Who to use as a work related reference when you have none*?

[denicola.c]

Hello fellow nurses!

I have an interview scheduled with a pediatric home care agency on Friday- my first interview for an RN position, yay!! The hiring manager spoke with me and asked me to bring a list of things to the interview, and specifically stated 3 verified work related references and clinical instructor references (if I had them, which I do!!).

My problem is that I can't think of a third work related reference... I have been using my managers from my past job (also in home care) and clinical instructors, but this manager wants a third work related reference.

My job before the home care one unfortunately ended on a bad note (not my fault though- poor communication between managers), so I don't feel comfortable using anyone from there.

I have worked as a babysitter since I was 13 and frequently watched and tutored my neighbors sons. I'm thinking peds, babysitting, theres at least a connection there. However, I'm worried it might be too much of a "personal" reference.

I also am still in contact with the manager of my first job, which was a stable hand at a horse farm. I started there when I was 14 and it was under the table, but I would love to highlight learning the values of responsibility, reliability, and time management at a young age. On the other hand, I'm not really sure if I can use an under-the-table job as a reference.

What would you think to do in this situation? I'm racking my brain to think of anyone else I could possibly use that is still current who I would feel comfortable asking and confident they would share good words. I would really love to get this job as it is very close in distance to me and I LOVE peds. I'm really trying extra hard to have a great portfolio and market myself well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!!

[caliotter3]

Provide the information that you have, if not a supervisor, a co-worker, and just say that you only have X number of references. Every time that I have made a remark about my references, I have been reassured by the person taking my paperwork that it was ok, basically listed references is not that big a thing. And, I also have found out in the past, that when they called a former employer, they talked to someone other than the name that I provided for a reference anyway!