References

Gosh I feel bad no one responded to this post. I did not see it or I would. Your in a challenging role getting professional references I know. I think getting the fax number and calling first saying the fax for a reference check is coming helps, and they can complete it and fax it back. I know where I am currently at I am not allowed to do professionals as the company person/HR does that and gives out limited information. I do assist in references done at my home so I have a fax, I have them send it there and I tell the person calling I cannot give dates but will attest to this person not as a company representative but as a fellow nurse and only if I can do so. I put my disclaimer blah blah blah on it as well.

I hope you get this message.

renerian

Hello all!

I am the newly minted Clinical Supervisor of a staffing agency (per diem and travel nurses.) Among many other things, it is my job to obtain references for our applicants.

I was a bedside nurse until last month and I know how busy all nurses are- staff, charge, and managers. Obviously, you don't want me to send nurses to you that don't have thorough references, but I don't want to take up a lot of your time when I call you.

My agency's rule is that our applicants are to tell you we will be calling before we will call you- that is only basic professional respect. Beyond that, what would make this easier for you?

What I have been doing is to call and when I get voice mail (which is usually the case) I give my name, my agency's name, and say that Mary Smith, who was a nurse on your unit from this date to that date, has given me your name as a reference, and I'd appreciate it if you could take a moment and call me to tell me about this person. I also mention that my voice mail is confidential and if you happen to get my voice mail when you call I can call you back or you can give info there, whatever is easier for you.

If the policy is to not give references, I understand. But is there anything else I can do to make this easier for you managers?

I ask this because (again) I know you are busy. But of course, it would also save me some time. Thanks for the input!

I do not mind being called for references. I feel that we as a "brotherhood/sisterhood" should share input if at all possible. Sometimes I can give a personal reference, sometimes only verify dates of employment. I appreciate the same from my "network". I also want to know if I am hiring a dependable person, and I don't mind sharing the same info privately with the prospective hiring Director of Nursing. I do not share "damaging" info" as sometimes employees may have gone through a "bad patch" and need another chance that my company cannot give them due to violations of policy...I hope you understand what I'm getting at...anyway, a phone call or fax is okay with me.