Who do I use as my reference?

[mrigas]

I've been working for several months as a CNA and need to submit my resume with references to a scholarship program. My question is, who do I put down as my reference? I thought of puting the DON, but she just got fired.

Thanks for your help!

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

Ask your nurse manager. If you feel that he/she would not give a positive reference, ask one of the nurses who knows your work. If you have floated to another unit frequently, ask that manager also, because the floating indicates you are a team player. Good luck!

[llg, PhD, RN]

Whatever you do, make sure you speak with the person first before you put their name down. If you don't speak with them first and they are hit with a surprise phone call, they will be caught off-balance and will not have good comments about you ready in advance to share. Also, they may resent your giving out their name without asking you first.

Finally, some employers have specific policies about the giving out of references. You will want to be aware of those policies to make sure you don't put your references in an uncomfortable situation.

Good luck,

llg