Would you ask a current employer for a letter of recommendation ?

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As in a letter that would be used while you sought other employment? I currently work in a nursing home PRN. I like the residents and my coworkers well enough. However, I have found that this is NOT the specialty I see myself in. I want to work in acute care. There is a program for new grads at one of the hospitals nearby. It requires letters of recommendation. I have one from a former nursing instructor and the academic orgainization of which I am a member. I would like to add a nursing employer into the mix, just to give an added edge if possible. This employer of mine utilizes my services to cover many shifts and has a high turn over. Would it seem way out of line for me to ask this employer of mine to write a letter of recommendation as I seek out other employment?

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I'm not sure I would have the balls to do that. This job has invested money in you, and knowing that you're wanting to move on (even if it is only PRN) may not sit well. On the flip side, if you have a good approachable relationship with anyone, and you explain you're wanting a full time position and you still intend to remain PRN with their facility, you may be able to get someone to do it. Good luck.

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It entirely depends on the situation. I have a good rapport with my current manager, and asked for one without hesitation. She was more than happy to oblige.

Another approach (which I've also done) is to ask after giving your notice and getting a feel for how they might react to your request.

In my experience, a reasonable manager understands that people move on for any number of reasons. If they weren't reasonable, I don't suppose you'd want them for a reference anyhow.

But then, I'm unusual in that, for all except one of my employers as a nurse, I have kept open communication with my managers and they knew I would be leaving before I gave official notice. I've been fortunate to have some decent managers, though.

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I'm not sure I would have the balls to do that. This job has invested money in you, and knowing that you're wanting to move on (even if it is only PRN) may not sit well. On the flip side, if you have a good approachable relationship with anyone, and you explain you're wanting a full time position and you still intend to remain PRN with their facility, you may be able to get someone to do it. Good luck.

I'm not sure I have the balls to do it, either. :nailbiting: That's why I'm asking your opinions! :whistling: I realize they have invested some money in me... and I am thankful for that. :yes: Thanks for your advice and comment. :cat:

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It entirely depends on the situation. I have a good rapport with my current manager, and asked for one without hesitation. She was more than happy to oblige.

Another approach (which I've also done) is to ask after giving your notice and getting a feel for how they might react to your request.

In my experience, a reasonable manager understands that people move on for any number of reasons. If they weren't reasonable, I don't suppose you'd want them for a reference anyhow.

But then, I'm unusual in that, for all except one of my employers as a nurse, I have kept open communication with my managers and they knew I would be leaving before I gave official notice. I've been fortunate to have some decent managers, though.

I think my managers are pretty reasonable and nice. I don't want to put my notice of resignation in because I do want to continue with them PRN. Thanks. :cat:

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