Can you use an instructor as a professional reference?

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 9, 2015

I wouldn't use instructors for all 5 professional references, but there is no reason to completely exclude them either. Be sure that you have permission before using them as a reference, though. That's just common courtesy and would alert them that they may be receiving a call plus give time to prepare. Other ideas: current/former supervisors and coworkers, nurses you may have worked with multiple times in clinicals (more so for preceptorships than just the usual clinical where you may only work with a nurse once- my preceptor for my senior practicum offered to be a reference before I even asked). It's not always just about your clinical skills but also your teamwork, work ethic, things like that. That would be why it's wise to include a variety of relevant references- but again, make sure you have permission.

kimmy20 · Feb 9, 2015

I wouldn't use instructors for all 5 professional references, but there is no reason to completely exclude them either. Be sure that you have permission before using them as a reference, though. That's just common courtesy and would alert them that they may be receiving a call plus give time to prepare. Other ideas: current/former supervisors and coworkers, nurses you may have worked with multiple times in clinicals (more so for preceptorships than just the usual clinical where you may only work with a nurse once- my preceptor for my senior practicum offered to be a reference before I even asked). It's not always just about your clinical skills but also your teamwork, work ethic, things like that. That would be why it's wise to include a variety of relevant references- but again, make sure you have permission.

Thanks for the good advice! I already contacted them to ask if it's alright to list them as a reference :)

Two of my references are from previous jobs so even though it may not be nursing related they can comment about my performance and work ethic