5 Tips for Requesting a Letter of Recommendation (and How to Leverage Your Nursing Clinicals to Get One)
Landing your first RN job is about more than just submitting an application—it’s about standing out. One of the best ways to strengthen your application is by including a strong letter of recommendation. These letters give hiring managers, residency programs, and even scholarship committees a glimpse into your character, work ethic, and skills from someone who has worked closely with you.
But here’s the thing: not all recommendation letters are created equal. You want yours to come from the right person, at the right time, with the right context. Below, I’m sharing 5 practical tips to help you approach professors, preceptors, or managers with confidence.
1. Choose the Right Person
Your recommendation should come from someone who knows you fairly well and has seen you in action in either an educational or professional setting. Professors, clinical instructors, preceptors, or nurse managers are great options.
Even if you haven’t known them for years, if you’ve recently worked together closely, they can still speak to your abilities. The key is making sure they’re comfortable writing about you in a positive and detailed way.
2. Ask in Advance
A letter of recommendation takes time to write—and you don’t want to put someone in a position where they feel rushed. Give at least 2–3 weeks’ notice before the deadline. This not only shows respect for their time but also ensures they have the space to write a thoughtful, meaningful letter.
3. Give Some Context
Always let the person know what the letter is for and what should be included. A recommendation for a new grad residency program might look different than one for a scholarship or specialty nursing role. Share the details, requirements, and deadlines upfront so they can tailor their letter to the opportunity.
4. Provide Information
Make it easy for them! Share your résumé, highlight specific achievements, and even mention skills you’d love for them to emphasize. For example: “During my clinicals, I worked on prioritizing patient care and developing strong communication with families—these are two areas I’d love for you to highlight.”
This not only refreshes their memory but also gives them direction on what to include.
5. Thank Them
This may seem simple, but it matters. Writing a recommendation letter takes effort and thought. A genuine thank you goes a long way—and a handwritten note or thank-you card is always a nice extra touch.
Why your nursing clinicals are a great place to start⤵️
As a nursing student, your clinicals are more than just a graduation requirement—they’re your first opportunity to build real professional relationships. Clinical instructors and preceptors get a firsthand look at your skills, your growth, and your potential.
That makes clinicals the perfect time to proactively ask for a recommendation letter. By the time you’re ready to apply for jobs, you’ll already have strong references ready to go instead of scrambling at the last minute.
Ready to Take Action?
If you want to be more intentional about how you use your clinicals, I created a free resource just for you: “How to Leverage Nursing Clinicals to Land Your First RN Job.”
This workbook will help you:
✔️ Build stronger connections with your clinical instructors and preceptors
✔️ Identify opportunities to stand out during clinicals
✔️ Prepare to ask for recommendation letters with confidence
✔️ Use your clinical experiences to strengthen your job applications
👉 Grab your free workbook here!
Don’t just go through the motions in your clinicals—leverage them to open doors for your nursing career.
