Help...references

[flygirl43]

I graduated in 2003. Worked in a teaching facility for 2 years, did well, great references, loved it. Then....I moved to a rural community (love country life) From the minute I stepped on the floor, toxic would be the understatement of the yr. We went from 48 beds to 16 in 2 months due to nurses quitting. We were hiring lots, they just don't stay. Mgmt was horrendous. One night my house burned to the ground. As my partner and I were trying to get the horses out of the stable, I got kicked and sustained a minor hairrline fracture of the pelvis. Well did all hell break loose after that! I actually worked like that on a surgical floor for months. I could barely walk. When I had my MRI booked, ,my program manager freaked and said it was not conducive to scheduling, and had the balls to call DI to reschedule my appt without my permission. I lost my spouse shortly after (divorce) Needless to say I was stressed...developed a raging sleep disorder with tachycardia (180bpm) My Dr wrote me off work.....my employer would not accomodate me and would call me everyday to get back to work....screwed around with my sick pay and were pretty abusive. I finally quit in February and took a 6 month hiatus. I am ready to go back to work. I have interviewed for 7 positions this week at my initial employer. The problem is...references. I know my old manager is going to screw with me. I have great references from the employer I am applying to, just not from the other one. Will this jeoporadize my job opportunities. I am interviewing very well. Colleagues from toxic world will give me great references, but my manager is vindictive and evil. I'm afraid I wont work again. Any suggestions or past experience? I miss nursing so much! (by the way....human rights and ontario labour lawyers have spoken with toxic employer....not sure of a financial settlement as I am on EI and they want restitution from my employer.....I do know a stern warning was issued)