Burning Bridges

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.