recipient may have.
Examples of Reference Letter Registered Nurse
Reference Letter for Nursing School Applicant
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for admission to your nursing program. I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for the past two years at ABC Hospital, where she has served as a registered nurse on our medical-surgical floor.
Jane is an exceptional nurse who is highly respected by her patients, colleagues, and supervisors. She has excellent clinical skills, and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that her patients receive the best possible care. Jane is also a great team player who is always willing to lend a helping hand to her coworkers.
I have no doubt that Jane would be an excellent addition to your nursing program. She has a passion for nursing that is contagious, and I am confident that she will make a positive impact in whatever healthcare setting she chooses to work in.
Sincerely,
John Doe, RN
Reference Letter for Nurse Manager Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the Nurse Manager position at your facility. I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for the past five years at XYZ Hospital, where she has served as a charge nurse and clinical coordinator.
Jane is an exceptional leader who is highly respected by her colleagues and subordinates. She has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and she has a knack for bringing out the best in her team. Jane is also a skilled problem-solver who is able to think outside the box to find creative solutions to complex issues.
I have no doubt that Jane would excel in the Nurse Manager role. She has a passion for nursing and a commitment to excellence that is second to none. I strongly endorse her for this position.
Sincerely,
John Doe, RN
Reference Letter for Home Health Nurse
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the Home Health Nurse position at your agency. I had the pleasure of working with Jane for three years at ABC Home Health, where she provided skilled nursing care to clients in their homes.
Jane is an exceptional nurse who is highly skilled at assessing and managing complex medical conditions. She has excellent communication skills, and she is able to establish a rapport with her patients and their families quickly. Jane is also a skilled educator who is able to teach her patients and their families about their medical conditions and how to manage them effectively.
I have no doubt that Jane would be an excellent addition to your team. She has a passion for home health nursing that is evident in everything she does, and I am confident that she will make a positive impact on the lives of your clients.
Sincerely,
John Doe, RN
Reference Letter for Travel Nurse Assignment
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the travel nurse assignment at your facility. I had the pleasure of working with Jane for six months at XYZ Hospital, where she served as a float nurse on our medical-surgical and critical care units.
Jane is an exceptional nurse who is highly adaptable and able to thrive in fast-paced and constantly changing environments. She has excellent clinical skills, and she is able to provide high-quality care to patients with a wide variety of medical conditions. Jane is also a skilled communicator who is able to work effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
I have no doubt that Jane would excel in the travel nurse role. She has a passion for nursing and a commitment to excellence that is second to none. I strongly endorse her for this position.
Sincerely,
John Doe, RN
Reference Letter for Nurse Educator Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the Nurse Educator position at your facility. I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for the past ten years at ABC Hospital, where she has served as a clinical nurse specialist and nurse educator.
Jane is an exceptional educator who is highly respected by her colleagues and students. She has a passion for teaching and a commitment to excellence that is evident in everything she does. Jane is also a skilled communicator who is able to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
I have no doubt that Jane would be an excellent addition to your nursing education team. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, and I am confident that she will make a positive impact on the education of your nursing students.
Sincerely,
John Doe, RN
Reference Letter for Hospice Nurse
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the Hospice Nurse position at your agency. I had the privilege of working with Jane for three years at ABC Hospice, where she provided compassionate end-of-life care to our patients.
Jane is an exceptional nurse who is highly skilled at managing complex symptoms and providing emotional support to patients and families. She has excellent communication skills, and she is able to establish a rapport with her patients and their families quickly. Jane is also a skilled advocate who is able to ensure that her patients receive the care and support they need to live their final days with dignity and comfort.
I have no doubt that Jane would be an excellent addition to your hospice team. She has a passion for hospice nursing that is evident in everything she does, and I am confident that she will make a positive impact on the lives of your patients and their families.
Sincerely,
John Doe, RN
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a reference letter for a registered nurse?
A reference letter for a registered nurse should include specific details about the nurse’s skills, experience, and qualifications. It should also highlight the nurse’s ability to work well with patients, colleagues, and supervisors. Be sure to include specific examples to back up your claims.
How long should a reference letter for a registered nurse be?
A reference letter for a registered nurse should be one to two pages long. It should provide enough detail to give the recipient a clear sense of the nurse’s abilities and qualifications, but it should not be so long that it becomes tedious to read.
Can I use a reference letter template for a registered nurse?
Yes, there are many reference letter templates available online that you can use as a starting point for your letter. However, it’s important to personalize the letter and tailor it to the specific nurse and position you are recommending them for.
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable writing a reference letter for a registered nurse?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a reference letter for a registered nurse, it’s important to be honest and upfront with the requester. Explain your reasons for declining and offer to help them find another reference who may be better suited to the task.
Can I write a reference letter for a registered nurse who was terminated from their previous job?
You can write a reference letter for a registered nurse who was terminated from their previous job, but it’s important to be honest and objective in your assessment of their skills and abilities. Be sure to provide specific examples to back up your claims, and avoid making personal judgments or assumptions.
Should I send the reference letter directly to the recipient or give it to the nurse to send?
It’s generally best to send the reference letter directly to the recipient, either by email or mail. This ensures that the letter is received in a timely manner and that there are no issues with the nurse misplacing or forgetting to send the letter.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter for a registered nurse can be a daunting task, but with these tips and examples, you should be well on your way to creating a letter that highlights the nurse’s skills and qualifications. Remember to be specific, use professional language and tone, and proofread your letter carefully before sending it off. Good luck!