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Discussion

Providing References

Hi there,

I am a newish nurse with three years of experience. I've only been at one job so far. Due to a variety of factors, I think it's time to start looking for a new job. We got a new manager 6 months ago who has turned the unit inside out. Many nurses are leaving due to this hostile work environment. I don't feel like I can work there any longer. I also had a baby recently, so I am looking for a better commute and shorter hours.

I am filling out applications and wondering what the protocol is as far as providing references. Do I give references from my current place of employment? I would prefer they didn't know I'm looking for a new job, especially with an unstable and vindictive manager who may ruin things for me. Do I just give professors from nursing school? How do most people deal with this?

Thanks!

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    There's sometimes a line on applications that asks "'may we contact your current employer?"

    I usually answer "no". I will try to explain it somewhere, somehow to somebody "that to contact them will be the 'kiss of death' for me there if they know I'm looking".

    And those are my REAL words honestly! Usually the interviewer understands quite well what I mean by that.

    You might consider a VERY WELL TRUSTED supervisor for a reference. However, I will say this very cautiously - some places prohibit anyone but HR from giving out references. It could be a SERIOUS disciplinary action if your reference were to be found out. Even a peer could be in trouble. So please don't jeopardize them.

    So you're left with school references, but now after 3 years they become 'outdated unless you've remained in close contact.

    Do you have membership in some professional organization like Sigma or you local SNA. Maybe a letter of recommendation from someone there.

    Might you have copies of your old job performance evaluations to offer for review?

    Just to tell you, this is a common problem seen by many.

    And a reminder - make sure any of your references DO KNOW you're looking and they agree. Nothing worse than blindsiding someone for a reference!

    Good luck!

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