Lie about references?

sandlewood_nurse · Mar 31, 2007

I ususally write AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. Its never been an issue.

My issue is that if I"m looking for a new job, I don't want my coworkers or manager to find out. They start treating people differently once they realize that workers are checking out other options. My coworkers like to gossip a lot.

As for instructors, most of my instructors from three years ago either don't teach at the school, or its been a long time. I would feel awkward calling now.

:)

I_am_Julia · Mar 31, 2007

available upon request is satifactory for a resume but putting that on an application is generally unsatisfactory.

it worked very well for my mil when she put that down under "reason for leaving" a previous job. granted, she's not in nursing, but i don't think that matters.
"available on request" is a good one.

TazziRN, RN · Mar 31, 2007

available upon request is satifactory for a resume but putting that on an application is generally unsatisfactory.

*exasperated*

well, what the dickens is the poor girl supposed to do??? if she doesn't have the required number of references, then she doesn't have them, and she deserves a chance to explain why.

mediatix8 · Mar 31, 2007

By references, you mean simply when it asks you for people you know? At first I thought you were talking about when they ask for old employers. So do you mean your best friend's family is related to you? What about friends of your friend that at least kind of know you? A neighbor? What about friends of your family that kind of know you. They aren't related to you. They usually don't call anyways.... at least no one has ever called anyone I ever put down. They have called old job references, though. I put down some teachers I had in nursing school, but I don't know how long it's been since you were in school.

I know there are different opinions, but I personally wouldn't write "will exaplain on interview." That's an advertisement. I would wait for them to bring it up and be sure you have a positive response. Don't say my ex husband was a nightmare and all my friends stopped talking to me... or anything like that. I would say you got caught up in married life/kids and lost contact wil some friends but you're looking forward to re-entering the workplace and making new friends... or something like that.

With the nursing shortage, I'm sure you'll be able to find employment.

Melina · Mar 31, 2007

I feel your pain. When I started school, I really had to struggle to find references, too. I think you'd be much better off explaining your circumstances to an acquaintance and asking to use them as a reference than trying to explain to a potential employer. I know you feel isolated, but maybe your husband, or your best friend knows someone. Good luck!

~Mel'

lilkimball05 · Mar 31, 2007

I would have to agree with everyone else when they say tell the truth...If you lie now it could be grounds for being fired later...

I_am_Julia · Mar 31, 2007

she very well may deserve it. however she is not meeting the expectation of having three references. it sends a huge red flag. some hr generalist may look over it while a great majority will not.

*exasperated*
well, what the dickens is the poor girl supposed to do??? if she doesn't have the required number of references, then she doesn't have them, and she deserves a chance to explain why.

Ophelia78 · Mar 31, 2007

I definately wouldn't lie. My current hospital that hired me recently required 3 professional references. A former boss loved me but due to the rule that they couldn't talk about job performance other than, "yes, she worked here 2 years and we'd rehire her" I was worried I wouldn't have enough. The hiring manager allowed me to give them a copy of a previous performance review. I've kept all of mine, so it worked out great.

pcicurn7 · Mar 31, 2007

Whatever you do, DON'T LIE. The hospital that just hired me checked EVERY SINGLE PIECE of information that i gave them. EVERYTHING, right down to each employer i put down in my application, to every single reference letter i brought in.

I'm sorry about your situation. I would put down "available upon request" on your resume, and take it from there. Your resume is what will get you a call back. Once you meet them, you can explain your situation face to face. If at all possible, try find a reference in the meanwhile...a friend, an old coworker, your pastor, ANYONE. And, so what if you have to "bother" an old nursing instructor...who cares? You need to get what you need and that's it. Apologize for contacting them after so many years, and then promptly get to the point of needing a reference. I just graduated in December, and half my nursing instructors don't remember me (already!). But they were more than willing to jot down a few sentences for me. Try it, what have you got to lose?

Good luck!

CHATSDALE · Mar 31, 2007

put down the instructors of you school, in care of the school...even if those particular teacher are not there you files wil be and someone in the office can fll it out

put down co-workers, any one yo knew in a professional capacity

LovebugLPN · Mar 31, 2007

The wording on the application asks for "individuals who are familiar with your work ability". That leaves my pastor, landlord, grocer, meter maid, etc out. I can not put people from other jobs because I really did not know them and they will not remember me. Any other ideas?

RN BSN 2009 · Mar 31, 2007

It happens... I always tried to use people I knew from religious organization, and people I knew from doing volunteer projects.