EmmanuelA letter of recommendation is one of the most influential documents in a nursing scholarship application. While grades and test scores showcase academic ability, a compelling letter of recommendation highlights personal qualities, clinical potential, and readiness to excel in nursing school. In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a letter of recommendation for a nursing scholarship step by step—along with best practices, common mistakes to avoid, and examples you can adapt.
Why A Letter Of Recommendation Matters For Nursing Scholarships
Nursing is a field where compassion, resilience, communication, and practical skills are just as crucial as academic performance. Scholarship committees look for students who not only excel in the classroom but also demonstrate the values central to patient care. A strong letter of recommendation offers a holistic view of the applicant by:
Validating personal attributes: such as empathy, patience, leadership, and dedication to healthcare.
Highlighting clinical experiences: showing the candidate’s familiarity with medical environments.
Providing context to achievements: explaining personal circumstances, obstacles overcome, or exceptional drive.
Demonstrating future impact: indicating how the student will contribute to nursing and the community.
For many committees, these insights are what tip the scale in favor of awarding a scholarship.
Who Should Write The Letter Of Recommendation?
Choosing the right person is the critical first step. Ideally, the recommender should:
✅ Know the applicant well
✅ Be able to speak to academic strengths, clinical skills, or character
✅ Hold a credible position related to healthcare or education
Excellent options include:
Nursing instructors or clinical preceptors who observed the student during clinical rotations.
Professors who taught core nursing or science courses.
Supervisors at healthcare facilities where the student worked or volunteered.
Academic advisors familiar with the student’s personal journey.
Avoid: family members, close friends, or anyone who might appear biased. Scholarship committees give more weight to professional, academic, or clinical endorsements.
What Should The Letter Contain?
The structure of a recommendation letter for a nursing scholarship generally includes:
Professional greeting:
If possible, address it to a specific person or scholarship committee.
Example: “Dear Members of the [XYZ Nursing Scholarship] Selection Committee,”
If unsure, use “To Whom It May Concern.”
Introduction:
State who you are, your professional position, and how long and in what capacity you have known the student.
Clearly mention you’re recommending the student for the specific nursing scholarship.
Body paragraphs:
Describe the student’s key strengths, focusing on qualities aligned with nursing (compassion, teamwork, initiative, problem-solving, leadership, integrity).
Provide specific examples: stories from clinical rotations, a challenging patient scenario they handled well, or projects they led.
Mention academic achievements, such as GPA, Dean’s List, or honors societies, if applicable.
Highlight relevant extracurriculars like volunteer work in hospitals, community health drives, or mentoring younger students.
Conclusion:
Strongly endorse the student’s candidacy, summarizing why they deserve the scholarship.
Offer to provide additional information if needed.
Formal closing:
Include your full name, title, institution or organization, and contact details.
If submitting a hard copy, add a handwritten signature.
Important Tips For Writing A Nursing Scholarship Recommendation Letter
✅ Be specific, not generic.
Avoid vague praise like “She is a good student.” Instead, try: “During her clinical rotation in the ICU, Emily displayed exceptional poise and empathy, calming anxious patients while efficiently assisting with wound care.”
✅ Tailor it to nursing.
Connect their attributes to the demands of nursing—communication with patients, critical thinking in emergencies, or commitment to lifelong learning.
✅ Match the scholarship criteria.
If the scholarship values community service, emphasize the student’s volunteer efforts. If it’s focused on leadership, describe situations where the student led projects or teams.
✅ Stay concise and professional.
Aim for one page (roughly 300–500 words). Avoid overly casual language or personal anecdotes that aren’t relevant to nursing.
✅ Proofread carefully.
Errors can undermine the student’s credibility. Read it multiple times and check for spelling, grammar, and professional tone.
Sample Letter Of Recommendation For A Nursing Scholarship
Here’s a template to guide you:
[Your Name] [Title/Position] [Institution or Organization] [Address] [City, State, Zip] [Email & Phone Number] [Date]To the [Name of Scholarship] Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Student’s Name] for the [XYZ Nursing Scholarship]. As [Student’s] clinical instructor at [Nursing School/Hospital], I have had the privilege of supervising [him/her] over the past [number] semesters during [specific course or rotation].
Throughout this time, [Student] consistently demonstrated exceptional compassion, diligence, and a genuine passion for patient care. During a particularly challenging rotation in the surgical unit, [he/she] quickly mastered sterile techniques and handled anxious pre-op patients with remarkable empathy.
Academically, [Student] maintains a [GPA], balancing rigorous coursework with volunteer service at [Organization], where [he/she] assists underserved populations. This commitment to healthcare equity reflects the very values your scholarship seeks to uphold.
Beyond technical skills, [Student] possesses innate leadership qualities. As team lead on a community health fair project, [he/she] coordinated logistics, educated dozens of attendees on preventative care, and earned praise from faculty for [his/her] initiative.
For these reasons, I fully endorse [Student] for the [XYZ Nursing Scholarship]. I have no doubt [he/she] will continue to excel academically and become a compassionate, skilled nurse dedicated to making a difference. Please feel free to contact me at [email/phone] if you need additional information.
Sincerely,
[Signature (if printed)] [Your Name, Credentials] [Title] [Institution/Organization]✅ Tip: Always customize the examples to match the student’s real experiences and the scholarship’s goals.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
🚫 Being too brief or generic.
“I recommend Jane for your scholarship. She is a nice student.” This lacks credibility.
🚫 Focusing only on academic performance.
Nursing demands more than high grades—highlight character, teamwork, and adaptability.
🚫 Submitting a letter late.
Always confirm deadlines and submit on time. Late letters can disqualify otherwise strong candidates.
🚫 Writing from a personal bias.
Avoid phrases like “She’s my favorite student ever” or overly personal stories. Maintain professional focus.
Personalization: The Secret Ingredient
Generic letters rarely make an impact. To write an exceptional letter of recommendation for a nursing scholarship, you need to personalize it to the student’s unique journey, qualities, and the specific scholarship.
Here’s how to infuse personalization into your letter:
✅ Mention the scholarship by name.
If the student is applying for the Florence Nightingale Future Nurses Scholarship, explicitly state it. This shows attention to detail and tells the committee that this is a tailored recommendation, not a reused template.
✅ Include how long you’ve known the applicant.
For example:
“I have had the pleasure of teaching Maria Gonzales in Advanced Pathophysiology for the past two years, during which I have witnessed her develop into a compassionate and competent healthcare professional.”
✅ Highlight traits that matter in nursing.
Nursing committees look for compassion, resilience, critical thinking, and teamwork. Be specific about when you saw these qualities in action.
✅ Connect to the scholarship criteria.
If the scholarship emphasizes community involvement, highlight volunteer work. If it rewards academic excellence, include GPA, academic honors, or awards.
✅ Use anecdotes.
Stories stick. Instead of just saying, “John is empathetic,” you could write:
“During a clinical rotation at Memorial Hospital, John took extra time to comfort a frightened elderly patient by holding her hand and explaining each procedure calmly. This small act exemplified his extraordinary empathy and professionalism.”
Structure of a Strong Letter of Recommendation for a Nursing Scholarship
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Use this tried-and-true structure to make sure your letter is complete and compelling.
1. Header (Optional if emailed)
If you’re writing on official letterhead or as a printed letter, include:
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[Your Name]
[Title/Position]
[Institution/Organization]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
2. Salutation
If you know the committee or person’s name, address them directly:
Dear Members of the Florence Nightingale Scholarship Committee,
If not, use:
To Whom It May Concern,
3. Introduction
State your name, position, and relationship to the applicant.
Mention the purpose of the letter (to recommend for a specific scholarship).
Example:
“My name is Dr. Amanda Leigh, and I am a Clinical Nursing Instructor at the University of Illinois College of Nursing. I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Sarah Nguyen for the Future Nurses of America Scholarship.”
4. Body Paragraphs
Divide into 2-3 paragraphs covering:
✅ Professional skills & academics
Discuss the student’s academic strengths, clinical competence, or standout projects.
✅ Character & personal qualities
Highlight traits like empathy, ethical integrity, leadership, adaptability, or teamwork.
✅ Specific examples & stories
Back up each claim with a real example from coursework, clinical rotations, volunteer work, or interactions.
✅ Tailored fit to the scholarship
Link qualities or achievements directly to the goals of the scholarship program.
5. Closing Paragraph
Reiterate your strong endorsement. Offer to provide more information.
Example:
“I have no doubt that Sarah will excel in her nursing career and uphold the highest standards of compassionate care. I strongly support her application for this scholarship and invite you to contact me at [email/phone] if you would like further insights.”
6. Signature
If printed or attached as a PDF:
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Sincerely,
Dr. Amanda Leigh, DNP, RN
Clinical Nursing Instructor
University of Illinois College of Nursing
Email: amanda.leigh@illinois.edu
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Examples of Letters of Recommendation for Nursing Scholarships
Seeing examples makes it easier to draft your own. Below are two sample letters tailored for nursing scholarships.
Sample #1: Academic + Clinical Excellence
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March 15, 2025
To the Nightingale Scholars Committee,
I am pleased to write this letter on behalf of Ms. Rachel Thomas, a dedicated nursing student whom I have instructed for three semesters at Brightwood School of Nursing. I enthusiastically support her application for the Nightingale Scholars Nursing Scholarship.
Rachel is one of the most academically gifted students I have taught in my 15 years as a professor. She maintains a 3.95 GPA while balancing rigorous clinical rotations and volunteering at a local women’s shelter. Her clinical supervisors consistently commend her critical thinking skills and her calm, focused approach under pressure.
One instance that stands out was during a particularly chaotic shift in the emergency department. Rachel was instrumental in coordinating care for multiple trauma patients, demonstrating leadership far beyond her level of training. She even comforted a young child who was frightened, ensuring the family felt supported through every step of care.
Rachel embodies the compassion, resilience, and dedication that the Nightingale Scholars program seeks to foster. I have full confidence that she will continue to excel and make meaningful contributions to patient care. Please feel free to reach out if you require further details.
Warm regards,
Prof. Charles Edwards, MSN, RN
Brightwood School of Nursing
cedwards@brightwood.edu
(555) 678-9101
Sample #2: Focus on Community Service & Compassion
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April 4, 2025
Dear Selection Committee,
It is my privilege to recommend Ms. Jasmine Patel for the Caring Hearts Nursing Scholarship. As Jasmine’s supervisor during her internship at Oak Grove Senior Center, I have had the opportunity to observe her exceptional compassion and commitment to nursing.
Jasmine dedicated over 200 volunteer hours assisting our elderly residents, often staying beyond her scheduled shifts to ensure they received the emotional support they needed. She developed individualized engagement activities that improved residents’ mood and participation, demonstrating creativity and heartfelt dedication.
Beyond her clinical promise, Jasmine is a natural leader. She organized a campus-wide fundraiser to purchase new mobility aids for underfunded facilities like ours. Her initiative raised over $5,000, directly enhancing our residents’ quality of life.
Jasmine exemplifies the qualities the Caring Hearts Nursing Scholarship aims to nurture. I wholeheartedly endorse her application and am available to provide additional insights upon request.
Sincerely,
Deborah Miles
Volunteer Coordinator, Oak Grove Senior Center
dmiles@oakgrove.org
(555) 321-7890
Pro Tips for Writing a Stand-Out Recommendation Letter
✅ Start early. Don’t wait until the last minute. A rushed letter often sounds generic.
✅ Ask for details. Get a copy of the student’s resume, personal statement, and the scholarship description. This helps you tailor your letter effectively.
✅ Be honest, yet enthusiastic. Authenticity matters. Overblown praise without examples can seem insincere.
✅ Proofread. Typos or awkward grammar can undercut your message.
✅ Follow instructions. Many scholarship committees have specific formats or submission guidelines.
Conclusion
A well-crafted letter of recommendation can be the decisive factor that wins a nursing scholarship. It’s more than a formality — it’s a chance to paint a vivid portrait of a promising nurse who deserves financial support and recognition. By personalizing the letter, providing concrete examples, and aligning your message with the scholarship’s goals, you can give your student the strongest possible endorsement.
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