References after employment lapse

[KristiMS]

I have not worked in the nursing field for almost 7 years. I took some time off to stay home with my children and now I'm ready to head back to nursing.

The last position that I held was on the resource pool for the local group of hospitals. So...I worked on multiple units between 3 different hospitals. Other than the manager of the resource pool (and I haven't even checked to see if she is still the manager), I don't have any sources for a reference from that position. Prior to that, I worked on a med/surg floor at one of the 3 hospitals. That hospital became a stand-alone ER/urgent care after the new hospital was built...and all of the current employees were moved to various units at the new hospital. I know for a fact that the manager of that unit is no longer working at the new hospital.

I am still in contact with a couple of the nurses that I worked closely with as a new grad (10 years ago) and I know that I could use them as references, but wouldn't a prospective employer want a more recent nursing reference?

Any suggestions??

[caliotter3]

I have told prospective employers about my references (whatever the situation: old, gone, not type asked for by the application, etc.) and have been told it is only a formality anyway, as they verify the employment and rehire status and that is it. I would not be concerned. Put down who you would have listed at that time, and let the process take care of itself. If there is a problem, they will let you know and you can just explain. Nobody expects you to become lifelong best buddies with someone from work 15 years ago, that is unrealistic.