Can you ask what sort of reference your current boss will give you?

[RNdynamic]

I want to transfer internally from one ICU to another ICU within my hospital. I have transferred before from the floors to the ICU, and the new manager always asks the current manager about your performance and things.

However, before I tell my current manager that I am looking to leave the unit for a different one, and that she can expect a phone call from the hiring manager about me, I want to ask her "I would like to know what sort of reference you will provide. What will you say about me?"

Do you think that this is not professional? I feel like I am only holding her accountable for being truthful, if I ask her this.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

You could ask. But she is under no obligation to tell you what she plans to say. Nor is she obligated to tell them exactly what she tells you--after all, she has the right to change her mind.

I don't know why you're transferring and you need not share. But since it's standard practice for new managers to call the old managers, IMO I would tell her about your plans to transfer before she gets that call so she's not blindsided by it.

Best of luck.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Look at your last evaluation as to clues of strength/weaknesses that your current Manager would base her reference to other Manager.

Don't you already know how your Manager feels towards your work performance from your interactions with them?

I perceive a bluntness to your question: asking Manager outright, you may get a response you don' t like.

I would not tip off current Manager until after a interview with new unit.

To be totally fair to employees, our health system does not have Managers contact each other --all hiring strictly via internet application and HR -- minimizes biases.

Best wishes moving forward.

[caliotter3]

Be aware that you can be told one thing and then the opposite can occur behind your back. I was told that I would be given a good reference by a manager so I gave that person's name as one of my references. After some time without getting hired, I was told by a potential employer that their offer of employment was being rescinded because the person who told me they would be a good reference for me, instead was blacklisting me. I had to get assistance from an employment attorney. You can not trust people.

[817nurse]

Do you think that this is not professional? I feel like I am only holding her accountable for being truthful, if I ask her this.

I think you will be putting your manager on the spot if you ask her that. She is not obligated to give you a positive reference.

[RNdynamic]

Thanks for the replies.

[whichone'spink, BSN, RN]

I would use a reference checker website. It's a third party website that pretends to call as a prospective employer to get a reference, and then they type up a report of what response your reference gave. Here is a service I've used twice: Reference Check - Job Reference Check