References? Do you use co-workers? or just supervisors?

[nursecass]

I am just wondering if I should list one of my previous co-workers as a reference, or if I should stick just to supervisors? Right now I have a house sup from the most recent hospital I worked at, a manager and nurse educator from the one before that but I'm just wondering if I should have a staff nurse as a reference or if that will look weird. TIA for any advice!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I think you have it covered. Co-workers may be construed as buddies and not in a position to evaluate your work.

[caliotter3]

I would only use coworkers if I was on the outs with all of the possible supervisors. And I'm aware that they are going to seek out the supervisors anyway, so might as well list them.

[Vicki29]

I've found that potential employers want feedback from people who have supervised you. Some also ask for co-worker feedback. Therefore, I have copies of written references and phone numbers (with permission) from both supervisors and peers.

[BluegrassRN]

As a charge nurse I have provided numerous references. Go with your charge nurses, supervisors, managers if you can. If you go with a coworker, choose one who has some sort of credentials: the chair of the unit council, someone who has chaired a committee you were on, a coworker who was your mentor/preceptor, that sort of thing.

[Ardneth]

Typically, supply at least one of each. Usually HR managers like to have at least one direct supervisor that they can speak with and one co-worker/peer who you work closely with. I also usually include one person who operates in a higher capacity (manager lvl or higher) who I did not report directly to but did interact with on a semi-regular basis (such as a director level).

That allows them to get a well rounded picture of you as an employee. Besides those three, I will usually mention on my reference page that I can provide additional references on request. I usually have a couple personal, a couple more co-workers, and try to have at least one more manager/supervisor in reserve.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

As a charge nurse I have provided numerous references. Go with your charge nurses, supervisors, managers if you can. If you go with a coworker, choose one who has some sort of credentials: the chair of the unit council, someone who has chaired a committee you were on, a coworker who was your mentor/preceptor, that sort of thing.

I have also provided references for employees from a charge nurse perspective. I think it would be wise for you to list your direct supervisor, as well as what Bluegrass stated-someone with whom you work closely with but that has credentialing. For example, if you work in a hospital that has a Clinical Ladder system, choose someone that has a higher clinical tier to provide a reference.