Reference from Professor Time Limit?

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Ok, so here's the story. I was in a RN program for 1 year and a half. So now I got my CNA and have been job hunting. So they called my former professor and calls were not returned. So I emailed the professor and she said since she had not been a part of my education for the last 2 years, she needed to refer me to the dean for the reference. Is there some kind of time limit or is this just an excuse?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

It may just be that since she hasn't seen you work or been able to evaluate your skills in an extended period of time that the professor does not feel comfortable giving a professional or clinical reference. There may also be a school policy limiting school personnel from issuing professional recommendations/references for students who graduated or left the program more than 12-18 months ago. Did you withdraw for personal/financial reasons or did you have academic/clinical difficulties and were withdrawn from the program? If you had to leave the program that also may be an issue.

Most important, did you ASK this former professor if she was willing to serve as a professional reference for you? If you did not ask permission first, this may be a polite way of deferring the request to a senior school staff member. ALWAYS ask before listing someone as a reference.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

The polite thing to do when someone asks to use you as a reference is to evaluate whether or not you can be a GOOD reference.

It's possible she felt she couldn't rave about you because her experience is way too outdated.

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I asked her 10 months ago. I actually saw her in person at that time, I was at the school for another issue, and she said something like oh I got your email, you need a reference, sure no problem, ect. Yes I left school because I failed clinical but it was not her clinical I failed. I had her for 2nd semester clinical. I failed clinical in 3rd semester.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

She may no longer feel comfortable issuing a professional clinical reference if she hasn't seen you in nearly a year....or school may have changed policy for issuing clinical/professional references for those who left the program/did not graduate whether voluntarily or not. Try contacting the dean or find another reference since it seems pretty clear this professor is either not willing or able to give you the reference.

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I just wanted to know if there was such a time limit for references from professors. She was my favorite professor, so it stings a bit even if it is a policy :( Thank you for your feedback.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Schools and companies, even individuals change policies all the time.

There could have been an issue or incident that occurred between the time you spoke to your professor 10 months ago and now that you are not aware of or she doesn't feel the need to share. At least she referred you to the dean for a potential reference.

I wouldn't take it personally.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.
I just wanted to know if there was such a time limit for references from professors. She was my favorite professor so it stings a bit even if it is a policy :( Thank you for your feedback.[/quote']

There's no national law about it, no. But that doesn't mean your school doesn't have some sort of rule, or perhaps it's just her own judgement call.

Either way, she refused so there's not much to be done about it. Hopefully you have better luck with the dean!

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Update: I got the reference from the dean. I also got the job and started orientation today:up:

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Good for you. Glad it all worked out in the end.

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