Job hunting.....References Question.......

SusanJean · Apr 9, 2005

I am seriously lacking on references. I haven't worked since 2002, and I haven't worked as a nurse yet. I haven't been able to track down anyone from my previous jobs to use as references.
I was thinking of emailing 2 of my nursing school instructors, the main 2 that I know are still there. I graduated in 2003, an A student, emailed with them a few times after the baby I was pregnant with at graduation was born. That is about the closet thing I have. Are nursing instructors usually willing to be a reference?
I feel very discouraged right now. Any ideas? If I email the instructors and they say no, should I delete "references upon request" from my resume and pray no one asks? Hire a PI to track down the people I can't find so I can use them as refs? :rotfl: Help!

I am in a similar situation - my key employment history has merged (the companies) so many times, I don't even know who has the personnel files. I put the name of the company at the time I worked for them, my supervisor and a note that the company is now under a different name.

Yes, your instructors can serve as references. What about your former advisor from nursing school? I would call, not email. Ask if you may use them as a "good" reference. (That assures that they are willing to say positive things, and offers an out if not.)

Have you done any volunteer work? One of my best references is a nurse that I have worked w/ as a volunteer.

Hope these ideas help.

SJ

humglum, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2005

You can't find anyone from a previous job that would act as a reference for you? I have several non-nursing jobs from years ago that I'll list if I'm asked to list my entire employment history, and only one of them is unverifiable (because the company abruptly went out of business).

I'd ask nurse instructors to be positive references for you, but they haven't employed you. They can't really speak about your employment record, if you would be eligible for rehire, etc. They can speak to your attendance, willingness to learn/accept criticism... but in this day and age, most places can only verify your dates of employment and ask if you would be eligible for rehire.

I'd try and track down an actual job reference or two. If not a paying job, then volunteer work, as mentioned above. Or perhaps include a cover letter that explains your lack of employment history.

Good luck!

Snowwhite · Apr 11, 2005

I am in a similar position. But the funny thing is I haven't been asked for any references yet. any chance they won't ask for them at all?

humglum, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2005

Usually I don't include references on my resume, but there's a spot for them on the application, or on a separate form you'll fill out in HR (this is usually along with your criminal background form).

How far along are you in the application/interview process, Snow?

jennanlpn · Apr 12, 2005

My employment for all places would be verifiable through the company HR, companies are still intact, and I am sure based on file info they would all list me for re-hire.

I was mostly trying to track down previous immediate supervisors. One thing I did think of is that I could contact the parents of one of the MR/DD clients I worked with....but still that isn't actually an employer. Character/positive references, I have. Personal job ones, lacking. And you are right, instructors still won't be the same as previous supervisors.

I don't have any volunteer history. Susanjean, what kind of volunteer work did you do?

I have a friend who is a job development specialist...she is going to call the 2 previous companies tomorrow to check refs on me and see what they say. I just want to be as prepared as possible and have my ducks in a row before I put myself out there.

I don't like this part of job hunting. :rolleyes: One thing I have learned is to keep better track of dates, salary, ect. I can't remember much specifics. From now on I am keeping a record!

Thanks a bunch for the feedback. Love, Jenn

SusanJean · Apr 12, 2005

I don't have any volunteer history. Susanjean, what kind of volunteer work did you do?

I have done a variety of things from Red Cross to refugee sponsorship to raising guide dogs, etc, etc.

The one I use (currently) as a refernce is from working w/ the local school nurse to help in her office: for yrs I've helped w/ the annual ht/wt for the school, then when I was interested in returning to school, she offered a "volunteer" position in her office. What ever she needed done, I would try to help with.

It is actually a great deal because of this nurse that I am now in nursing and not another medical area.

Actually, a few of my volunteer positions I would not use as references, mainly because I ruffled some feathers.:chuckle

SJ

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Apr 28, 2005

I am seriously lacking on references. I haven't worked since 2002, and I haven't worked as a nurse yet. I haven't been able to track down anyone from my previous jobs to use as references.
I was thinking of emailing 2 of my nursing school instructors, the main 2 that I know are still there. I graduated in 2003, an A student, emailed with them a few times after the baby I was pregnant with at graduation was born. That is about the closet thing I have. Are nursing instructors usually willing to be a reference?
I feel very discouraged right now. Any ideas? If I email the instructors and they say no, should I delete "references upon request" from my resume and pray no one asks? Hire a PI to track down the people I can't find so I can use them as refs? :rotfl: Help!

I was in a worse situation than you! I graduated last year, but had been a stay-at-home since 1993! On my applications as references I listed:a nursing instructor, fellow nursing students, and my preceptor from my last semester of school. I got a job but I really don't think any of those people were even contacted. Now for my next job I will finally have a supervisor and co-workers to put down!

Snowwhite · May 31, 2005

Well, guys,

you don't have to worry about references. I managed to get only one, but I was offered jobs in all places where I was interviewed. I guess, reference is not the key to success

TamNurse · Nov 21, 2005

What do you do when you were "fired" from your first and only nursing job??

I worked for the hospital for 3 years first as an aide and then a tech through nursing school. I graduated in May. Took/Passed boards in August. Since transition to RN have been floundering and miserable. The problem was the environment. I'm happy to be out but ashamed to have been "fired"

Do I include them on my work history and risk them bad mouthing me?

Do I omit/lie about the only healthcare experience I have that ended so badly?

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Nov 26, 2005

Just letting you know I am going through sorta the same thing. I graduated last year and worked in a Dr's office for a few months. Then I recently moved and took a hospital job. I have been there 3 weeks and NO ONE is orienting me! I got 5 patients the 3rd day! I have no idea what I'm doing, I have complained over and over and they say they will put me with someone but never do. I am an RN and they must think I know everything but I know nothing! The have me as charge nurse next month! I am defenitly ready to quit because I think it is dangerous for the patients. I won't be ashamed to tell my next job I quit because I felt that the patients would not be properly cared for without adequate orientation. I think that shows that patients are the priority, even if it means me taking quite a pay cut. But I just cant take it anymore! What was the problem with your job? Did you really get fired? I think if I stay any longer I will get fired anyway, even though it would be their fault for not giving me the orientation I was promised.