How to ask if you can use an employee as a reference..

[blah_blah_blah]

Hello all!

I just graduated with my BSN last week (YAY!) and have been applying for jobs. I have been trying to get into the local children's hospital (this is the only childrens hospital in the area with the exception of one peds floor at another hospital). I have been applying elsewhere, but I would really love to work at this facility.

Anyway, I had to shadow a nurse manager at this facility for a class assignment back in February. She told me to email her if I had any questions or needed anything after I was done shadowing.

I emailed her about 2 months ago asking for tips as to what she likes to see on resumes and cover letters when she is interviewing potential employees, since she is a manager. She was kind enough to forward my email onto the recruiter. I got no response from the recruiter for 2 weeks. I email the manager to ask for the recruiter's email because I got no reply and wanted to shoot her an email myself. She sends me her email address and tells me that she gave me a good review (yay!) and to let her know if I need anything else.

On these applications, there is a spot to list an employee that you were referred by. Would it be inappropriate to ask this manager if she would allow me to list her as a reference? if so how would I tactfully ask? thanks!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Just ask...it seems as though she thinks if you as a viable candidate and a fit for her unit.

Best wishes.

[blah_blah_blah]

Just ask...it seems as though she thinks if you as a viable candidate and a fit for her unit.

Best wishes.

I'm just worried that I'll be asking too much. I don't want to wear out my welcome so to speak. I guess I'll just have to think up a way to ask where i don't look like a jerk haha

[FloatRN19]

I believe those are two different things. Who refered you meaning who told you about the position facility etc. just incase there is some sort of compensation for referring people. References being those who can speak to your credibility as a worker/nurse. She told you about the position and passed along your email to a recruiter, it wouldn't be inappropriate or outside the bounds to ask her if you can. As for references it would probably be better to go with co-workers and professors.

atleast that is how I understand the situation, not that I can't be wrong.

[klone, MSN, RN]

On these applications, there is a spot to list an employee that you were referred by. Would it be inappropriate to ask this manager if she would allow me to list her as a reference?

I believe those are two different things. Who refered you meaning who told you about the position facility etc. just incase there is some sort of compensation for referring people.

Right. OP, are you asking if it's okay to put her into the "who referred you to this position" spot? If so, yes, and you don't need to ask her permission.

If it's a "list of professional references" that is different, and you should ask permission first.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I'm just worried that I'll be asking too much. I don't want to wear out my welcome so to speak. I guess I'll just have to think up a way to ask where i don't look like a jerk haha

Why would she think you re a jerk when she is actually helping you?

Ask...you maybe in a position for that unit sooner rather than later...

[blah_blah_blah]

I believe those are two different things. Who refered you meaning who told you about the position facility etc. just incase there is some sort of compensation for referring people. References being those who can speak to your credibility as a worker/nurse. She told you about the position and passed along your email to a recruiter, it wouldn't be inappropriate or outside the bounds to ask her if you can. As for references it would probably be better to go with co-workers and professors.

atleast that is how I understand the situation, not that I can't be wrong.

I do not think its a professional reference, just a spot to put a name for someone who referred you to apply. I just would hate for me to put her name down, then the recruiter mentions it to her and she would feel blindsided by it. She never technically referred me for the position (she's the ER nurse manager and I would not be qualified to work in the ER as a new grad anyway). She just told me to keep applying for every position I see. I don't even know if she's aware that there is a spot to name an employee reference, haha

[blah_blah_blah]

Why would she think you re a jerk when she is actually helping you?

Ask...you maybe in a position for that unit sooner rather than later...

I did end up sending her an email last night haha. I just don't want to be a bother and ask too much and come across as annoying. Thanks for your input!