Letter of recommendation help!

Dawnlee · March 19, 2013

I have my personal nurse practitioner writing a letter of recommendation for me. Is that bad?

I am writing on behalf of application to the physician’s assistant program offered at ………… _________and I discussed her decision to pursue graduate study as a physician assistant; I support her decision and strong desire to take her dedication and skill to the next level.

Although all of my experiences with ________ have been in a patient to provider relationship, ______ has been able to share her passion for healthcare with me on multiple occasions. Over the year that I have known ________, she has consistently shared her desire to become a health care provider. She speaks with a passion for the underserved healthcare communities and I believe this passion along with her personal experiences from within the healthcare community will enhance her ability to excel in a physician assistant program. ______ is an intelligent, committed, and inquisitive individual. In addition, _______ has demonstrated excellent communication skills that will be helpful to her success as a student and ultimately as a successful provider within the healthcare community.

It is for these reasons that I offer a recommendation for_______, without reservation. Her drive and abilities will truly be an asset to your establishment. If you have any questions regarding this recommendation, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

What do you guys think?

UGoLong · March 19, 2013

I see nothing wrong with having an NP -- another midlevel provider -- write an LOR. As a PA, I have written them for NP program applicants.

I am not sure why she needs to call out that she is your provider. She known you and can comment on your attributes. I'd consider leaving out that lead-in clause in the second paragraph.

Good luck!

sartort · March 19, 2013

Check with the places you are applying. Some programs don't allow a recommendation from a personal healthcare provider and will say that outright (others will likely just have a preference but not a requirement, and some may not care at all). Obviously they should be writing it because they think you will be a good PA, not because they need you to continue seeing them as a patient so they can pay their bills, etc. It's not that I think that's why it's being written for you, but it's something that no one can rule out completely due to the relationship. It would most likely be okay if you worked with the NP and also saw them as a patient because it was convenient, but I really think you should try someone else if the patient-provider relationship is the only one you two have because it could be a stronger letter in the end anyway. You have experiences in the healthcare community so why not ask someone from those experiences where this conflict doesn't exist just to be safe? I also disagree that you should ask to have the relationship with the NP removed from the letter. They wrote it, it's their letter, you shouldn't be editing it. You should also not try to hide this fact because that indicates that you don't think it's a good idea and are trying to slide by through dishonesty. Dishonesty is frowned upon in the application process so leave it be if you keep this person as your reference. How would it look if the program considering you contacts the NP for whatever reason (couldn't figure out how you knew each other because it wasn't indicated, perhaps) and the NP told them that you asked them not to include your relationship in the letter? It would look bad. Just call your programs, find out their stance, and be comfortable in the end with your choice.

Also, if you waive your rights on CASPA you can't ask to read it. To do so is unethical. From CASPA: "Checking “YES, I WAIVE MY RIGHT” indicates to the school that your recommender wrote their letter with the understanding that you would never view it. Checking, “No, I DO NOT WAIVE MY RIGHT” indicates to the school that your recommender wrote their reference with the understanding that you may choose to view it." They fill out the ratings sheet and submit the letter on the website and you hope its good and completed on time. That's how it goes. It's a stressful process and I wish you luck.

patachok · March 19, 2013

Also, if you waive your rights on CASPA you can't ask to read it. To do so is unethical. From CASPA: "Checking “YES, I WAIVE MY RIGHT” indicates to the school that your recommender wrote their letter with the understanding that you would never view it. Checking, “No, I DO NOT WAIVE MY RIGHT” indicates to the school that your recommender wrote their reference with the understanding that you may choose to view it." They fill out the ratings sheet and submit the letter on the website and you hope its good and completed on time. That's how it goes. It's a stressful process and I wish you luck.

In my experience, I did not wave my right to see letters of recommendation on CASPA simply because I had no idea what it meant. Later on, when I found out from this forum, it made me kind of anxious. I even ended up emailing schools with an explanation. Majority responded that they absolutely do not care whether you wave your right to see LOR, so do not get hang up on this. You will have plenty of things to worry about!

Talking about your NP, If I were you - I would NEVER use that LOR. You need a min of 2 letters from somebody who knows either your academics, or how you interact with patients. If you have any healthcare experience, and you will eventually since it is a requirement in majority of schools, I would absolutely use whoever you shadow/work with. A personal NP throws a bad shadow on you. Just keep it as matter of last resort, and try and get something good (my letters were from a professor, neurosurgeon, and Neurolofy head department - but then I work in neurology:)

Good luck

cinntsp · March 19, 2013

Pre-PA or CASPA section.

sartort · March 19, 2013

The reference sees whether or not you waived your right when they fill out the form. They know if you may see it one day and that could influence the way they write it.

villa6 · March 20, 2013

I am writing on behalf of application to the physician’s assistant

Am I the only one seeing this? It's like nails on a chalkboard. Please, don't refer to it as physician's assistant program.That will get you axed by the adcom before they even read any further.

sartort · March 20, 2013

I saw it but, again, didn't think it was appropriate for the person being recommended to be editing their letter. I don't think a program would have an issue with an NP who isn't applying making the mistake like they would for the applicant to do that.

patachok · March 21, 2013

I think the bigger picture is: your personal NP is writing a letter for you? Am I the only person who has a HUGE problem with that? It is like asking your uncle to write a LOR because you are a good boy/girl...

villa6 · March 21, 2013

I saw it but, again, didn't think it was appropriate for the person being recommended to be editing their letter. I don't think a program would have an issue with an NP who isn't applying making the mistake like they would for the applicant to do that.

I agree with you on both these points. Since the letter appears to be pre-written, (I am presuming by the applicant) and just ready for a signature by the NP that the applicant has done it. If I am reading to much into it, then it is my bad.

monk1280 · June 13, 2013

I'm glad I ran across someone else that did not waive their right. I did not think much of it at the time and after reading what waiving my right could mean I have become anxious and hope my chances have not taken hit.

Just Steve · June 13, 2013

Personally, if I sat on an Adcom, I would toss this application in the round file. I have no doubt there are plenty of applicants who have gone out of their way to actually work with a mid level provider so said provider can actually get a true idea how that applicant functions. Asking their personal provider seems like a big short cut

But I have been accused of being a bit harsh.

SocialMedicine · June 13, 2013

Working on an ADCOM I like to see letters from academics and clinicians. I want to know they have the ability to tackle rigorous academic work and understand what a career in medicine entails. I want to see some unique characters that make me want this person to be a student at my institution and later care for my family and I. That letter from your personal NP is not a strong letter .... however if you do not have another source at this time I would put it through and hopefully the remainder of your application speaks strongly. Good luck.

Letter of recommendation help!

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Archived

Important Information