Getting a new job and references??

Guest505077 · Aug 8, 2011

hi there

It is up to you whether you tell your manager. In the past, I have not told my manager when looking for a new job, even when we had a very good relationship. I didn't tell many people either, people like to talk, gossip, etc. - and things may not work out as you plan...

for references you could use; a close co-worker, a physician, an educator,

good luck :)

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 8, 2011

Hi folks,
I'm looking at getting a new job in a few months in another place for better opportunities for my career...and wondering how references work? Should I tell my manager that I'm looking for a new job? It's nothing personal and I've loved working on my unit--but I'm ready to move on. I guess I feel like it would be awkward to ask them if it was okay to use them as references. We have a working relationship, but I feel like they want me to stay on for awhile longer and possibly move up the chain, which is not what I want to do.
Advice?

I've never told a current employer that I'm looking for another job- AND I ask the new place (if offered a job) to wait to confirm references until I have a chance to talk with my manager. And those friendly co-workers can get awfully 'chilly' when they find out you're leaving....:)

There was only one time I ended up staying at a facility (I had a lot of physical limitations, and had applied to a home health company) My DON locked me in the med room, and asked me if I'd stay until PPS (a Medicare nightmare w/MDSs) started in a couple of months- just keep showing up for a couple of months, stay busy with whatever I wanted, and they'd pay me to stay- I had MDS experience and they didn't want someone going into PPS 'blind'.... so I stayed. But that was a weird situation.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Aug 9, 2011

Hi folks,
I'm looking at getting a new job in a few months in another place for better opportunities for my career...and wondering how references work? Should I tell my manager that I'm looking for a new job? It's nothing personal and I've loved working on my unit--but I'm ready to move on. I guess I feel like it would be awkward to ask them if it was okay to use them as references.

Are you planning to ask your manager to provide a reference as professional colleague, or as a former employer. If it's the former, I'd give him/her a heads-up. If it's the latter, then let them go through channels and follow the rules of the institution regarding what is disclosed and what is not.

netglow, ASN, RN · Aug 9, 2011

Read MrChicagoRN's post carefully.

If you just are trying to get a different job, do not tell anyone that you are even looking. Nobody. If your application for the new place asks if they can contact your current employer, say "No". No employer will react kindly to the knowledge that you are actively job hunting. It's not that you are valued, it's that you will soon make them have to find another body to fill the open slot you left and that is a hassle. Some people will "act out" and remain in a hissy fit even if you decide in the end to stay where you are.

lovemenursing · Aug 10, 2011

What would you suggest I tell the interviewer when they ask why they can't contact my manager?

MrChicagoRN, RN · Aug 11, 2011

What would you suggest I tell the interviewer when they ask why they can't contact my manager?

Some organizations have policies against releasing any information other than salary verification, title, and dates of service.

If someone is still employed, it is perfectly appropriate to say NO unless the two of you are serious about each other. Contacting your manager should be one of the final steps of the process. If they're interested and you're still interested, THEN let them contact your manager.