Ex Employers giving bad references

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2016

If I know a former manager is likely to provide a derogatory reference, I do not bother to list him/her as a reference. Instead, I list a charge nurse or supervisor with whom I had a decent working relationship. This has usually worked for me.

As always, let the person know beforehand as a professional courtesy that you wish to utilize him/her as a reference.

Furthermore, contrary to popular notions, derogatory references are absolutely legal as long as the information exchanged is factual.

Emergent, RN · Sep 18, 2016

It's best to line up a job before you quit. My modus operandi has always been to have a per diem job humming along nicely for a flawless transition when I'm finally fed up. But stay pool at the job you left, you never know!

Jen4nursing · Sep 18, 2016

Thanks for your comments.

I did have a job lined up when I put in my resignation letter because I wanted to leave on good terms but the second they got it they fired me.

I found out from a friend that he was giving me a bad reference. Also I had 2 NP's as a reference so I thought I would have no problem getting that job. But the ex boss gave bad reference and I dont know if I have the job now.

I have not been told they are not hiring me only that they are waiting for a position to open and they will give it to me. But I had an Interview on Monday the 13th and sent resignation letter the 13th and was called by the administrator on the 16th telling me to come get my last paycheck.

Maybe I just need to wait a little longer but I am still putting in applications while I wait.

Marisette, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2016

You may want to google a reference check company and have them check your references. If the company or HR is not stating that you are a no hire, you may give the name of a manager that was familiar with you and your work performance as a reference instead of a manager with negative things to say.

BrendanO, MSN, RN · Sep 18, 2016

Talk to your former employer's HR department and see if they have any institutional standards for what references can or can't disclose. Many companies have explicit guidelines (not that all managers follow them, but it's good to know what the expectations are) against negative references. Though, as TheCommuter said, they are perfectly legal as long as the information disclosed is not intentionally misleading or incorrect.

What made it a "hostile environment"? Do you have a potential EEOC or harassment claim?

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Sep 18, 2016

Having an interview does not equal a guaranteed job. You should have waited for the offer.

Jolie, BSN · Sep 19, 2016

So I was just curious on how many nurses have left their jobs due to hostile environments and the boss fires them as soon as they put in their letter of recognition.
I am in that boat now and I need that reference as that is my only clinical experience. How have you all dealt with bad references?

I'd like to clarify one point: When you turned in your resignation, were you actually told that the resignation was not being accepted because you were being terminated instead, or did the supervisor accept your resignation and then say that you did not need to complete a 2 week notice but would be taken off the schedule immediately?

These scenarios are not the same thing.

It seems unlikely to me (although certainly not impossible) that an employer would fire someone who has attempted to formally resign. Typically a person who voluntarily resigns is NOT eligible for employer-sponsored unemployment payments, while one who is fired may be. From an employer's standpoint, this is a significant expense, and one that most attempt to avoid, if at all possible. So it doesn't make sense from the employer's standpoint to fire someone who is trying to quit, thus opening the possibility of having to pay a significant amount of money to sponsor that employee's unemployment compensation.

When an employee turns in a resignation, it is customary to offer to work out a "notice" usually 2-4 weeks. Many employers require this for an employee to leave in "good standing" and to receive all benefits owed such as unpaid vacation time. Not all do, and some prefer to have the employee leave immediately. Accepting an employee's resignation and asking that employee to leave immediately rather than work out a 2-4 week notice is NOT the same as firing the employee.

Whether an employee is eligible for re-hire may or may not have anything to do with how the employment was terminated. I have had to fire employees who were valued and would be willing to rehire them (needed extended LOA in excess of family and medical leave) at a later time. I have also accepted voluntary resignations from employees who were not valued and would not be eligible for rehire. (Poor clinical skills).

I would suggest clarifying with Human Resources whether your resignation was accepted or whether you were fired. If fired, investigate filing for unemployment compensation while you continue to look for another job.

Lastly, I agree that it is best to have not only an offer, but have worked out all details of starting a new job before resigning from the old one. Sometimes offers are rescinded due to reference checks, drug screens or even staffing changes that have nothing to do with the candidate.

Best of luck to you.

torie RN, NRP, CEN · Sep 19, 2016

I know the large hospital corporation that I work for can only tell anyone calling for a reference if you are eligible for re-hire.

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2016

Why do you think you were fired? If you already put in your letter of resignation and were asked to leave immediately instead of waiting your 2 weeks or whatever, this does NOT mean you were fired.

Have you spoken to the person you think will give a derogatory reference? Has that person said that they will?

Thanks for your comments.
I did have a job lined up when I put in my resignation letter because I wanted to leave on good terms but the second they got it they fired me.
I found out from a friend that he was giving me a bad reference. Also I had 2 NP's as a reference so I thought I would have no problem getting that job. But the ex boss gave bad reference and I dont know if I have the job now.
I have not been told they are not hiring me only that they are waiting for a position to open and they will give it to me. But I had an Interview on Monday the 13th and sent resignation letter the 13th and was called by the administrator on the 16th telling me to come get my last paycheck.
Maybe I just need to wait a little longer but I am still putting in applications while I wait.

AutumnApple · Sep 19, 2016

If I know a former manager is likely to provide a derogatory reference, I do not bother to list him/her as a reference. Instead, I list a charge nurse or supervisor with whom I had a decent working relationship. This has usually worked for me.
As always, let the person know beforehand as a professional courtesy that you wish to utilize him/her as a reference.
Furthermore, contrary to popular notions, derogatory references are absolutely legal as long as the information exchanged is factual.

Yes. Many people are surprised when they stop listening to "the grape vine" and find out the truth. There is very little they can't say, as long as it's not fabricated.

I learned about the difference between myth and reality while I was getting out of travel nursing. The unit manager of my last travel position wanted me to come on full time at that hospital. While I truly loved the area, it was unrealistic. I left it at "It's too far from family" and assumed everything would be fine.

Nope. Not "fine" by any stretch.............

She asked other people who called for a reference not to hire me. Seriously, she said nothing bad other than "I'd like her to stay here, do you have other possible applicants you could focus on?".

I found out via an HR person basically saying "Your former employer likes you and thinks you'd be a better fit with them..................". ugh

I investigated, nothing can be done about it. She didn't give any false information.

Jen4nursing · Sep 21, 2016

Thank you all for the responses I have a job now because God is great. I will definitely use all your advice in the future. Thank you