Need reference advice!

[Ellenurse89]

Hi everyone & happy nurse's week! :)

I recently left my first job as a nurse a few months ago because I relocated to another state unexpectedly. It all happened really fast and I had to move within 2 weeks. I didn't have a choice. I told one person about this and by the time I spoke with my DON he was already aware. I felt bad because I should have been the one to tell him. Basically he told me that they wasted their money training me since I was only there for 3 months. I only had a prn position though. Like I said, I didn't have a choice. I felt really bad that I had to to leave. I had worked at this facility before I was a nurse for over 4 years.

Now I'm looking for a new job. I don't think I should use my DON as a reference for obvious reasons. I'm afraid of what he'll say. My question..Should I take a chance and use him as a reference? Or should I use my ADON, who hired me, was the person I went to with any issues, and was always very pleasant? My only probably is that I never got the chance to speak with the ADON before I left. It was a very stressful time. I feel like I made a bad impression since I never told him I was moving. Sorry for the long story, I could just use some advice. I'm thinking about writing them a letter, thanking them for the opportunity. What do you think?

[Teacher Sue]

Go with the ADON, but contact her first and ask permission. You may find however that she is not permitted to provide a reference. Many hospital have this policy. All they will do is confirm dates of employment. If you have coworkers that will speak highly of you, it may be better to use them as references. But always ask for permission first.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

ALWAYS ask before you list someone as a reference.