What info do companies need to check references?

[tulsanurse1]

I am beginning to get everything together to begin filling out the paperwork for travel nursing application/resume/references. I dont want to give out all their personal information. Besides the references name, what else should I add?

[NedRN]

A written reference. Then all an agency has to do is verify that your reference worked there, or if they locate your reference, just confirm that they wrote the reference. Just giving out a phone number is wrong for many reasons, not the least of which is you have no idea who they will actually speak to or what will actually be said. A written reference is much kinder to your references as well, and far better for control over your career. Most employers will only confirm employment dates, and not allow anything else to be said, even by those who agreed to be your reference. Too much potential for liability whether they give a positive or negative reference after employee has left.

You will need at least two written references to start your travel career (higher up the food chain as possible, but no less than a charge nurse). I recommend getting at least two from every assignment, as early as possible in the assignment to protect yourself professionally. There are lots of reference/evaluation forms available online, including a couple of editable ones on PanTravelers for download that are nurse specific.

[dance4life]

I agree with Ned I have had a couple get frustrated that they couldn't reach via phone, that there policy stated they HAD to speak with someone.

I usually have letters written before I leave or my agency has them fill evaluations out on their own terms that I get a copy of.

If the agency can't take the letter then I guess I can't work for them. I have worked for some pretty big hospitals in which honestly they could care less that I was even there.