Can you put HR rather than nurse manager if think you'll get bad recommendation?

[babblingbrook]

On my 2nd RN job and doing well (psych nursing easier for me). However, I want to apply for a VA position. My 1st job was as a new grad NICU nurse. I lasted 10 months. I was basically told off the record to quit before I was fired. (for me ICU was too anxiety provoking straight out of nursing school). The new job application requests the names of my nurse managers or supervisors. I fear they won't give me a good recommendation even though applying for a psych RN job and not a NICU job. (I had others I worked w/ tell me to use them as a reference rAther than the nurse manager or shift supervisor b/c they thought they would not recommend me for other RN jobs).

Can I just not list the name and just put "contact human resources". Or is there a better way to handle it? I want to be professional b/c in all my years of working non-RN jobs the NICU was the only time I was threatened w/ being fired. I really want this new position and don't want to ruin my chances.

Please advise.

[caliotter3]

I have seen before where people say to list the HR number. I have done something similar to this myself when I was being blacklisted. It might work, it might not. Usually the prospective employer will not take the time to track down the actual supervisor, but will either go with whatever the person who answers says about you, or they will chuck your application at that point. I feel it is worth the effort.

[Jules A, MSN]

Just be very careful about the accuracy of information you list on a federal job application.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

If they ask for the supervisor's name list it. Omissions or deviation from the application may knock you out of the box. It doesn't mean they will call her. Just don't list him/her as a reference.

Check with the HR regarding their policy. Many institutions will give only date of employment and reason for leaving. This decreases the chances of being sued by an employee who feels they they were given a bad shake.

Plus, you are applying for a psych position, so they really don't care if you were a good critical care nurse or not.