Letters of Rec From Nurses

[ComradeDoktor]

How do medical schools view letters of rec written by nurses? I have over 400 hours of hospital volunteering, and many of the nurses know me well. I have a very good relationship with one in particular. He really mentors me, asking me what I think about questions of patient care, and trusts me with sensitive tasks, like helping re-position a patient with an unstable vertebral fracture. Would a letter of rec written by him be as valid as a letter from and MD, or would it be better if I look for a doctor to write the letter? Thanks!

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[music2doc]

Perhaps he could write it and have a physician edit/sign (or cosign) it. I wouldn't suggest having an RN's letter alone unless he's the clinical manager or nursing director....

 

[TheMightySmiter]

One of my letters was from an RN I work with--not a manager, just a floor/sometimes charge nurse. I've gotten interviews at half of the schools I applied to so far, and an acceptance, so it can't have really hurt me. In fact one of my interviewers specifically mentioned being impressed with that letter. 🙂 If the nurses know you better than the docs (as is the case almost everywhere you'll volunteer) then by all means get a letter from one of them, IMO.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Perhaps he could write it and have a physician edit/sign (or cosign) it. I wouldn't suggest having an RN's letter alone unless he's the clinical manager or nursing director....

Are you serious? When did nurses become second-class citizens? OP, if this person knows you well and can attest to your abilities, work ethic, and whatnot, there's no reason to not get a letter from him. However, I think you're a bit misled on how useful letters from MDs are. For the most part, they're worthless. Lots of people get letters from doctors they've shadowed and who really know nothing about them. It's much, much better to have a letter from someone who can write honestly about you than someone who'll just write something generic. The latter get ignored, while the former may help you a lot.

 

[music2doc]

Are you serious? When did nurses become second-class citizens? OP, if this person knows you well and can attest to your abilities, work ethic, and whatnot, there's no reason to not get a letter from him. However, I think you're a bit misled on how useful letters from MDs are. For the most part, they're worthless. Lots of people get letters from doctors they've shadowed and who really know nothing about them. It's much, much better to have a letter from someone who can write honestly about you than someone who'll just write something generic. The latter get ignored, while the former may help you a lot.

I never implied they were second-class citizens. I work with nurses. They are great. That said, I have heard from multiple adcom members that some adcom members discredit LORs from an RN. I don't think it's right, but it seems to be a legitimate concern. One of my LORs was written by one of my supervising RNs (at a clinic) and then edited and signed by our medical director. Another of my LORs was written by a supervising physician at the hospital. Both were excellent letters I am told. I think letters from a healthcare professional who can actually attest to who you are and why you'd make a good physician can be quite valuable. On the other hand, I agree with you that letters from a doc you shadowed (or similar) are really quite worthless.

 

[MilkmanAl]

That said, I have heard from multiple adcom members that some adcom members discredit LORs from an RN

I've never heard that at all, and I don't see why that would be the case. Not too many schools want letters not from professors, but if they do, one from a nurse should be just as good as any other.

 

[bucks2010]

Are you serious? When did nurses become second-class citizens? OP, if this person knows you well and can attest to your abilities, work ethic, and whatnot, there's no reason to not get a letter from him. However, I think you're a bit misled on how useful letters from MDs are. For the most part, they're worthless. Lots of people get letters from doctors they've shadowed and who really know nothing about them. It's much, much better to have a letter from someone who can write honestly about you than someone who'll just write something generic. The latter get ignored, while the former may help you a lot.

This.

 

[ComradeDoktor]

Thanks guys (gender neutral)! Really appreciate the input!