To ask or not to ask: Approach manager about a possible poor reference?

Nurses Career Support

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Hello everyone, I have a question, but here is a quick synopsis of my situation.

I recently applied for a transfer in my hospital to the CTICU. It required me to enter a Fellowship program offered by the hospital. I currently work in the O.R., and my long term goal is to work in critical care, as an ANP. In the O.R., it is a dead-end for me professionally, and I need to move on to an ICU for professional growth.

Anyway, I applied to the fellowship, interviewed very well, and was whisked through three interviews very quickly. The manager of the unit I would be working in told me the spot was mine, and she couldn't wait for me to join the team. She told the recruiter this immediately.

The recruiter then called and told me the position was mine, and she was finalizing my transfer paperwork. She woukd call me in a day or so with the "formal" offer once this was done. I had assumed she had gotten a reference from my current manager in e O.R., and all was signed sealed and delivered.

A few days had passed and I didn't hear from the recruiter, so I called. My primary concern was that the fellowship were to commence soon, and I wanted to give my unit ample notice before I transferred. It was approaching two weeks till the start date- already cutting it real close. Mind you, I had begun the interview process for this transfer in early January, and it was now early March.

Finally, after me leaving two messages for the recruiter, she called---with the horrifying news of my NOT getting the position. Well after I was able to speak, I asked the recruiter what happened. She had told me thte position was mine, pending finalization of transfer paperwork. All she said was "sorry, they are nit interested in moving forward at this time". When I asked who, or what, or why, all she did was repeat this statement, nothing further. I was devastated. She gave me no answers as to why in just 48 hours, everything changed.

So I followed up with her with a call, kindly asking if there was any info she could give me as to why I was turned down, especially after the interviews went so well, and the unit manager wanted me on board. It was not an issue of my it being quAlified, because new grads are put into the fellowship. I explained that my long term goal was critical care, and I need to know if I can pursue these goals here in the hospital or if my chances are forever destroyed. Again, it is my future at stake.

All she said was for me to speak to my manager, hence my thinking they threw me under the bus somehow. Now, I have had No disciplinary actions, or had any trouble in my position...that I am aware of.

I was recently offered an exceptional position at a hospital with excellent salary and other perks. Not to mention invaluable experience in the emergency room, with opportunity to advance go critical care, if I wish to. I will be taking this job.

I will be handing in my letter of resignation Monday. Now, do I ask my manager IF they were indeed asked for a reference by recruitment, and if so, was my reference poor? I figure there is no other reason I was nit offered this position. And, I need to know whY happened. Recruitment said I should ask my manager why I was not offered the transfer, so I think I should. I need to know if they gave a bad reference, and if so, why.

Can anyone giver me feedback as to how to do so tactfully? I am definitely leaving this position in pursuit of this better

opportunity.

Thank you all.

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Well, if you can't do this tactfully, you can always have your attorney do it for you, but I think you already know the answer to this one.

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I am sorry, did you say attorney? I am nit sure what you mean by this...

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Specializes in Trauma/Critical Care.

Ask your manager (just out of curiosity) and take the position being offered. Obviously the recruiter was trying to tell you something by directing you to ask your manager...and for the new position, do not use her as a reference.

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Specializes in Cath Lab/ ICU.

Yes, attorney.

See if you can get the other job at the other hospital. If that falls through, call HR, get a copy of your file, and lawyer up.

Good luck.

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Yes, my gut feeling is that I must, absolutely must ask my manager. If i weren't is such "good standing" in my current position, I wouldn't be so confused. But as I said, I have had no issues I know of...never had trouble with co worker, patient, etc. I come to work with a smile each day, and work hard. All the surgeons I work with, respect me as a nurse. I am telling you, no arson for me to get a bad reference! That's why I must ask what the heck happened.

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To :CCL RN, I have no wish to sue/pursue legal action, I just want an answer because it is killing me not knowing what happened at the last minute. I even approached the unit manager of the CTICU (where I wanted to transfer to), and asked her what happened. She told me she was just as confused, had no clue what happened, and she was very upset I wasn't given the spot. The recruiter didn't tell her anything either!!!

Yes, I will go to HR and view my file, of course. FYI, the other position is mine, I have a start date of may 2nd!

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Specializes in Trauma/Critical Care.

Well Kimbalotz,

To give your current manager the benefit of the doubt.....maybe she wants to keep you so bad that she tried to sabotage your transfer.

Do not sweat it. For your own peace of mind ask her ...but seriously consider moving on.

Good Luck

: )

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Nccity...ha ha, yes! I could give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe that was the case...they didn't want to let me go. True, they are very short staffed in the OR, and it is always an issue. I can say with confidence, I'm a damn good RN, and an asset there.

Yes, I will indeed be taking this new position. Very excited for this new opportunity. And yes, I will most certainly ask my manager...tactfully.

Thank you.

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Definitely leave the position you are in for the better position, you owe that much to yourself. As for asking your manager, I would just go to her and say, "I was really devastated when I found out that I didn't get the other position I applied for and, when I talked to the people in charge of the fellowship, they said that I should ask you about things so I'm a little confused. I thought that my performance was really good up until this point, but now I'm doubting myself and I just need to hear your opinion on it. Has my conduct been poor, and if so, was it this conduct, or any other factor, that you might have brought to their attention, that kept me from getting the fellowship position?" Don't be accusing or confrontational about it, just show that you have a genuine concern for your reputation, and are really upset that you didn't get the fellowship. Hopefully you can get some answers.

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Matt--great reply. I will do just that. I really need to know, I was devastated when I was denied this opportunity. It is my future that I am thinking of! Will let you know what happens!

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Ever listen to AC/DC? Check out "Dirty deed done dirt cheap..."

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