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
November 8th, 2019
Attn: Ms. Ruby Marquez, MSN, RN
Attn: Human Resources Nurse Recruiter
Re: Ms. Haley Kennedy

Hello,

It is my pleasure to provide a letter of recommendation for my current student, Ms. Haley Kennedy. Haley will be
graduating in December 2019 from The University of Arizona’s (UA) Nursing program with her bachelor’s degree in
nursing. Presently, I am teaching two of Haley’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 Haley completed
successfully at the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) hospital in Tucson Arizona on unit 3 East. This unit at the VA can be
extremely challenging, giving Haley 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 this clinical rotation, Haley successfully provided safe clinical nursing care for up to 5 patients with
confidence. Additionally, during her rotation with me, many staff commented favorably concerning Haley’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.

As you are aware, Haley is committed to a career within your facility as a Registered Nurse. I strongly believe Haley is
well suited to this service endeavor. As a nurse, I have personally observed Haley’s clinical initiative abilities, and her
unique understanding of clinical prioritizing and treatments. Haley 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 of 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 Haley Kennedy as one of the best RN applicants you will consider among others.
I am happy to be contacted by phone to speak further about Haley Kennedy 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