Omit job from apps?

[NurseWeasel]

Is it ethical to omit a job from applications, or would that be dishonest / falsification? I had a short (3-4 month) job as a student at a local facility. It went poorly and I ended up quitting with no notice. This is an employment at will state. I'm not worried about the gap in employment because it was during nursing school so I wasn't working other than that short job. Now it's time to start my job search and I'm a little freaked out.

Do I put it in there and risk potential employers hearing negative things about me? Or do I leave it off and risk being accused of lying?

I'm not talking about the resume' - I know I can leave it off that by considering it 'irrelevant'. I'm talking about the employer's application, which they will make me fill out before they hire me - a resume' is not going to cut it for more than securing an interview.

If I do put it on the application, then what? Do I call attention to it and say 'please don't contact these people'? Do I explain that it was a summer internship and hope they don't call for a reference? All the apps I've seen around here ask for not only the employer but also the supervisor. I *really* don't want them contacting the supervisor. If I felt sure that all they'd do was confirm dates of employment, that's one thing - but I'm not so sure about that.

I got burned at that job. I also learned a few lessons about watching my back. Can I just chalk it all up as a learning experience? Boy... I'd sure rather just pretend it never happened.

Advice is appreciated. Thanks.

[HappyNurse2005, RN]

My other concern is that a former instructor, who knows about that experience, now works at one place I'm interested in working. She's got a vindictive streak, knows a lot of people, and it wouldn't surprise me one bit if she were to put a bug in someone's ear to check my application and see if I included that experience

another reason to put it on there. you really dont want a reputation as a liar. and since she works there, you know its possible it could come up. if you honestly did nothing wrong (other than leaving with no notice) you could bring it up yourself in the interview or mention it in your cover letter. might make you appear more honest to bring it up yourself.

good luck!

love, rose

[webblarsk]

How are your other work experiences? If your other work experiences are good I wouldn't worry about it. I am sure they will call more than one place to check for references.

[NurseWeasel]

My other work experiences are great. I've got apps in at 4 places right now, so I'm really hoping that one little blip on the radar of job experience won't eliminate me from the competition. I'm doing the waiting game right now. Wish me luck!

[Jami RN, BSN, RN]

I feel the need to correct the misconception that it is against the law for employers to provide negative reference information. Actually, many companies have internal policies that prevent them from giving any information other than dates of employment, but this is due to the potential for lawsuits. There is no law that states employers may not give out information about former employees. As a nurse recruiter, I do a lot of referencing, and at least half of the employers I contact do give a great deal of information, both negative and positive.

I would recommend honesty at all times on job applications. If you have only had one negative work experience, be honest about the situation that caused you to leave. I know when I'm reviewing applications, I do realize that there are some pretty bad employers out there, and people do sometimes make mistakes or have an occasional lapse in good judgement. When I get concerned is when I see a pattern of terminations, multiple derogatory remarks about past employers, or a history of blaming supervisors or co-workers for problems at every job.

When we hire new grads, we place the most importance on the references we receive from clinical instructors. I find that we get the most accurate (both positive and negative) information from clinical instructors. If you've had a bad experience with one instructor, don't list them as a reference! Put down an instructor that will speak favorably of you!

I hope this helps!