nurse managers: is it standard procedure to check references after an interview?

sakuragirl24 · Nov 30, 2014

Just had an interview for my DREAM job sometime last week. Got word from one of my references that they received a reference check call a day after my interview.

For new grad programs, would HR call all references of all interviewees?

nurse managers: What is your experience and when do you conduct reference checks?

To those who have already landed jobs, what were your experiences as far as reference checks go?

thank you in advance

crossfitnurse · Nov 30, 2014

When I was hired as a PCT they did reference checks, on all I listed.

But if you put them down for references why wouldn't they do a check. Hiring for a hospital is pretty lengthy and more in depth then any other place, they want truthful people who are looked well upon with a stuff to back that.

RN403, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2014

They called all of my references. Usually, calling of references is a good sign and is usually done when they are seriously considering extending an offer. Good luck and best wishes.

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2014

I don't think that they call references on everyone they interview, just on those that they are considering. Two of my three references work in the hospital that hired me, they contacted them the day they interviewed me and hired me the next day.

iPink, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2014

Are you worried about something?

Sent via iPink's phone using allnurses

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Dec 1, 2014

Yes, post interview it is standard for HR/hiring manager to obtain reference check for candidates considering for hiring.

Often reference check determines which candidate will be hired.

I've had references tell me applicant was:

late 15 min daily to work
took smoke break every hour
fired for insubordination
brought family drama into workplace
got into fight with ex-boyfriend on property
unreliable, never hire again
didn't show up to work for several days without explanation so fired
was out on medical leave

These type responses places applicant in "not hiring" status.

elkpark · Dec 1, 2014

Since contacting references takes a significant amount of time/energy, potential employers usually only check references on the people they are seriously considering hiring.

klone, MSN, RN · Dec 1, 2014

It's been my experience that they generally only check references on the candidate they want to hire as a final step before extending an offer.

Good luck to you!

sakuragirl24 · Dec 4, 2014

Thanks everyone for taking the time to share your input :) I think they're done with the reference checks because my status changed online as of yesterday to "you are one of the final candidates considered for this position"

I'm crossing my fingers and praying that I hear some positive news soon. Thanks again!

klone, MSN, RN · Dec 4, 2014

Are you worried about something?
Sent via iPink's phone using allnurses

Why would you ask that? Sounds like the only thing the OP is worried about is not getting her dream job.