CI references

[sistasoul]

Hi All,

I just graduated in May this year from an ADN program. I am taking the NCLEX on July 23.

I am a little worried about landing my first job as an RN because I never asked any of my CI's if I could use them as a reference. It never even crossed my mind to ask as I was so caught up in just making it to graduation. My last semester was so horrendous in clinical that I almost withdrew 2 weeks before the final. I did not realize until reading some of these posts on All Nurses how important CI references are.

I worked as an aide on a cardiac unit until Feb. of 2008 and figured I could use my experience on this unit as references to get my first RN position.

Will I be able to get my first RN postition without CI references?

Thanks in advance for any insights.

[caliotter3]

There is absolutely nothing to stop you from asking for references now. Although I might not ask the instructor for the last clinical where you were having problems. Go ahead and try it. All anyone can do is to say no and I don't think they will. Good luck with your job hunt.

[MikeyJ, RN]

You can definitely land a job without CI references. I am definitely not using my CI as references, and I don't know anyone personal who is. But I live in an area where there are many many jobs.

[Hands and Heart]

It is always a good idea to keep attachments with CIs and professors for references for jobs, advanced education, etc. Their position and a good recommendation can add a lot to your application. Go ahead and contact one or more. Like has already been stated, the worst they can do is say no. But you won't know until you ask.