Against our Policy to give Professional Reference??

[jodyangel]

So I need 2 management references for a new job I have interviewed for. All my personal and coworker references have come back but none of the manager types have responded.

Today I get a message from one of them saying that its the hospitals policy NOT to give professional references? WTH?

Without those references I will not get a hospital job. =(

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

:hug: I am so sorry......hospitals are behaving despicably.

SO ARE THOSE MANAGERS......

I am so sick to death of this holier than thou baloney...:madface:.

I find it disgusting that nursing "professionals" run the profession with the means girls mentality and the the juvenile attitude "we have rules that don't include you":argue: petty behavior. If "we" want to be considered professionals then "we" should act like one. I am so sick and tired of hearing about these terrorist tactics holding people lives hostage or destroying them completely. I am disappointed and disgusted by this petty behavior and the Laissez faire way they trow their weight/power around. What a bunch of petty, insecure, selfish.......... Oooo It makes me so angry.

I wish I could say I felt better after a rare rant... but I don't. I am disgusted, disappointed and ashamed the a "caring profession" could behave so badly. This young girl may have made a mistake but she didn't hurt anyone and because you want to play the "big boss, saviour of all" you are holding a young nurses dreams hostage....Really?? How petty are you.

I have had other managers say they "don't give references for liability purposes" and being a darn good employee....really? then don't become someone's boss if you don't have the chutzpah to do the right thing. Get over yourself.

I am just so disappointed and disgusted of it all. OP.....just keep plugging away. I would try talking to the new HR managers. I would try instructors. I would talk to a lawyer.....but never give up. Believe in yourself.

When one door closes another will open.....eventually.:hug: Apply for that unemployment and fight them with all you have.

[2BRN123]

If they don't give references unilaterally for whatever reason, they should have no problem putting that statement in writing on some letterhead for you.

I know you're in a tough situation with this hospital at the moment but it's worth an ask.

We did this when I worked in retail. You could not write or provide a one step reference (assistant mgr to employee... Or... Store manager to assistant manager.)

All references had to be at least 2 steps. I was often writing this instead of a great recommendation for someone because the only people I could write them for, I didn't have much contact with.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

OP, as you state, you have been a nurse for 30 years. Hopefully you have accumulated enough contacts along the way that there is a managerial-level colleague who is willing to provide a personal reference.

However, as another poster pointed out, many organizations do limit their risk through policies that limit/prohibit their employees, including managers, from providing professional references. This is common throughout many industries, not just health care.

[jodyangel, RN]

Esme I love you!!!

[jodyangel, RN]

Well I assumed they wanted all references from this last L&D job..at this very big powerful hospital lol.

I worked before that weekends..and don't even remember names of any supervisors. But I did get ONE assist. manager to give the refernce I saw this am. I can check online and see..plus she did send me a FB message telling me she had. So one more and I'm good to go. After all this this PA hospital might not even offer the job lol..but I keep telling myself that since they are keeping in touch with me via phone and email that they Must be sorta interested?

Oh and thanks for the "young girl" comment..made me giggle since I'm 58!! Been there done that =D

[jodyangel, RN]

"...However, as another poster pointed out, many organizations do limit their risk through policies that limit/prohibit their employees, including managers, from providing professional references. This is common throughout many industries, not just health care."

Still stinking lame. Esp. when they know you need references..

[Altra, BSN, RN]

I'm not saying that I agree or disagree with such a policy. But why is it "lame", from the organization's point of view?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

PPs are correct - most of the organizations I am familiar with have the same policy... the only point of contact for references is HR. This is probably based upon past experience with some sort of trouble arising from allowing individuals to provide references.

But, here's a random thought -- why in the world, especially in light of our increasingly geriatric population -- is LTC work still considered lower status and less desirable than acute care? I have colleagues who work in LTC and are happy there.. in leadership, education & staff roles. LTC DONs who are really good at their jobs can make very decent salaries & have a wonderful impact upon the lives of their residents.

Another random thought - LTC care really is all about NURSING care, whereas acute care is largely driven by medical practice. Is that why LTC is lower status? Just pondering . .

[jodyangel, RN]

Ok well sorry..sure didn't mean to demean LTC. I just have done many many years as an LPN and don't wish to work in that capacity now.

Yes I do think its lame if you had a good relationship with someone in management and they can't give you a personal reference. I certainly wouldn't ask anyone if I thought they would give me a bad one would I?

Since its important apparently to facilitys..its frustrating to get the "its not our policy". Just my opinion anyway.

Happy to say tho, that I got a call from one of my interviewers yesterday and accepted a part time position in L&D. I need fulltime, but will hopefully pick up shifts. The job is pending my physical and references. I'm Very happy today!!