Job Fair Atlanta

How can I get a job if I have an (unjustified) bad reference that is essentially my only reference?

I am a former nurse with excellent yearly job reviews. I am good at what I do and I care about my patients. I have always tried to keep up to date with the current nursing trends and am always interested in improving myself.I resigned my position a couple of years ago because I was tired of the commute and wanted to find something closer to home. Apparently this didn't sit too well with my employer. Since I left, my employer who used to give me glowing reports and excellent job reviews has been saying neutral and/or negative things to prospective employers. I am very distressed. I have not been able to get a job in any field because of this. This employer was my only employer for 20 years and I can't understand why he would do this to me. He won't return my calls. I really don't want to sue him for slander, I just want a job. I feel as if I have lost a child. My nursing career was my life and I had no idea I would lose it just because I decided to seek employment elsewhere. Any ideas?

Public Comments

1. well if that was me i would make up some reference's and put down some of my friends numbers and have them lie for you when they call.
2. I would tell whoever is answering the phone (or leave the message on voice mail) that if the former employer refuses to talk, I will have no choice but to call a lawyer, and anything further will be discussed through them. Even if you do not really want to sue, this usually gets their attention. But unfortunately, suing might be your only option here.
3. I would address it up front. Be honest with your interviewer that your old boss was not too happy when you left and you would prefer if they did not contact him for that reason. Maybe you can ask someone else where you worked to speak to the interviewer. Someone of authority who knows your situation.