Nurse's Guide to Building a Standout Professional Reference List (With Templates & Pro Tips!)

References: Not Just a Checkbox—They’re Your Reputation, On Paper

Nurse pals, let’s have a real talk about the reference list. Spoiler alert: If you haven’t updated yours since nursing school, you’re not alone. But here’s the scoop—your professional references aren’t just HR’s box to tick. They’re a peek into your character, your skills under “real life” pressure, and your ability to work the e-chart and the 12-hour shift with grace. Especially in the competitive telehealth nursing world, a crisp, credible reference list can help you stand out from the crowd (even in a sea of competent RNs sitting at home with good WiFi).

Why Telehealth Nurse References Matter Even More

Traditional bedside jobs? References are important. But when employers can’t meet you face-to-face, they lean hard on what others say about you. Your ability to manage sudden patient escalation via Zoom, your communication skills, and your reliability—all this needs to shine through.

Who Should Be On Your Reference List? (Pro Tips, Because It’s Not Just the Manager Anymore)

Think beyond “my last nurse manager.” In remote nursing, teamwork, tech adaptability, and strong communication are gold. Great picks include:

• Charge nurses or team leads who saw you in action.
• Supervisors from telehealth shadowing, float pools, or pilot programs.
• Colleagues—especially from your remote/virtual team, if you have one.
• Educators or preceptors from telehealth or informatics courses.
• A long-standing patient/family (if it’s allowed and appropriate—check your facility’s policy first).

Pro tip: Avoid family, close friends, or anyone who can’t specifically speak to your nursing skills.

Your Reference List Template (Easy, Professional, Nurse-Approved)

Ready to plug and play? Here’s a nurse-centric template to make recruiters say, “Finally—a list that makes sense!”

Your Name, Credentials 

Your Email | Your Phone | City, State

Professional References
1. Name, Credentials (e.g. Susan Hall, BSN, RN)
   Title/Role (e.g. Charge Nurse, TeleICU Team)
   Facility/Organization Name (e.g. Baptist Health Telehealth Unit)
   Direct Phone Number
   Email Address
   Relationship: (e.g. Supervisor, Colleague)
   Worked Together: 2019–2023

2. Repeat for 2-4 references

Aim for at least three references, and make sure every entry feels complete (no vague job titles, please!).

Tips That’ll Make Your References Love You Back

• Always ask permission before listing someone. (No one likes surprise phone calls from HR!)
• Give them a heads-up about the job you’re applying for so they can tailor their feedback.
• Share a quick “cheat sheet” with your telehealth skills or key projects—makes it easier for them to be specific.
• Thank them, whether you land the job or not (nurse karma is real).

Nurse Life Hack: Keep Your References Fresh & Organized

If you’re juggling bedside, PRN, and side gigs, it’s easy to lose track. Start a simple Google Doc or use the downloadable templates from our Telehealth Starter Pack. Update it once a year—future-you will be so grateful.

Where to Use Your Reference List (& Why Telehealth Jobs Want It Early)

Remote nurse employers may request your reference list in the initial application (not just at the offer stage). Have yours ready to drop as a PDF so you don’t stall out at the top of the pile.

Need more guidance, or want to peek at real examples? The Telehealth Nurse Network Resume Kit has reference list templates plus put-you-ahead tips—great for making your paperwork as strong as your patient rapport.

Let’s Wrap It Up

Don’t treat your reference list like an afterthought—it’s your all-star team. With a tidy, up-to-date list and a little communication, you’ll breeze through the reference stage and be one step closer to working in fuzzy socks, not clogs.

Still feeling stuck? Jump into our Telehealth Nurse Network Community for crowdsourced wisdom and support from nurses who’ve been there.