How to Write an Effective Readmission Letter for a Nursing Program

Getting readmitted to a nursing program after leaving can be challenging, but writing a strong readmission letter is key to boosting your chances of success. As a nursing student previously in the program, you likely have an advantage over external candidates However, you need to convince the school that you can now finish the program successfully

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover how to write an effective readmission letter for nursing school, including templates and examples to make the process easier.

Why You Need a Readmission Letter

If you previously left a nursing program, whether voluntarily or due to academic struggles, you’ll almost always need to formally apply for readmission to restart This requires submitting a complete readmission application, including a letter explaining your situation.

Here are some of the main reasons you’ll need a readmission letter

• You withdrew voluntarily from the nursing program due to personal reasons or hardships. The school will want to know these issues are resolved before accepting you back.

• You were dismissed from the program because of academic performance problems or misconduct violations. The school will want to see evidence you’ve addressed these problems.

• There was a significant gap between when you left and when you wish to return. The school will want to confirm your continued interest and commitment.

• The nursing program needs to manage enrollment sizes. Your letter must convince them to grant you one of the limited seats available.

Bottom line, the readmission letter is your chance to show the nursing program admissions committee that you deserve a second chance to complete your studies.

How to Write Your Nursing Readmission Letter

Follow these steps when drafting your nursing school readmission letter:

1. Check the School’s Instructions

Begin by reading your nursing program’s application instructions carefully. They may provide specific directions or requirements for the readmission letter, including:

• Page limits or word counts.

• Requested topics or information to cover.

• Formatting specifications, such as font size or margins.

Closely adhering to all instructions demonstrates your attention to detail.

2. Use a Professional Letter Format

Write the readmission letter using a traditional professional business letter format. Here are some formatting tips:

• Address the letter to the director of nursing admissions or other contact specified in the instructions.

• Include your full name and contact information in the heading.

• Open with a formal greeting like “Dear [Name]”.

• Use 1″ margins and single or 1.5 line spacing.

• Choose a professional font in size 11 or 12.

• Close with a respectful sign-off such as “Sincerely”.

• Print and sign the letter instead of using an electronic signature.

3. Express Your Interest in Returning

Start your letter with a clear statement of your desire to return to the nursing program. This helps align the rest of the content with your purpose.

For example:

• “I am writing to respectfully request readmission to the nursing program at [School Name] for the [Semester, Year] term.”

• “It is my sincere interest to return to [School Name]’s nursing program to complete my studies and obtain my nursing degree.”

This section lets the school know upfront that you are committed to finishing your degree.

4. Explain Why You Left the Program

Next, provide context around what led to your departure from the nursing program. This is your chance to be accountable and demonstrate personal growth.

If you withdrew voluntarily, explain what challenges or circumstances prompted your decision. For example:

• Family or financial difficulties.
• Physical or mental health issues (if comfortable disclosing).
• Feelings of burnout.

If you were dismissed, take responsibility for the academic or conduct issues that caused your dismissal. For example:

• Failing course grades.
• Poor exam scores or clinical evaluations.
• Lapses in attendance or punctuality.
• Unprofessional behavior violations.

Focus on being mature and reflective rather than making excuses. Show that you have gained wisdom from the experience.

5. Highlight How You’ve Addressed Any Issues

Now that you’ve explained your reasons for leaving, it’s time to highlight solutions. Demonstrate how you have actively addressed any issues to prepare for a successful return.

If there were academic struggles, explain how you’ve enhanced your study skills and test-taking strategies. Provide examples such as:

• Meeting with tutors or study groups.
• Taking review courses to refresh aging knowledge.
• Improving time management and organization.
• Creating a study schedule you will adhere to.

For personal challenges, provide evidence that your circumstances have stabilized. For example:

• Your health has improved through counseling or lifestyle changes.
• You’ve addressed family responsibilities or financial limitations.
• You’ve implemented stress reduction techniques and work-school-life balance.

The key is showing proactive problem-solving skills rather than just making vague promises.

6. Discuss Your Commitment to Completing the Program

Now it’s time to highlight your passion for the nursing field and commitment to finishing your degree. Help the admissions committee recognize you will bring a mature, focused approach when returning to the program.

You can demonstrate this commitment by:

• Underscoring your enthusiasm for starting a nursing career.
• Describing specific steps you’ve taken to stay up-to-date on nursing knowledge.
• Outlining your plan for success, including study schedules, tutoring, or life balance improvements.
• Discussing your academic and career goals in the nursing profession.

Convince the school this time will be different. Show them you are ready to put in the work needed to graduate and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

7. Close With a Thank You and Next Steps

Conclude your readmission letter politely by thanking the admissions committee for considering your application.

You can also prompt next steps by saying something like:

• “I look forward to scheduling an in-person interview at your earliest convenience.”

• “I hope to hear back regarding your readmission decision in the coming weeks.”

End with a formal closing, such as “Sincerely” and your typed signature.

8. Proofread Multiple Times

Be sure to set your readmission letter aside for a day then carefully proofread it several times. Check for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors.

Also verify that your letter properly addresses any specific prompts outlined in the application instructions.

Ask a friend or family member to review the letter as a final check before submitting it.

Readmission Letter Templates and Examples

Reviewing sample readmission letters can help you format your own letter and see examples of effective content.

Here are two readmission letter templates for nursing school, followed by two real-life sample letters.

Template #1: Student Withdrawing Due to Health Issues

July 15, 2022

John Smith, Director of Nursing Admissions
ABC University
123 College Way
Anytown, CA 12345

Dear Mr. Smith:

I am writing to respectfully request readmission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at ABC University starting in the fall 2022 term. I previously withdrew from the program in January 2021 during my second semester due to mental health issues causing severe anxiety.

At the time, I was struggling to manage my coursework and clinical rotations while dealing with social anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I made the difficult choice to take a leave of absence to focus on my health and well-being. Over the past year, I have actively addressed my mental health challenges through regular therapy sessions, medication management, and lifestyle changes to reduce stress. I am happy to report my health is now well-controlled and I am fully ready to dive back into my nursing studies.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your full name]

Template #2: Student Dismissed for Academic Performance

September 1, 2022

Jane Doe, Director of Nursing Admissions
XYZ College
456 University Lane
Mytown, TX 54321

Dear Ms. Doe:

I am writing to request readmission to the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at XYZ College, starting in the January 2023 term. I was previously dismissed in August 2021 due to unsatisfactory academic performance.

During my first two semesters in the program, I struggled to keep up with the challenging coursework and demands of the program. I scored below passing on several exams and ended up failing two nursing courses. At the time, I was overwhelmed trying to balance school with personal responsibilities.

Over the past year, I have reflected on my academic challenges in the program. I now understand where I went wrong and have implemented solutions to set myself up for success when readmitted. I have taken two review courses to refresh my nursing knowledge. I also create