References

[lovingme01]

I was wondering, does it really matter about you past job history. If you are a first time nurse looking for your first nursing job and your past jobs in general work didn't end well could you not get the nursing job?

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I was wondering, does it really matter about you past job history. If you are a first time nurse looking for your first nursing job and your past jobs in general work didn't end well could you not get the nursing job?

Employers often do call references, and not just on that first nursing job.

If you're worried about what a past supervisor at one of those "didn't end well jobs" might say, is there a former coworker that you could list instead?

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Yes, references matter very much. Perhaps a non-nursing reference isn't as significant as a nursing reference, but it will be reviewed anyway. If a non-nursing reference indicates temperamental, social or ethical issues, you can bet it will be taken into consideration.

[Sour Lemon]

I was wondering, does it really matter about you past job history. If you are a first time nurse looking for your first nursing job and your past jobs in general work didn't end well could you not get the nursing job?

My circumstances were the opposite. I had two very stable, long-term, non-nursing jobs prior to becoming a nurse. My first nursing employer actually commented that they loved me for my work history ...and that it made me a good bet as a new-grad hire. So while I can't say if your circumstances are harmful, I can say that it's a plus if you look like someone who might stick around.

[lovingme01]

Hello Meriwhen,

I can say I do have a past employer from Walmart been with them for five years and I believe I can use them as a good reference. The current employer I had did not end good. I was working at a gas station and I felt unsafe there so I left without a two week notice this is why I am so concern.

Thank you again for your response.

[lovingme01]

Thank you Sour lemon for your response. I can say this as long as I have license as a nurse once I graduate from school I should be fine. I shouldn't even put my past job down on my application. I felt threaten there and unsafe. (worked at a gas station). This has worried me for awhile and I just want to be certain that this will not affect my future jobs as a nurse. Thanks again for the response.