was terminated, reference Q's

Ruby Vee, BSN · Aug 23, 2017

Why were you terminated? If you were terminated for cause, chances are HR knows all about it. If there an assistant manager or preceptor who might give you a good review despite the termination? Ask them to write a letter of recommendation for you. Go back to your nursing school instructors if you need to.

rnlife365 · Aug 23, 2017

Thank for replying Ruby,

Upon my termination, I spoke to my HR rep. she stated she can only answer dates of employment and pay, and that she legally cannot answer anything else.

I have two supervisors on my unit who agreed I can use them as references, but I know my manager and my director of my ER Would not agree to me using them as referrals. at least, they wouldn't have positive referrals.

I am wondering since I have to use a manager, if I should use my managers name, and then just put the number of my hospitals HR.

elkpark · Aug 23, 2017

I am wondering since I have to use a manager, if I should use my managers name, and then just put the number of my hospitals HR.

If the prospective employer is asking (requiring) two references from managers, any effort you make to cleverly circumvent their request (like giving them the contact info for HR instead of for your previous manager) is likely to be considered dishonesty sufficient to get you dropped from consideration for the position. At best, they will keep asking to be transferred until they actually get to your former manager and are able to talk with that person. At worst, your application will go in the circular file.

Your situation is what it is. You need to be prepared to address the termination in future interviews and be able to talk about what happened, and what you've learned from it and steps you've taken to ensure you won't find yourself in the same situation again, in a nondefensive way without badmouthing your previous employer.

Your HR person is incorrect. It is likely your previous employer's policy that HR not release any information beyond hire and separation dates (and, usually, eligibility for rehire), but, legally, a former employer can say anything, or as much as, they want to about a former employer as long as the information is factually correct.

The good news is that you're not the first nurse to get terminated from a position, and most are able to continue on with their careers. Best wishes for your journey!

amoLucia · Aug 24, 2017

Also, it is some places' stance that ONLY the HR dept release previous employment info, references, etc. NO ONE ELSE.

Other admin, management, & supervisory heads do KNOW this and to ply them otherwise may jeopardize their positions. So please, don't put them on the spot!

If you have copies of satisfactory performance evaluations, you might try offering them.

drkshadez · Aug 31, 2017

Depends on the reason for termination. Here is the question other employers ask managers or HR: are you rehireable? If you made a rookie mistake and no harm came to thr patient (forgot to pass a medication by mouth) - then chances are you are rehirable. If no corrective action was taken against you, chances are you aee rehirable.

It really depejds on how your manager views you as a new grad too. Generally if you take the time to answer patient questions, fulfill your promises, watch out for the patient's safety, you are rehirable. But if something happens, such ax giving the wrong antibiotic anf patient goes in anaphylactic shock... That could be a corrwctive action (espefially since, even thoigh we scan stuff in, we STILL ask for name/bd and check MRN against the bag).

What managers want to see from new grads is this: treating patients with dignity and respect, learning what independent actions you can take before calling doctor, ASKING QUESTIONS if you are unsure of something, and improvement in clinical skills and nursing judgement.