I need some help

[Flossy73]

So I applied for another position. My boss has never said that there were any issues about my performance all year. My performance review was excellent. However the interviewer said that the boss made a statement that I had trouble with feedback. So I didn't get the job. Okay I approached my boss to ask if there was any communication issues. She said out of all the nurses on the ward I was the only one that she didn't know how to deal with. This was news to me. She also said because I changed my mind about being unpaid when I had sick leave that was an issue. I told her I changed my mind because I needed to pay bills. So I'm applying for other jobs but how can I get around someone who will say that about me. I need to use her as a reference because that's the system. I mean doesn't take feedback it sounds horrible like I become hostile or something. I've never had a problem like this with any of my bosses. I am quieter and tend to get on with my work. But a lot of the staff kiss her backside. I afraid that it will be impossible to move on.

[kp2016]

I would stop by the HR office and talk to them to confirm that your current manager is the only acceptable reference. I obviously have no knowledge of the rules at your particular facility but this is very unusual and worth double checking, normally any supervisor or charge nurse is acceptable.

If you really must use this person then you need to address her probable negative refence during the interview process. Spend some time working on how to phrase this but tell them that while you have learned a lot at your current position ...(add positive stuff) you and your manager are very different people and just aren’t a great fit together. Be sure to mention how well you work with everyone else and try at this point to add in the names of charge nurses, supervisors or doctors who do think highly of you. People talk and regardless of the official process if the interview has gone well they can always talk to these people on the side.

Good luck!

[kp2016]

I have actually interviewed at a facility that contacted ALL previous employers for a reference check. This was a little problematic as I had a previous manager that hated me. In my opinion she was an incompetent bully and my standing up to her infuriated her. I’m sure she would have loved the opportunity to give me a negative reference.

During my interview I gave them my numerous written reference and explained that the one particular manager disliked me and would have nothing positive to say about me. The interviewing manager told me that having read my positive references and interviewed me herself she was confident that there wasn’t an issue. I received a job offer. Keep applying for jobs and use this time to work out the best why the explain the fact that the reference will be negative. They are more likely to ignore it as just one persons opinion if you have already given them an explaination.