References

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

I know, I know... I should have gotten written letters from managers before I left previous jobs, but I didn't, so now I am here for advice!

I have been at my current job for a little over five months. I am looking to pick up a PRN position. A major local teaching facility is having a job fair at the end of this month for experienced nurses - just about every unit is represented, from burn to critical care float pool to CTICU and more. They are asking applicants to bring two references of people who have supervised them.

The problem here is I only had one preceptor at my current job. I know that's usually a good thing, but no one else has supervised me directly. I barely know the charge nurses because they always have full assignments of their own and it is a very busy unit. I definitely don't know my manager at all - I work nights and have seen her maybe three times total since I have started working. I haven't really kept in touch with anyone from my first job, and it is over 400 miles away, so it's not like I can just pop over for a visit.

I really want to go to this job fair. Do I go with just one reference instead of the two they asked for? Or do I get sneaky and ask a coworker who is not a supervisor to write me a reference and take that with me? I really don't want to ask people who don't know me for a reference because that just seems presumptuous.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Generally they're not requiring reference LETTERS, but rather, names and contact info. No, you should not ask a coworker to lie. You SHOULD ask your manager - even if you rarely work with her, trust me - she is aware of your work ethic, skill level and history of punctuality. And I have contacted previous managers from 5 years ago in different states for references. They're usually happy to do it.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

If they're asking for two references then you need both. Ask your manager regardless because most likely she or he knows your work ethic.

I rarely see my night staff but I receive various reports about them as the unit manager should.

[RunBabyRN]

I have never, even once, needed a letter of reference. However, having a list of references with contact info, their relationship to me, their position, etc, is what they want. A letter could easily be drafted by YOU. Giving them that person's contact info gives them the opportunity to speak with them directly.

Also, consider managers from other types of jobs you've had (if you're a newer nurse). If you were at some job for a few years prior to nursing school, it's not the worst idea to list that manager. Work ethic crosses over between different types of jobs.