Getting into Travel

[Pit Master Gabe]

I've been a nurse for over 12 years. I have experience in Correction Nursing (wasn't for me), Stepdown, Emergency Department, Pre/Post Cath/EP lab, Radiology Nursing, and Endoscopy. I found a travel position in another state but > 3 hours away that I'm interested in. They are wanting a references from 2 of my supervisors within the past year. My initial thought is "No way!" I don't want to let my current supervisor to know that I'm on my way out. And then what happens if I don't get the job? I'm more than happy to provide all of my reviews as they have been great. I also have other great references that I could use, but they only want supervisors from the past year. Any advice?

Thanks!

[NedRN]

Only one charge/manager/director/DON above you in the last year? OK. Next, why don't you want this supervisor to know? A, are you afraid of termination (despite 10% of staff nurses considering such a move); and B, if a toxic workplace you should be leaving anyway.

Management giving references/evaluations is a professional responsibility and their job. I would strongly recommend you get a written reference. Phone references, well, do you know what this supervisor will say? Or who will answer the call? In writing, you know what they say and have control of your career. You don't have to ask for a letter of reference - such a letter could take a long time to produce. I personally use a short form "evaluation" from PanTravelers. Sign up for free membership, go to Downloads.

Also, who is "they"? The agency? They are idiots, the facility only needs positive references ("shows up on time"). Put down whoever you want to be references. Or talk to another agency. There are around 400 of them, and in these days of vendor managers, many have access to the same facilities. You want best pay combined with good communication and service, right? Shopping around is the only way to achieve this. Other than a beginner's luck and it certainly doesn't sound like this agency is it.