Should i give references even if i'm still at my current job?

strength4unityRN · Dec 7, 2014

I don't see why not, you will eventually have to give a notice to your employer you are going to be leaving. That 1 month will fly by before you know it. I would first let your manager know, then inquire for references as you feel comfortable. However be timely as it will pend your file from being complete for the travel agency.

P.S. I enjoyed my staff job overall, and I worked there in variable roles for almost ten years. Not easy to let them know as most were like second family to me. However the sooner you let your employer know, the sooner you can get all your paper work completed.

neonatal_nurse · Dec 7, 2014

Ok thanks! strength4unityRN! I haven't told anyone at all, I was just concerned that it might reflect badly on me and since i haven't told anyone, they might get shocked once someone calls. And if it doesn't work out, I have enough problems at my current job as it is, no need for more. Hehe! :yes:

strength4unityRN · Dec 7, 2014

Exactly. I understand. Just let them know, so no one is surprised.

Also some travel companies like to know once you complete a contract if you can provide a reference from someone at that facility. So keep that in mind while out on assignments.

NedRN · Dec 7, 2014

You need to get written references to best control what is said about you. Phone references can be worse than useless if the wrong person answers the phone, or if the person who agreed to be used is having a bad day (or no longer remembers your work a couple years later). I have posted many times on this subject and here is a quote from a previous post:

PanTravelers has two examples of a reference/evaluation form in both PDF and an editable Word doc if you want to customize your form. Free to download.

Everyone will love you for having written references in hand. Agencies are supposed to verify them, but just confirming employment dates will do that if they can't contact the referee. They also don't have to ask any questions of the writer other than to confirm they wrote the reference.

Get written references a few weeks in the the assignment and every few weeks thereafter. That helps to protect you if they claim you are a bad nurse later if they want to terminate you for any reason (knock on wood). It also means you have it should you be terminated or have to leave for say family illness. They are very difficult to obtain after you've left the job - which is where your agencies will be after the fact.

neonatal_nurse · Dec 7, 2014

Thanks strength4unityRN, I will be on the lookout for that. :) I agree NedRN, that was how i did it in the past for my employers, i always get a recommendation/reference letter with their signature just before I leave the company. I understand about the phone calls, esp in big units (like ours) where it's usually crazy, the person may not sound too pleasant, without them meaning to. And with the fast turnover rate where i come from I bet years down the road they won't even remember me. Thanks for the replies! :yes: