1305 N. Martin 1305 N.

Martin Avenue
P.O. Box 210203
Tucson, AZ 85721-0203
Tel: (520) 626-6154
Fax: (520) 626-4062
www.nursing.arizona.edu
Oct 2nd 2018
Attn: Human Resources Nurse Recruiter
Re: Ms. Alexis Raim

Hello,

It is my pleasure to provide a letter of recommendation for my current student, Ms. Alexis Raim. Alexis will be
graduating in December 2018 from The University of Arizona’s (UA) Nursing program with her bachelor’s degree in
nursing. Presently, I am teaching two of Alexis’s required senior year nursing capstone courses. The theory course
known as, “Nursing Leadership and Management in health Systems,” is a 5-credit course that introduces core systems
management and leadership content, including leadership and management roles and their application to a variety of
health care settings. The 2nd course, known as “Transition to the Professional Nursing Role” is a 6-credit clinical
practicum that provides an opportunity to perform in the role of the professional nurse in an acute hospital setting. Both
courses are senior nursing capstone experiences.

In our senior clinical course, nursing practice consists of 180 acute care hours in a hospital setting which Alexis
completed successfully at the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) hospital in Tucson Arizona on their Step-Down Unit (SDU). The
SDU at the VA is an extremely challenging area, giving Alexis opportunities to perform in the role of a professional
Registered Nurse, and to gain valuable experiences with critical thinking and the application of theory to nursing practice
with patients. At the completion of her clinical rotation, Alexis successfully provided safe clinical nursing care for up to 3
patients with confidence and expertise. Additionally, during her rotation with me, many staff commented favorably
concerning Alexis’s, clinical judgement, friendly personality, and warmth in caring for her patients. As her clinical
faculty, I was impressed by her preparedness for clinicals each day, flexibility, as well as her intellect and professionalism
in caring for her patients/families of diverse backgrounds with a supportive attitude. In 2018, through a competitive
application process, Alexis was selected for the summer externship program at the VA hospital in Tucson, whereby Alexis
completed over 400 hours in an interim care area. Additionally, Alexis is also employed at the VA as a Student Nurse
Technician within their float pool. Alexis has done extremely well with all course assignments and is a student
representative for our Curriculum Committee at our College of Nursing. She is also a member of Student Nurses at the
UA (SNUA) and has dedicated countless volunteer hours to the needs of our local community.

As you are aware, Alexis is committed to a career within your facility as a Registered Nurse. I strongly believe Alexis is
well suited to this service endeavor. As a nurse, I have personally observed Alexis’s clinical initiative abilities, and her
unique understanding of clinical prioritizing and treatments. Alexis also possesses the ability to think and react in time-
sensitive situations while maintaining clear communication skills and a calm ability in handling stress. As her faculty, I
have also admired her holistic approach to patient care, sincere work ethic, commitment to solid teamwork, as well as her
tremendous sense of caring she provides to all her patients. These personal attributes of hers, I believe, are key
ingredients leading to exceptional RN clinical practice and patient care.

Without hesitation, I highly recommend Alexis Raim as one of the top RN applicants you will consider among others. I
am happy to be contacted by phone to speak further about Alexis Raim and to answer any additional questions. I can be
reached at 520 626-7025 or via email at moconnel@email.arizona.edu Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this
exceptional student nurse and leader.

Sincerely Yours,

Mary O’Connell, Senior Lecturer and Course Chair, College of Nursing, The University of Arizona