Did I screw myself out of this job??

rearviewmirror, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2015

gosh that IS a difficult question to answer, as I have never even thought about a situation like that, but rule of thumb when it comes to references, is don't put family members as one... I think at this point you do need to know what's going on, so if I were you, I would contact the manager or the HR and ask about the offer. Hope it goes well, and let us know.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Jul 30, 2015

I wouldn't have even thought most HR depts would check IP addresses. That HR dept is on top of things. I'm going to guess they were burned before by an applicant. You might have lost out on this job. I'd apply elsewhere if you haven't been in the meantime. I can see how they would think that you were dishonest, even if you weren't. I'm sure they have dealt with plenty of people who were.

Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM · Jul 30, 2015

Ok-so new BSN grad here. :) After months of applying for jobs I finally get an interview at a large teaching hospital for a new grad residency. Interview goes great- HR calls shortly after my interview and tells me the nurse manager wants to move forward with me an wants to check references (score!!).... This hospital checks references by sending my references emails with a survey about me (weird). So I submit four reference emails on my laptop. Here's the thing-one of my references is a close family friend I used to work private duty home health for...she used my laptop to fill out her survey. And no, I did not see or tell her what to say. At the time, I did not think this would screw me in the end....
The hospital calls me back two days later after all my references are submitted and asks for an additional reference because one of my references has the same IP computer address as what I used to set up the references. I give her another reference and have heard NOTHING from this job for two weeks now...
Did I screw myself? All my references are great... all clinical faculty from my school. Only ONE REFERENCE is from my same computer. Would this deny me of a job? I have been living in constant anxiety lately...I just want to know. I called HR the end of last week and asked the status and she gave me attitude about how one of my references is from the same computer...I explained to her what happened but she didn't seem like she cared. She said they are still looking at other candidates and will let me know this week...well this week is over and I haven't heard a thing.
Why would she ask for another reference if I completely screwed myself out of this? Do I still have a chance? It was only one reference, I'm sure they have to omit that one but I gave them a replacement reference. I can't wait any longer and need some insight...help!!!

Wow...thank you for posting this because I have never heard of this, but it just goes to show how fast technology is moving.

What they should have done is called the reference to make sure they actually wrote it.

There is nothing wrong with using friends for references. I think if we have actually worked with them, we turn to them first.

I think it would be wrong to knock you out of consideration because of this.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2015

None of us could possibly know the answer to your question.

But I do wish you luck. And thanks for posting...would never have thought of that myself, though it does make sense from their perspective. Perhaps they have experienced false rec letters in the past.

scottaprn · Jul 30, 2015

Wow never heard of that.

If you feel comfortable doing so I would ask the person who completed the reference to call HR and explain the situation.

I have seen times where I was told not to include a family member or friend as a reference but it has always been spelled out.

Another fair question is to ask if this facility is over the top with security and what else will they check on you about?

Oceanpacific · Jul 30, 2015

Ask the reference with the same IP address if she would be willing put in writing what happened. That you did work for her, that she is a family friend, and that she completed the reference on your laptop as she was with you in person, checked her email from your laptop, it was convenient and allowed her to provide your reference immediately. Plus she could also say that they would be missing out on a great candidate if they let this misunderstanding think less of you. It would be a nice touch if she were to offer her phone number to HR and encourage them to call her if there is still some question. Have her send that to HR from her own computer with you included in the cc. Can't hurt and it sets the record straight. You also may want to forward the email to the nurse manager who selected you for the position. She may have been told something inaccurate like your references weren't good. Good luck!

lsvgsdawn · Jul 30, 2015

I almost lost a job because of this ... We weren't on the same computer but my old boss did it from his phone and we were on the same wireless connection and they knew. I thought it was a tad excessiveðŸ˜œ

nurselia · Jul 31, 2015

Thank you all for your replies!! I appreciate it, but I found out today I did not get the job. I know 100% having one duplicate IP address reference was the deciding factor in not hiring me, what a shame. I'm pretty bummed out, but will continue my job search.

Oceanpacific · Aug 1, 2015

Sorry to hear that. Here's a suggestion that involves less than an hour of your time. I would send them a politely worded short letter that clarifies the situation and asks to be placed with your application form. Even better if your "problem reference" writes a short note to them as they are essentially calling her a cheater as well. This leaves something for the record. I might even send it certified and keep a copy for yourself.

Next Step.......VERY IMPORTANT......Do a happy dance that you have been spared from having to be employed by such small-minded and rigid people!!!!!!!!!!!

You obviously interview well and will get another offer in the near future. It's Saturday so raise a glass to those nasty people and the horse they rode in on.

A great nursing career awaits you. Don't let this BS get you down!