Don't know what to do

[justprince]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Mississippi
I am a registered nurse and currently doing some travel nursing, which my contract just ended. I was working on finding employment through other agencies when two of them called me to let me know that they were unable to hire me through some highly unfavorable remarks made by a previous full-time employer whom is still presently my prn employer. I was declined by eight agencies due to the nature of a phone interview held with my manager. I have always had great evaluations and highly praised by this manager. I have spoken with human resourses at my job about this matter but to no evail. What are my rights in seeking legal help for this situation and monetary compensation? Thuis manager has endangered my livelyhood being that this job has been my only source of continuous employment since graduating nursing school almost four years ago. Please HELP.

 

[cbg]

Whether or not you can take any action depends on EXACTLY what is being said.

Contrary to popular belief, negative employment references are not illegal. Only untrue employment references are illegal. The problem is that different people have different truths.

If the manager's remarks reflect her honestly held opinion, even if it is negative and even if others at the same employer have different opinions, then there's nothing to sue for. She is entitled to her opinion and she is entitled to state it.

What she cannot do is make knowingly false, misleading, or negligent statements, i.e. she knew or should have known that what she was saying is UNTRUE. Not a difference of opinion, not a misunderstanding, not an honest error, but a deliberate and knowingly false statement. If THAT is the case, consult local counsel.