References - Opinions Please

[cokezero]

I have my non-academic/character references lined up, but I am struggling with choosing a suitable academic reference for my med school application. I am completing a nursing degree, and unfortunately a lot of nursing professors are not supportive of students wanting to pursue medicine, so that makes getting an academic reference pretty difficult. Anyways, here are my two options (I know neither of them is fantastic but it's all I have to work with):

 

1) My current clinical course preceptor (she is not a "professor", but she is hired by my university to teach and supervise me in the hospital setting). She is a registered nurse that I work with every day in the ER. She is extremely supportive of my desire to go to medical school and is enthusiastic about being one of my academic references if I need it. However, we will have only known each other for six months (since we work side-by-side every day it feels like longer than six months, but I know that doesn't really matter).

 

2) A professor that I took two classes with and did really well in them (A+ in both). This professor seemed to be very enthusiastic my work, never had anything bad to say about my assignments, and we had frequent contact. The thing is, both of the classes I took with him were through distance education, so we have never actually met in person. Does that matter? I would ask him to meet me for an interview if I decided to use him. We have known each other for a year.

 

So...who would you use if you were in my situation? One or the other? Both?

 

Thanks!

[EoE]

Ya having only worked with them for six months isn't bad in my opinion. Less than 6 would be pushing it, but since you have been working side-by-side for this entire time, just mention to her that she should probably point out how much one-on-one contact you two have had over the six months. Also, that clinical course sounds like a very cool experience!

[taiga gal]

good luck with everything,

 

i am a new RN, just figured out my refs ( still need to ask them, i am sure they will say yes ) and i hear you on the nursing to medicine shift, in terms of support from instructors, but until you ask, don't assume you won't get support. i think u should have one nursing prof write u a ref. they are the ones to best comment on your academic potential. you will have to explain why u want to make a transition, but that's your reality right? and an ad com might wonder why u do not have a nursing prof listed.

 

if u need another ref ask your clinical supervisor, although she could be a verifier for that work, and u can write about it in your sketch questions.

 

just my 2 cents from having BTDT