Nursing programs often receive many more applications than they can accept. A strong recommendation letter shows the admissions committee who the applicant is beyond grades and test scores.
Below are 8 nursing school recommendation letter samples, each highlighting a different strength. After them, use the free builder to write your own letter, then print it or copy it.
All names, schools and details are fictional. Replace every detail with your own true information, and write only what you have seen yourself.
8 Nursing School Recommendation Letter Samples
Quick jump: GeneralCharacterAcademicClinicalTeamworkVolunteerEmployerCareer changer
General Recommendation
Guidance Counselor
Willowmere High School
Dayton, OH
david.anderson@email.com | (555) 010-0211
October 30, 2026
Admissions Committee
Alderbrook College of Nursing
500 Maple Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Dear Admissions Committee:
It is my pleasure to recommend Megan Foster for admission to the nursing program at Alderbrook College of Nursing. I have known Megan for four years as her guidance counselor, and she is one of the most mature and dependable students I have worked with.
Megan graduated in the top 10% of her class with a 3.8 GPA while working 15 hours a week and volunteering at a local hospital. She is kind to every student, listens carefully and helps others without being asked.
Megan has wanted to be a nurse since she volunteered with elderly patients, and her dedication shows in everything she does. I believe she will become an excellent nurse.
Please contact me at david.anderson@email.com or (555) 010-0211 if I can help further.
Sincerely,
Mr. David Anderson
Character Reference
Program Director
Larkspur Youth Alliance
Cleveland, OH
janet.brooks@email.com | (555) 010-0222
October 30, 2026
Admissions Committee
Hawksridge University School of Nursing
1200 University Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Dear Admissions Committee:
I am writing to recommend Daniel Hughes for admission to the School of Nursing at Hawksridge University. Daniel has mentored teens in our after-school program for three years and has given more than 400 volunteer hours.
Daniel is honest, patient and compassionate. When a teen in our program was struggling, he spent his own time helping the student with homework and stayed in touch with the family until things improved.
He is respected by staff and families alike, and he stays calm in difficult moments. These are the qualities that great nurses bring to patients every day.
I recommend Daniel without reservation.
Sincerely,
Ms. Janet Brooks
Academic Performance Focus
Professor of Biology
Linden Falls Community College
Albany, NY
thomas.reilly@email.com | (555) 010-0233
October 30, 2026
Admissions Committee
Pinecrest Valley College School of Nursing
75 College Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13210
Dear Admissions Committee:
I am pleased to recommend Rachel Nolan for the nursing program at Pinecrest Valley College. Rachel was a student in my anatomy and physiology course and earned the highest grade among 85 students.
She has an excellent grasp of complex material, and she asks questions that show deep thinking. She also formed a weekly study group that helped classmates raise their exam averages by about 10 points.
Rachel is organized, curious and persistent. She has the academic strength to succeed in a demanding nursing curriculum.
You are welcome to contact me at thomas.reilly@email.com for more information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas Reilly
Clinical Experience Highlight
Ms. Angela Turner, RN
Nurse Manager
Summitgate Medical Center
Phoenix, AZ
angela.turner@email.com | (555) 010-0244
October 30, 2026
Admissions Committee
Tamsworth State University College of Nursing
300 Campus Way
Tucson, AZ 85721
Dear Admissions Committee:
It is a pleasure to recommend Jessica Moore for the College of Nursing at Tamsworth State University. Jessica has worked for me as a nursing assistant on our medical-surgical unit for 18 months.
She takes accurate vital signs, answers call lights quickly and treats every patient with dignity. Our nurses trust her to report changes in a patient’s condition right away, and patients often thank her by name.
Jessica stays calm during emergencies and learns quickly from feedback. She is ready to move from assisting nurses to becoming one.
I would gladly hire her as a nurse, and I recommend her with complete confidence.
Sincerely,
Ms. Angela Turner, RN
Teamwork and Leadership
Mr. Kevin Sullivan
Clinic Director
Brightfield Community Health Center
Milwaukee, WI
kevin.sullivan@email.com | (555) 010-0255
October 30, 2026
Admissions Committee
Marlowe Heights School of Nursing
88 Lakeshore Boulevard
Madison, WI 53703
Dear Admissions Committee:
I am happy to recommend Tyler Brooks for admission to Marlowe Heights School of Nursing. Tyler has worked as a medical assistant at our community health center for two years.
He leads by example. Last spring he organized a free health screening that served more than 150 community members, coordinating 12 volunteers and keeping every station running on time.
Tyler listens to colleagues, shares credit and supports new staff. His teamwork and calm leadership would make him an asset to your program and, in time, to patients.
Please contact me at kevin.sullivan@email.com or (555) 010-0255.
Sincerely,
Mr. Kevin Sullivan
Volunteer and Service Experience
Ms. Patricia Hale
Volunteer Coordinator
Maplecrest Volunteer Corps
Denver, CO
patricia.hale@email.com | (555) 010-0266
October 30, 2026
Admissions Committee
Copperfield University School of Nursing
1600 Aspen Road
Boulder, CO 80302
Dear Admissions Committee:
I am writing to recommend Amanda Johnson for the nursing program at Copperfield University. Amanda has volunteered with our community clinic for three years and has given more than 500 hours of service.
She greets patients warmly, helps them complete forms and sits with anxious families. During a flu clinic she helped check in 120 patients in one day without losing her patience.
Amanda is reliable, respectful and compassionate. Her service shows a true commitment to caring for others.
I recommend her enthusiastically.
Sincerely,
Ms. Patricia Hale
Employer Recommendation
Ms. Linda Hayes
Executive Director
Cobblestone Hollow Senior Living
Nashville, TN
linda.hayes@email.com | (555) 010-0277
October 30, 2026
Admissions Committee
Brandywell College of Nursing
45 Riverside Drive
Memphis, TN 38103
Dear Admissions Committee:
It is my pleasure to recommend Marcus Bell for admission to Brandywell College of Nursing. Marcus has been a caregiver at our senior living community for two years, assisting about 12 residents a shift.
Marcus is gentle, observant and dependable. He noticed early signs of illness in a resident and alerted the nursing staff right away, which led to prompt care. He has not missed a scheduled shift in two years.
Residents and families praise his kindness, and coworkers rely on his steady attitude. He is ready for the challenge of nursing school.
Please call me at (555) 010-0277 with any questions.
Sincerely,
Ms. Linda Hayes
Career Changer
Dr. Michael Grant
Medical Director
Redfern Family Clinic
Portland, OR
michael.grant@email.com | (555) 010-0288
October 30, 2026
Admissions Committee
Oakmere Institute of Nursing
210 Cascade Street
Eugene, OR 97401
Dear Admissions Committee:
I am pleased to recommend Emily Carter for the nursing program at Oakmere Institute of Nursing. Emily worked as a front desk coordinator at our clinic for five years and now seeks a career at the bedside.
She stood out for her calm manner with patients, her accuracy and her willingness to learn. She completed medical terminology and CPR courses on her own time, and she helped train 6 new staff members.
Emily brings maturity, strong communication skills and real healthcare experience. She will be a thoughtful, capable nurse.
I recommend her without hesitation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Grant
Free Nursing School Recommendation Letter Builder
Step 1. How do you know the applicant?
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Step 3. Tap only the lines that are true for you.
Step 4. Click any text in the letter and type to make it yours.
Replace the names, hours and numbers with your own. Include only what you have seen yourself, and check the school’s instructions for who may write the letter and how to submit it.
Dayton, OH
karen.walsh@email.com | (555) 010-0126
October 30, 2026
Admissions Committee
School of Nursing
[School address]
Dear Admissions Committee:
It is my pleasure to recommend Megan Foster for admission to your nursing program, and I am glad to share why I believe she will become an outstanding nurse.
I have known Megan for two years as her anatomy and physiology instructor. She earned the top grade in a class of 60 students.
I supervised Megan for 18 months as a nursing assistant on our medical-surgical unit, where she worked about 24 hours a week alongside our nurses.
I have known Megan for three years as her mentor and volunteer coordinator. She has given more than 300 hours of service at our community clinic.
She earned a 3.9 GPA, ranked in the top 5% of her prerequisite science courses and often helped classmates prepare for exams.
She takes vital signs accurately, answers call lights promptly and treats every patient with dignity. The nurses trust her to report changes in a patient’s condition right away.
She leads with kindness, works well with every member of the team and stays calm when the day gets busy.
Her compassion is real. Patients and families often ask for her by name.
She is reliable and has never missed a scheduled shift or class.
She explains things clearly to patients, families and colleagues, and she listens carefully.
She thinks critically, asks good questions and notices small changes that matter.
She manages her time well, balancing classes, work and volunteering without letting quality slip.
She works well on a team and is always ready to help a colleague.
She took the lead on a student health fair that reached more than 150 community members.
She stays resilient under pressure and bounces back from setbacks with a positive attitude.
Her work ethic stands out. She arrives early, stays late when needed and takes pride in her work.
She is professional in her appearance, her words and her respect for patient privacy.
She respects patients from every background and adapts her communication to their needs.
Her passion for nursing is clear, and she has wanted this career since she first volunteered in a clinic.
I recommend Megan without reservation. Please contact me at karen.walsh@email.com or (555) 010-0126 if you would like to know more.
Sincerely,
Karen Walsh
To save your letter: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) and choose Save as PDF. Only the letter prints. To copy it, select the text inside the letter and press Ctrl+C or Cmd+C.
How to Write a Recommendation Letter for Nursing School
| Part | What to write |
|---|---|
| Your details | Your name, title, organization, city, email and phone |
| Date and recipient | Today’s date and the admissions committee or school |
| Opening | The applicant, the program and how you know the applicant |
| Examples | Two or three real strengths, each with a short story or number |
| Qualities | Compassion, reliability, communication and teamwork |
| Closing | A clear recommendation and an offer to answer questions |
- Understand the requirements. Read the program’s instructions about who may write the letter, how long it should be and how to submit it.
- Collect information. Ask the applicant for a resume, goals and examples you may have forgotten.
- Be specific. Replace general praise with a short story, a number or a result.
- Keep a professional tone. Be warm, honest and positive.
- Edit and proofread. Check names, dates and the school’s name, then read the letter aloud.
Who Should Write the Letter?
| Who writes | Best for showing |
|---|---|
| Professor or teacher | Academic ability and study habits |
| Clinical supervisor or employer | Hands-on skills and reliability |
| Volunteer coordinator or mentor | Character, service and compassion |
Choose someone who knows the applicant well. A detailed letter from a supervisor or teacher is stronger than a vague one from a well-known name.
What Nursing Admissions Committees Look For
- Academic ability. Strong science grades and good study habits.
- Compassion. Genuine care for patients and families.
- Communication. Clear, respectful listening and speaking.
- Reliability. Showing up on time and following through.
- Teamwork and leadership. Working well with others and stepping up when needed.
- Resilience. Staying calm and positive under pressure.
Tips for Applicants Asking for a Letter
- Ask early. Give the writer several weeks before the deadline.
- Share your materials. Provide your resume, goals and the program’s instructions.
- Remind the writer of your best moments. Specific examples make the letter stronger.
- Check the submission method. Many programs ask writers to submit letters directly.
- Say thank you. Send a short note after the letter is sent.
Nursing Career Facts
| Fact (BLS, registered nurses) | Figure |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $97,550 a year ($46.90 an hour) |
| Jobs in 2025 | 3,465,400 |
| Job outlook, 2025 to 2035 | 6% (faster than average) |
| Openings each year, on average | About 180,800 |
| Typical entry-level education | Bachelor’s degree |
These are national figures from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, and newer data may differ. Pay varies by state, employer and experience.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Vague praise. Replace “hardworking student” with an example.
- Exaggerating. Write only what you have seen.
- Making it too long. One page is enough.
- Using the wrong school name. Check it twice.
- Typos. Proofread and read the letter aloud.
Letter Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. Your letter is ready when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a nursing school recommendation letter be?
About one page, or 250 to 400 words, in three or four short paragraphs. Admissions committees read many letters, so be clear and specific.
Who should write a nursing school recommendation letter?
Choose someone who knows the applicant well and can describe real examples, such as a professor, a clinical supervisor, an employer, a volunteer coordinator or a mentor. Check the school’s instructions, since some programs name who may write.
What should I include in the letter?
How you know the applicant and for how long, specific examples of strengths, qualities that suit nursing and a clear recommendation. Add your title, email and phone number.
Can a family member or friend write the letter?
Most programs prefer professional or academic writers who can speak about the applicant’s skills. Check the school’s requirements before you ask.
What if I know the applicant only slightly?
Focus on what you have seen, such as skills shown in class or at work, and on the applicant’s potential. If you cannot write a strong letter, it is kinder to say no.
Should I mention weaknesses?
A recommendation should be positive and honest. If you mention an area for growth, frame it constructively, such as how the applicant improved.
Do personal stories help?
Yes. A short, true example, such as how the applicant comforted a patient or led a project, shows character better than general praise.
How should the letter be submitted?
Follow the school’s instructions. Many programs ask the writer to submit the letter directly through an online portal, while others accept a signed letter in a sealed envelope.
How much time should a writer have?
Ask several weeks before the deadline and share your resume, goals and the program’s requirements. This helps the writer produce a strong, specific letter.
How many recommendation letters do I need?
Programs vary, and two or three letters are common. Read each program’s requirements carefully.
Conclusion
A thoughtful recommendation can help an applicant stand out. Be specific, be honest and be warm, then use the builder above to write yours.
Related Reading
- Nursing school recommendation letter from employer
- Nursing school reference letter
- Letter of recommendation for CNA to nursing school
- Nursing student recommendation letter sample
- Nursing school interview questions and answers
- Sample letter of intent for nursing school
- Business school recommendation letters
- More nursing school guides
- More nurse guides
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses. Sample letters are fictional. This page does not guarantee admission.