Crafting a compelling nursing school recommendation letter can be a decisive factor in a candidate’s admission journey.
These letters provide admissions committees with insights into the applicant’s character, skills, and suitability for a challenging yet rewarding career in nursing.
Whether you are a professor, a clinical supervisor, or a mentor, your recommendation carries significant weight.
This guide presents five samples that highlight different aspects of a candidate’s qualifications, ensuring that you can effectively support their application.
5 Nursing School Recommendation Letter Samples
Sample 1: General Recommendation
Dr. Jane Smith
Nursing Professor
City University School of Nursing
123 University Lane
Anytown, ST 12345
[email protected]
(555) 123-4567
June 1, 2025
Admissions Committee
City University School of Nursing
123 University Lane
Anytown, ST 12345
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Sarah Johnson for admission to City University School of Nursing. As her Nursing professor at City University, I had the privilege of witnessing her dedication and passion for nursing firsthand.
Sarah excels academically and demonstrates exceptional compassion and understanding in clinical settings. She has shown a strong ability to work with patients and their families, providing care with empathy and professionalism.
I am confident that her skills and commitment will contribute significantly to your nursing program. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 or [email protected] if you need further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jane Smith
Sample 2: Character Reference
Mr. Michael Brown
Clinical Supervisor
Anytown General Hospital
456 Health St.
Anytown, ST 12345
[email protected]
(555) 234-5678
June 1, 2025
Admissions Committee
City University School of Nursing
123 University Lane
Anytown, ST 12345
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Emily Davis for your nursing program at City University School of Nursing. I have known her for three years in a clinical capacity and can attest to her outstanding character.
Emily is a natural caregiver, exhibiting an innate ability to provide support and comfort. She is always willing to go the extra mile for her peers and patients, making her an ideal candidate for nursing.
I believe her dedication to healthcare and her unwavering compassion will make her a valuable addition to your program. If you require any further insights, I can be reached at (555) 234-5678 or [email protected].
Best regards,
Mr. Michael Brown
Sample 3: Academic Performance Focus
Ms. Linda Carter
Head of Nursing Department
Anytown Community College
789 College Ave.
Anytown, ST 12345
[email protected]
(555) 345-6789
June 1, 2025
Admissions Committee
City University School of Nursing
123 University Lane
Anytown, ST 12345
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend David Wilson for City University School of Nursing. He has consistently demonstrated academic excellence during his time at Anytown Community College, achieving high grades in all nursing-related coursework.
Not only does David possess strong knowledge in nursing concepts, but he also applies these theories practically in clinical settings. His critical thinking skills and ability to collaborate with others make him a strong candidate for your program.
I am confident that David will excel at City University School of Nursing. For any further discussion, please feel free to contact me at (555) 345-6789 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Ms. Linda Carter
Sample 4: Clinical Experience Highlight
Dr. Susan Taylor
Clinical Instructor
Anytown Medical Center
321 Care Rd.
Anytown, ST 12345
[email protected]
(555) 456-7890
June 1, 2025
Admissions Committee
City University School of Nursing
123 University Lane
Anytown, ST 12345
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am honored to recommend Anna Roberts for admission to City University School of Nursing. Having supervised her during her clinical rotation at Anytown Medical Center, I can confidently say that she is highly qualified for nursing school.
Anna displayed remarkable skills in patient assessment and demonstrated a keen ability to respond to the needs of patients. She worked effectively under pressure while maintaining a compassionate attitude, qualities that I believe are essential for a successful nursing career.
I wholeheartedly support Anna’s application to your program. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 456-7890 or [email protected] for more details.
Warm regards,
Dr. Susan Taylor
Sample 5: Teamwork and Leadership Skills
Ms. Patricia Lee
Nursing Team Leader
Anytown Senior Care
654 Care Lane
Anytown, ST 12345
[email protected]
(555) 567-8901
June 1, 2025
Admissions Committee
City University School of Nursing
123 University Lane
Anytown, ST 12345
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to write a recommendation for Michael Green as he applies to City University School of Nursing. During his time in my team at Anytown Senior Care, Michael has consistently exhibited leadership qualities and excellent teamwork skills.
His ability to collaborate effectively with classmates and take initiative during group projects was impressive. Michael also demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and growth, making him an exceptional candidate for your nursing program.
I have no doubt that his contributions to your school will be significant. For further discussion, I can be reached at (555) 567-8901 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Ms. Patricia Lee

How to Craft a Professional Recommendation Letter for Nursing School
- Understand the Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specifics the nursing program is asking for in a recommendation letter.
- Collect Information: Gather details about the candidate’s achievements, experiences, and skills.
- Be Specific: Use examples from your own experiences with the candidate to illustrate their strengths.
- Maintain Professional Tone: Keep the tone formal and focus on relevant attributes that align with nursing.
- Edit and Proofread: Ensure the letter is free from errors and clearly conveys your message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should a nursing school recommendation letter be?
A: Typically, a recommendation letter should be one page in length.
Q: What if I don’t know the candidate well?
A: If your knowledge is limited, consider focusing on the candidate’s skills and potential based on what you do know.
Q: Can I include personal anecdotes?
A: Yes, personal anecdotes can strengthen your letter and provide context about the candidate’s character and abilities.
Q: Is it appropriate to say something negative?
A: If there are weaknesses, frame them constructively, emphasizing potential for growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a well-crafted recommendation letter can dramatically influence a candidate’s chances of admission to nursing school. By focusing on specific attributes and experiences, you can provide invaluable support to aspiring nurses.
Comments
Jessica M.
“These samples were incredibly helpful. I appreciate the variety!”
Sam: Thank you, Jessica! I’m glad you found them useful.
Mark R.
“Could you share tips for writing more personal recommendations?”
Sam: Absolutely, Mark! Personal anecdotes that showcase the candidate’s skills and character can add depth to your letter.
Linda T.
“I struggle with formatting. Any suggestions?”
Sam: Great question, Linda! Keeping the formatting clear and professional, similar to the samples provided, will help ensure your letter is effective.
Chris A.
“Are these letters adaptable for other programs?”
Sam: Yes, Chris! While tailored for nursing education, the structure and tone can be adjusted for other fields as well.