Professional References?

[Casondra Altizer]

I am a graduate nurse applying for my first RN position with a hospital. They require 2 professional references. I have not worked as an RN before and I have not had a job in over 9 months, due to school. Who can I use as a professional reference? I did work with some amazing nurses as a tech for 8 months during school so I could ask some of them but would it be acceptable to ask my preceptor that I did my capstone with? I worked with her for 7 twelve hour shifts while precepting. Also, can I use my clinical instructor if she agrees? Thanks for any advice.

[Jacoby]

Hello Casondra! Congratulations on coming to end in your nursing program! I am still in my my program and have not even completed my my preceptorship. I have talked to my clinical instructors about the employment process when finishing up the program. They eagerly stated they give professional references for their previous students and their previous students have gotten jobs. After all they worked a long side you in clinicals and watched you perform the skills! My clinical instructors still work as nurses, so their professional reference does carry weight to it. I do not know if your CIs still practice or not. I would use your CI and preceptor as a reference. I would also not worry about not working over the past few months, employers know how difficult it is to work while in nursing school. This is just my .02 cents, hopefully some veterans on the topic can way in. Congrats again and best o' luck in the job hunting.

[NurseKait_11, BSN, RN]

Yes you can absolutely use your preceptor, or clinical instructor! Definitely someone who can attest to your bedside skills, willingness to learn, team-player, takes feedback well, etc. Also, I definitely think the nurses you've worked with who saw you in contact with patients are great to use as a reference as well! I remember as a new grad using my professors, instructors and practicum preceptor, and sometimes I will use a professor or two as a reference (I graduated 2 years ago), just because I have a great relationship with them still. Best of luck!

[Casondra Altizer]

Thank you both so much!