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
March 10, 2017
Attn: Human Resources Nurse Recruiter
Re: Ms. Sophie Griswold

Hello,

It is my pleasure to provide a letter of recommendation for my current student, Ms. Sophie Griswold. Sophie will be
graduating in May 2017 from The University of Arizonas (UA) Nursing program with her Bachelors degree in Nursing.
Presently, I am teaching two of Sophies 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 Sophie
completed successfully at The Veterans Administration hospital (VA) in Tucson Arizona on unit 3North. This unit at the
VA is an extremely challenging area, giving Sophie 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
clients. At the completion of Sophies clinical rotation, Sophie successfully provided safe clinical nursing care for 4-5
seriously ill patients with confidence and expertise. Additionally, during her rotation with me, many staff commented
favorably concerning Sophies, clinical judgement, friendly personality, and warmth in caring for her patients. As her
clinical faculty, I was impressed by Sophies preparedness for clinicals each day, flexibility, as well as her intellect and
professionalism in caring for her patients/families with a positive attitude. In terms of community service, Sophie
volunteers locally at Clinical Amistad in Tucson AZ, and assists by interviewing Spanish speaking patients about their
history and current complaints. She has also volunteered abroad in Santiago de Chile and Nicaragua, and taught school
aged children in their native Spanish language. Here at The U of A, Sophie has done extremely well with all course
assignments, and has been inducted in the local chapter Sigma Theta Tau for the National Honor Society of Nursing,
given her impressive GPA of 3.65!

As you are aware, Sophie is committed to a career within your facility as a Registered Nurse. I strongly believe Sophie is
well suited to this service endeavor. As a nurse, I have personally observed Sophies clinical initiative abilities, and her
unique understanding of clinical prioritizing, and treatments. Sophie 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 Sophies, I believe, are key
ingredients leading to exceptional RN clinical practice and patient care.

Without hesitation, I highly recommend Sophie Griswold as one of the top RN applicants you will consider among others.
I am happy to be contacted by phone to speak further about Sophie Griswold 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 OConnell, Clinical Instructor and Course Chair, College of Nursing, The University of Arizona