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 18th 2020
Attn: Nurse Recruiter
Mayo Clinic
13400 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Re: Ms. Amanda Shackelford

Hello,

It is my pleasure to provide a letter of recommendation for my current student, Ms. Amanda Shackelford. Amanda will be
graduating in May 2020 from The University of Arizona’s (UA) Nursing program with her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Presently, I am teaching two of Amanda’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 Amanda completed
successfully at the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) hospital in Tucson Arizona on their Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The ICU at the VA is
an extremely challenging area, giving Amanda 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, Amanda successfully provided safe clinical nursing care for her patients with confidence and
expertise. Additionally, during her rotation with me, many staff commented favorably concerning Amanda’s clinical
judgement, attentive listening, and empathy in caring for her patients.

As her clinical faculty, I have been 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. Throughout the rigorous
academic program at the UA, Amanda has done extremely well with all course assignments and has received several honors and
scholarships, given her impressive GPA of 3.93!

As you are aware, Amanda is committed to a career within your facility as a Registered Nurse. I strongly believe Amanda is
well suited to this service endeavor. As a nurse, I have personally observed Amanda’s clinical initiative abilities, her unique
understanding of clinical prioritizing and treatments, and ability to set and achieve goals. Amanda also possesses clear
communication skills and a calm demeanor 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 Amanda Shackelford as one of the elite RN applicants you will consider among others.
I am happy to be contacted by phone to speak further about Amanda Shackelford 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