getting a hold of clinical instructors for references..

[blah_blah_blah]

Hello all!

I had an interview for a psych ED position today and HR wanted the contact information for the clinical instructor I had for my psych rotation.

I am friends with her on facebook... (she added me after I graduated!) would it be inappropriate to shoot her a facecook message? I don't have her school email. I could email the nursing program director and get the CI's email and then email her but who knows how long that will take since school isn't back in session yet. HR said they would be calling me some time next week with a decision.

I thought that since she added me on facebook it wouldn't be as strange if I contacted her through facebook...

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I'm no facebook expert, but I agree that it would probably be OK since she took the initiative to add you.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

I'm a former psych instructor who adds former students to my Facebook list after they graduate. They often send me a message asking for a reference. I'm glad to provide it. I think it's completely ok to ask your instructor.

Hmm...maybe I was your instructor? Hmm...

[K+MgSO4, BSN]

I hate it! I've had former employees do it, I find it lazy.

[adpiRN]

As a clinical instructor I think it's fine.

I also have a few ex students as FB friends.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

as an instructor I would say no problem as a backup call the school.

[blah_blah_blah]

I emailed her at her school email (I put 2 and 2 together and figured out it's the first initial and full last name) and I have yet to get a response. If I don't hear from her soon, I'll send her a fb message. Thanks for all the feedback!

[TXOBEducRN]

As an instructor, I think it is completely acceptable. I no longer teach in an ADN program I used to work for, and I've had numerous students contact me via Facebook message to request letters of recommendation. They didn't know how else to reach me, and I was happy to help. (...and that's without even being Facebook friends!)