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 29th, 2017
Attn: Human Resources Nurse Recruiter
Re: Ms. Milena Carrera

Hello,

It is my pleasure to provide a letter of recommendation for my current student, Ms. Milena Carrera. Milena 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 Milenas 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 Milena
completed successfully at Banner University Medical Center South Campus in Tucson Arizona on their Medical Intensive
Care Unit (MICU). The MICU is an extremely challenging area, giving Milena 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 Milenas clinical rotation, Milena successfully provided safe clinical
nursing care for 1-2 critically ill patients with confidence and expertise. Additionally, during her rotation with me, many
staff commented favorably concerning Milenas, clinical judgement, friendly personality, and warmth in caring for her
patients. As her clinical faculty, I was impressed by Milenas 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, Milena has volunteered locally at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix AZ, and globally in Honduras by assisting
to provide medical/dental services to those in need.
Here at the UA, Milena 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 3.79! Milena has also served
as the Vice President for the Student Nurses at the University of Arizona (SNUA) since 2016.

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

Without hesitation, I highly recommend Milena Carrera as one of the top RN applicants you will consider among others.
I am happy to be contacted by phone to speak further about Milena Carrera 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