Advice - References

Sour Lemon · Jun 12, 2018

I just like to ask for opinions and any information to get insight.
I had an interview and they asked for two references. I had two but apparently they wanted references from two different employers. I got a hold of an old manager in the other previous position I held and she said yes.
This is what I am not understanding. Why on earth do they want another reference from my very first position was so long ago, when they already have two references from the most recent jobs?
Is this even normal? I just need some insight in this, because from the other jobs I have applied to they have taken the two references I provided and not ask for more.

It sounds pretty normal, to me. Good references from different places show that you have a pattern of "playing nice".

Qing · Jun 12, 2018

I have to say that my first job was not the best experience but I don't believe it should be seen as a problem. I have changed and become a lot better since that experience. It was so long ago, and I really feel that the most recent jobs should be more than qualified as enough references. The person I spoke to did say that if I didn't have a reference from the first job, they still have the other references I provided to them.

Sour Lemon · Jun 12, 2018

I have to say that my first job was not the best experience but I don't believe it should be seen as a problem. I have changed and become a lot better since that experience. It was so long ago, and I really feel that the most recent jobs should be more than qualified as enough references. The person I spoke to did say that if I didn't have a reference from the first job, they still have the other references I provided to them.

We can feel whatever we'd like, but our employers have their own feelings and agendas. I hope you get the job you're after.

Qing · Jun 12, 2018

Thanks Sour Lemon, I really hope I get the job. I doubt I can get a reference from that place, but I can request a copy of my file there.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jun 13, 2018

I've never had anywhere specifically ask but I have always provided references from different employers. The exception being when I was leaving my first nursing job, that was the only job I'd had so I used 2 charge nurses. I may have also used a nurse who I had worked with as a volunteer at a camp for children with epilepsy too, though. That was a long time ago so I don't remember. When I was applying for jobs earlier this year, I gave 3 references, 1 from each of the 3 full-time nursing jobs I had held.

Qing · Jun 13, 2018

Thanks KelRN215 and Sour Lemon,

I think I understand it better and see what you both are saying. I don't expect to get a reference from the first job as it wasn't the best experience. I have the other option of requesting a copy of personnel file, which should not say much in there.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jun 13, 2018

Thanks KelRN215 and Sour Lemon,
I think I understand it better and see what you both are saying. I don't expect to get a reference from the first job as it wasn't the best experience. I have the other option of requesting a copy of personnel file, which should not say much in there.

Do you not have any colleagues you worked with there who you can give as a reference? I have never used my nurse manager from my hospital job as a reference nor my director because I don't trust either of them but I have used 2 charge nurses.

Qing · Jun 14, 2018

They want a manager.... the place I worked in was a small place and I do own my part for not being as aware of the politics. As an outsider I was always treated differently and I worked a lot harder to earn any respect from them. So when I left, it wasn't a good experience and the person I asked if they could be a reference did not want to do it. Since I moved on from that place, I never looked back and have learned a lot. There were a couple charge nurses that I knew there, but I don't trust them at all.

So if I could, I would but I have doubts about getting someone who I can trust there to give a reference. They only asked for 2 that they would contact, so I hope that will be enough. As for getting a copy of the personnel file, I don't know how long that will take at all.