1305 N.

Martin Avenue
P.O. Box 210203
Tucson, AZ 85721-0203
Tel: (520) 626-5914
Cell: (937) 545-2108
Fax: (520) 626-2669
bbias@email.arizona.edu

October 19, 2017

To whom it may concern:

This correspondence is in regards to Katie Valencia a University of Arizona BSN student

graduating in the fall class 2017. I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Katie,
a competitive applicant for a new graduate registered nurse position. I had the pleasure to work
with Katie during fall 2017 as she was a clinical student in NURS 479 Transition to the
Professional Nursing Role as well as mentor academically in NURS 478 Nursing Leadership
and Management in Health Systems.

Katie demonstrated professionalism and accountability as she arrived early every 12- hour day
shift utilizing the electronic medical record Cerner to help prepare for report. Ms. Valencia was
prepared and eager to learn and not afraid to take on any challenge presented to her. Katie
completed 180 practicum hours in the Couplet Care unit at Carondelet St. Josephs Hospital in
Tucson Arizona. Patient privacy was protected as Katie respected and followed HIPAA policies.
Katie maintained a positive attitude during the clinical shift inspiring others always with a smile
on her face.

Katie demonstrated competency with postpartum and newborn assessments as she provided care
for 2 3 couplets per shift (4 6 patients total). Once aware of expectations, Katie required
minimal supervision from preceptor. Katie learned very quickly the discharge process as she
jumped in to assist with discharge teaching for many moms. Breastfeeding was a topic of interest
as Katie shadowed the Lactation Consultant during an additional shift.

Safety was a high priority as medications were administered following all rights to medication
administration. Katie had opportunities to administer injections to moms with preceptor
supervision. Ms. Valencia learned the technique to draw blood from an infant as she had
opportunities to assist with the metabolic screening test as well as bilirubin and glucose labs.
Infant security was also a high priority for Katie as all infants had infant security tags in place.

Katie is continuing to develop critical thinking skills as she has had a variety of experiences
providing the plan of care for moms who delivered vaginally, vaginal birth after cesarean and by
cesarean section with: no prenatal care, drug abuse, placental previa, language barriers, as well
as social service issues just to name a few. Katie was responsible for maternal and newborn lab
data as she interpreted: Blood types, Rubella, Hepatitis b and Syphilis results, GBS results,
clotting factors, liver enzymes, CBC, blood sugars and bilirubin results. Abnormal results were
reported to the appropriate discipline utilizing SBAR.
Katie not only excelled with assessments and skills she was not afraid to demonstrate leadership
qualities. Katie found time to assist RNs, & Pct.s when own work was complete. Katie also
shadowed a charge nurse to gain additional leadership skills. Katie developed an immediate
rapport with patients, families, and staff.

Katies caring attitude and passion for maternal child nursing was demonstrated throughout the
clinical experience. The University of Arizona College of Nursing has prepared Katie with a
strong work ethic to succeed and learn at the next level. I highly recommend Katie for a new
graduate registered nurse position. Please feel free to contact me for additional information if
needed.

Sincerely,

Beverly Bias, MS, RNC