Job Reference Dilemma--Help!

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I am a new grad applying for an RN position at a children's hospital, on the inpatient psych unit. On the application, they are asking for at least two references, and one must be from my peds clinical instructor. The only problem with that is I had a horrible experience with this person. I did not get any negative reviews from any of my other clinical instructors, but this particular person was very hard on me and even put me on an improvement plan. I did pass the clinical, and she said I made a lot of improvement, but I am still skittish.

Before I became a nurse, I worked with kids with behavior and learning disorders for ten years. I think this experience will help me. I also have a very good friend who works on the psych unit who will put in a good word for me. But I am still very worried about getting a negative reference from this instructor. What should I do? These are my thoughts and questions so far...

*Give additional references from my previous position working with kids, since I am confident they will have positive things to say

*Should I tell them at the interview that I would prefer not to list this instructor and briefly explain why (personality conflict/miscommunication issues)

*Should I email this instructor and ask her if she would be comfortable being listed as a reference for me so I can see in advance what she might say?

*Just provide the contact info for this instructor and hope for the best?

Any advice would be very much appreciated!! Thank you!

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Specializes in Case manager, float pool, and more.
this particular person was very hard on me and even put me on an improvement plan. I did pass the clinical, and she said I made a lot of improvement, but I am still skittish.

*Give additional references from my previous position working with kids, since I am confident they will have positive things to say

*Should I email this instructor and ask her if she would be comfortable being listed as a reference for me so I can see in advance what she might say?

Any advice would be very much appreciated!! Thank you!

I had a similar instructor experience. In the end she gave me a good reference stating that I made improvements, blah, blah and mentioned excellent clinical skills and patient care. I did give her a heads up, but I went to the school and spoke to her in person. I also gave extra written letters of reference just in case. Go with your gut though as only you know how this instructor is and your dynamics with him/her. Best wishes and congrats new nurse!!!!

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Specializes in Trauma ICU.

Speak to the instructor, see what she has to say. You may be pleasantly surprised.

I always asked people if they would be willing to be a reference before I listed them. It's a nice courtesy.

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

I agree, talk to the instructor. Sometimes even if you had a bad experience in

a class, at a job, etc... the person in charge will give you a good reference. Most

of the time they really just want you to succeed, not fail.

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