No Reference

[Linda0]

I have been unemployed over a year. My previous DON stated "We're not allowed to give out references". Ok. Now a travel employer wants 2 references other than dates of employment. She stated 65% of past employers will only give dates of employment, which I know is the law. She is requesting "if I showed up to work, etc. and that is what the new employer wants to know". What gives? This is not right the past employer will not state I was there everyday and also worked for call-offs. Don't the new employers know they are not allowed more than the dates of employment as they can't give out anything but dates of employment themselves? One travel agency wanted a letter of recommendation from a past travel job, I never heard of that. I've been a nurse over 15 years and have never heard of employers giving out a letter of recommendation. Are they just short staffed too? It's past time for me to get off of unemployment benefits and start working but I can't find a job. Yes I'm happy for the great unemployment check which is 3x larger than what I used to make 40 hours minimum wage, but I want to work.

[chrisrn24]

Ask a family friend or one of your old nursing instructors. A reference doesn't have to be a past employer. I have on mine an old boss from high school, a boss from my college job and a family friend.

Or ask a former coworker like the charge nurse or just a fellow nurse.

[VANurse2010]

I'm not sure why you think they can only give out dates of employment. They can pretty much say anything, as long as it's true.

[salvadordolly]

Our agency will only give dates of hire. As she states, about 65% of employers have this policy. Employers don't want liability for saying something bad about the employee. Many libel and slander cases. Always network with coworkers at your jobs so that you can use them for references in the future, many jobs depend on it.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

She stated 65% of past employers will only give dates of employment, which I know is the law.

It's not a law, it's a policy many facilities adopt.

Are you in contact with any former coworkers who can act as a reference? I think that's what most people do, approach a coworker or a manager or charge nurse and ask them to be their reference.

[SuzieVN]

Many jobs requre that you fill out consent forms for prior employers to complete- and the questions are tight on there, such as 'what were the job duties, did she perfrom in a satisfactory manner, etc. They really can and do say anything they want. But it's stupid on their part, liability wise. References are like expert witnesses, you can get one to say whatever you want- good or bad. It's time to do away with them, once and for all. They can check to see if your license is valid, that's all that's needed- more so with right to work states, and people getting fired for no reason.

[SuzieVN]

In fact? I'll give anybody in this forum a good reference (if your license is valid), because by being in this forum, it's obvious that you already take your work seriously, and take the initiative to keep abreast of current news and events, and whatnot. Sort of like daily CEUs, but on a voluntary basis? Sure I'll give you a reference.