most will just call the HR and verify employment
never had one never ran into a problem not having one.

That is what my current job did. I was just not able to get the reference from them myself. I also got former coworkers, charge or mamagers to write for me. California seems to be the toughest to get a personal reference.

it is becoming very difficult. I have 2 "verfication of employment" letters from two different hospitals that state "no further information will be given" and managers are instructed not to write letters of reference. Managers have also been instructed to forward all calls for references to HR, who then tells the caller that no further information will be given.

I have decided to get all info before leaving the facility because it is getting harder and harder.

here's the kicker, the same hospital that refused to provide references will demand references for potential employees!

Letters of Reference
Same problem here....I've been told by 2 managers that they are not allowed to write reference letters...which is total bullshit. I also try to get letters from Charge nurses and MDs. If you hit it off with a charge nurse or a particular doctor, get one way before you leave.....keep multiple copies, etc. It's terrible in this day and age that an employer will JUMP to give you a bad reference but not a good one.