question about applying for a new job

When you apply for a new job, do you let your current manager know?
What if the new potential job wants to check references before giving you an offer?
(My current job is my first nursing job, so I'd have to use my current manager as a reference)
Just wondering how it works.
I personally do not let my current employer know that I am looking and I put on my applications Please don't contact current employer until after interview process. I have seen bad expirences happen. For personal references I use instructors or previous employers, or supervisors, By law all they can ask at your current job is ,"did you work there from such and such date, and which position?" Good Luck!!