Please help answer a couple questions :)

Amanda.RN · Jun 12, 2011

Hi Sl1011,

I think your brief and honest explanation sounds good. When I applied for my current clinic position, I said something very similar "I've always wanted to work in a clinic setting, looking for a normal schedule" etc. They will understand & appreciate what you're saying.

Regarding your question as to whether or not to allow them to contact your current employer, I think you should say yes if you're serious about wanting this job. If you say no, they may question why and wonder if you have poor work ethics, errors, missed work, etc. This potential employer likely will not contact your current employer unless they're serious about wanting to hire you.

I hope this helps. Good luck! :)

Amanda

33762FL · Jun 12, 2011

I thought I would be honest and brief, stating I've always wanted a position as a school nurse, love for children

Yes, this is a great reason. It's perfect. Say this. Convey to them that there is nothing in the world you'd rather be than a school nurse, it is your dream, you calling, etc.

and to be more available with for my children.

Yikes!! For the love of Ra the Sun God, do not say this. It will automatically get you rejected. It's basically the same as saying "I want short, easy hours because there's something more important to me than this job." Absolutely, under no circumstances should you say anything that sounds like you have a higher priority than the job or employer. Trust me on this, I used to work in human resources before I went into nursing.

nlion87 · Jun 12, 2011

With regards to whether or not you give permission to have potential new employer contact your current place of employment, definitely say yes. you can couch it by giving them permission once and if should an offer of employment be extended. They would not contact them anyway until an offer is extended in most instances

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2011

When giving a reason for leaving your current position, *always* put it in positive terms. Even if the reason is that you HATE med/surg, the unit has poor management, is understaffed, whatever, always think of some positive (but truthful) reason, such as what you wrote (except for the part about being more available to your kids, as a previous poster mentioned).

As for contacting your employer, if you are serious about this job, put "yes". Legally, your employer cannot comment about your work or your qualities, they can only confirm that you work(ed) there and for how long.

Sl1011 · Jun 12, 2011

Ok, I wrote on my application just the first two comments about always dreamed about being a school nurse and love for children.

I'm going to put yes on the application too, but I will mention again that I am currently employed so hopefully they will not call unless they do want to hire me.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jun 12, 2011

You do not have to agree to a current employer check.

Most facilities understand that they would frown on the fact your are seeking employment elsewhere.

On some applications , this is actually an option... yes, after employment is offered.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2011

I must agree with many of the posters here. I think that it is perfectly acceptable to tell your potential employer that you feel uncomfortable with having them contact your current boss. Provide a list of alternate references instead. All of us at one point or another have searched for other jobs while wanting to hang on to the bread and butter of our current jobs in the meantime. Most people will understand this and not wonder if you are hiding something, as long as you give the alternate references.

I hope you get the job!

Susan317 · Jun 12, 2011

I never write a reason for leaving a current job, I write currently employed. They expect you to say do not contact,a current employer. They only want to contact previous employers. Once they offer you a position they can contact your current employer,never burn any bridges.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2011

I would tell them they cannot talk to your current employer and state that your job search is confidential. I once allowed a potential employer to contact the current employer but then had to turn the job down due to salary issues. My current employer considered that my "notice" and found a replacement for me and I was out. Always protect the bird in hand.

I also agree that your reason for leaving is great if you leave out the part about your kids.

tyvin, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2011

Every things been said very well; excellent information and advice. I would like to reiterate on one thing. Telling a potential job that you want to be more available to your children is generally not a good idea as 33662FL has pointed out in that post.

It's against the law for a potential employer to ask you if you have kids and there's a reason for it. Women and men have been discriminated against in the job market due to the fact that some employers don't like to hire people with children (especially a parent with a young child). My advice is never use your children as a reference point on job applications.

Also about the contacting the employer thing. During the interview explain your dilemma about you current employer not knowing about your job search; most will understand. Are there previous references that can be put down?

Good luck to you

Sl1011 · Jun 13, 2011

Every things been said very well; excellent information and advice. I would like to reiterate on one thing. Telling a potential job that you want to be more available to your children is generally not a good idea as 33662FL has pointed out in that post.
It's against the law for a potential employer to ask you if you have kids and there's a reason for it. Women and men have been discriminated against in the job market due to the fact that some employers don't like to hire people with children (especially a parent with a young child). My advice is never use your children as a reference point on job applications.
Also about the contacting the employer thing. During the interview explain your dilemma about you current employer not knowing about your job search; most will understand. Are there previous references that can be put down?
Good luck to you

Thanks for the advice!!! I will definitely listen to everyone about not mentioning my kids!

I decided to check the no box after all... I'll just explain to them briefly why I checked no. There was a section that specifically asked if I was currently employed, my employer info, and that question. But I do have my previous jobs and 3 references on there. I also am bringing my reference sheet.. it has 5 people listed on there. That should be plenty.