Advice on asking for references

[Avictorious]

Hello!

I am a new rn in the later half of my first year at level one trauma emergency department, where I was also a PCA in nursing school. I have just been offered an interview in another emergency department in another state as I am trying to move. They're asking me for two manager references, I'm unsure if I should ask my current managers or previous managers. My previous managers were mainly around when I was a PCA. I'm nervous to ask my current managers as being such a large department it's always rough when we lose nurses and I'm not sure how it would reflect on me if I don't get the job. I was hoping to not have to tell them I'm interviewing.

[klone, MSN, RN]

You can use a charge nurse in lieu of a manager, if there is a charge nurse there you would trust to keep your secret.

[Avictorious]

You can use a charge nurse in lieu of a manager, if there is a charge nurse there you would trust to keep your secret.

Thats a great idea thank you! I have quite a few charge rns so that could work. I sent emails out to my previous managers, I will have to call the facility to see if they will except charge rns

[caliotter3]

I would not ask the facility what references they will accept. That would be inviting them to notice and disapprove. Provide the references and you will find out if they were acceptable if a problem pops up.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Yep, don't ask permission. Just do it.

[Avictorious]

Thank you, dodged a bullet! :)

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

I wouldn’t feel guilty , because it’s not like you’re going to an in state competition hospital- you are relocating, and people understand that. Yes you will be leaving, but... it’s “ different “... know what I’m saying? So I’d get the managers, and 2 charge nurse references, even co workers at least. Don’t feel that way. Honest , I was in the same position once! Good luck !!

edit:,I’d get the current plus one previous managers ref...

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

I would only ask for references from people who know your work in your current capacity. People who knew you mainly as a PCA cannot speak to the quality of your work as a nurse.