1305 N.

Martin Avenue
P.O. Box 210203
Tucson, AZ 85721-0203
Tel: (520) 626-6152
Fax: (520) 626-2669
www.nursing.arizona.edu

March 26, 2018

To Whom It May Concern:

Samantha DaLessio was my student during her 10 week psychiatric/mental health nursing
clinical rotation last semester. As a clinical instructor/lecturer with fifty years experience in
various psych nursing areas, I have a unique opportunity to become acquainted with my
students as individuals. Since they're learning to use their own personalities as a therapeutic
tool, I try to help them get to know themselves more in depth and as members of a team on our
four unit inpatient facility. During our psych rotation, they also experience working with older
adults, pediatric therapy services, and intensive adult outpatient services. My goal for them is to
practice interpersonal relationship skills that can be generalized and applied to any nursing
endeavor they choose.

Samantha "Sami" DaLessio was a memorable student for all the right reasons. The word
"inquisitive" comes to mind because Sami was always thinking, postulating, being the devil's
advocate. You can imagine what a joy to teach when there is so much to discuss in psych.
nursing. However, if you think I am painting a picture of some introverted bookworm, you are
quite mistaken. Sami is warm, gracious, animated, and pleasantly assertive just when she
needs to be. Just review her resume: very impressive with many more and lengthy patient care
experiences than our average new RN-to-be. Yes, Sami looks really good on paper, but just
wait until you meet her. Quick to smile, she has quite a mature attitude toward our human
foibles and yet has very high standards for herself and others when it comes to nursing practice.

Now the usual (but true) description of the strengths and attributes that Sami will bring to your
organization: 1) a broad and in depth nursing knowledge base; 2) highly developed
technical/technology abilities; 3) excellent verbal/written communication skills and finally; 4) an
appreciation of the value of the continued application of evidenced-based nursing practice

Sami is an extremely balanced person in spite of the fact her main focus has been becoming
the best nurse she can be over the last four years. The results are obvious: 3.7 GPA, four years
on the Dean's list, international healthcare experience, and provision of nursing care across the
age-continuum. It's even a plus to have a sorority affiliation these days because of their
philanthropic endeavors and leadership opportunities. Speaking of leadership, many of the
University of Arizona College of Nursing (one of the better schools in the nation) students have
leadership abilities. Even among them, Sami stands out. It is because of her energy, her cool
head in a crisis, and her willingness to step forward and encourage others to follow. Sami is one
of the best we can offer as the future face of quality nursing. Make her a member of your
healthcare team as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Susan Markovich, RN, MSN

Clinical Instructor