Burning Bridges REDO

[AWanderingMinstral]

I posted this under CAREER ADVICE, but I heard nothing. I could really use some input. Thanks!

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Howdy, allnurses! I need some career advice. I spent a tumultuous three years on an ortho/uro med-surg unit in a large teaching hospital. I was always dependable and worked steady nights. I took a research position in September 2010. During my last week on my previous unit, I was scheduled for three nights in a row. I had a sinus infection and I was taking an antibiotic. I worked three nights, but, on my final night, I called off. The unit director called me within five minutes to tell me that someone else also called off and that it would not look good if I called off. When it came time for a recommendation for the research position, she told my new supervisor that I did my job well and that the patients liked me, but, as my disinterest in floor nursing grew, I became difficult to work with. The irony is that I received two positive references from colleagues and that my interaction with the unit director was limited to 30 minutes in the morning.

A couple of colleagues have told me to not use her in the future. However, I worked for her for three of the 3 1/2 years that I've been a nurse. Should I send her an e-mail telling her that I am finishing my graduate degree in May and that I would like to know if I can rely on her for a positive reference (related to my work and not our personal relationship)? If so, should I subtly refer to the fact that I know she gave me a lukewarm reference? Thanks for your input.

[APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

I do not recommend that you use this supervisor for a recommendation.

You cannot undo a poor report,

however,

you can prevent a poor report from getting in the hands of a future employer by not using someone who has expressed a desire to give you a poor performance report.

This is not the case of "something is better than nothing". Nothing at all is far better than a black mark on your record, which may not fade after time.

If you are asked to provide references from your direct care supervisor, than you can state that you don't believe that your direct care supervisor is in a position to give you a reference anymore.....which is the truth - she's not in a position to give you the kind of reference that will help you further your career goals.

If they push it, then you can refer them to Human Resources, which can only legally give limited information such as confirmation of dates of employment, for example.

Best of luck in your endeavors.