Help! References from Clinical Instructors

[SterlingArcher]

Hi

I am a new graduate currently interviewing for a position at a major hospital in my area. Because I am a new graduate the hospital asked me to include my last 3 clinical instructors in my references. I have not really kept in contact with them so I e-mailed them explaining the situation and asked if they felt comfortable giving me a favorable recommendation and if so if I could have their contact info. It's been a week since I e-mailed them and 2/3 have not responded. The interview is in a few days and I don't know what to do. Should I try e-mailing again? Or should I explain to HR that I was not able to reach them? I have other references from professors and other clinical instructors I can use, but it seems like they really want the last 3 clinical instructors I had...

[runningoutoftime]

I was in a similar situation and was asked to provide 3 references. I graduated in December so it had been well over 6 months since I had spoken with any of them. You need to make sure that whoever you provide on the reference list checks out and does call back. This could be a make or break deal if your references are unable to be contacted. I had emailed my instructors and got no response. I was in a time crunch so I decided to look up their cell phone contacts and I personally called/texted to inform them that I would like to use them as a reference and if this would be ok. It turns out one was on vacation and wasn't checking her email at all and had I not called, I would have never gotten a hold of her. My advice is to contact your instructors (even if you have to call them) to give them a heads up. Also, put a direct phone number on your reference list such as a cell phone number. The employer is not going to wait around for a call back from a reference so it's key to inform the people who are references that they may be getting a call. Whatever you do, do not tell HR that you are unable to get a hold of your references. Find someone who can give you a reference!

Good Luck!

[ToughingItOut]

Did you ever work with a preceptor or work closely with a RN during your clinicals? I just recently offered one nursing student my contact info simply because she was an amazing new nurse, and I know that new grads need all the references possible these days. Most nurses are pretty nice about that stuff. :)

[SterlingArcher]

Thanks for the advice runningoutoftime :) I do have their cellphone numbers since they gave it to our clinical group during clinical in case we ran into any problems. I feel weird calling their numbers since it was not given to me for the purpose of calling them for anything short of an emergencDy, but I guess in a way this is a professional emergency for me I guess I will try to call them.

Also I did work really closely with one preceptor who I have gotten to know very well. However, she works night shift from 7pm-7am. I am afraid the hospital may call her for a reference, but she won't pick up because she is sleeping.