About adding "RN" to your name before getting license number

RN12PTL · Oct 3, 2012

I was in the same boat, and decided that it was best to either wait for your actual license number and your license to be posted on the BRN website, or to leave it off. I know the chances of the recruiter looking at it before it's posted to the actual BRN are slim, but it's still not worth it. And most of the recruiters I talked to wanted to know the actual license number on the resume.

Just out of curiosity, how do you know you passed your boards without a license number? Can you call your BRN and get it?

realmaninuniform · Oct 3, 2012

Well I don't know how you could know you've passed NCLEX if your license is still pending, as that is the final determination. The State Board of Nursing will determine if you are eligible before giving you an Authorization To Test (ATT). Once you have passed you will receive your license number from the State Board. If you used Pearson Vue's early option, you wasted $20. It is absolutely no use without a license number, which often provides results just as quickly. Never the less I would not put the title RN on a resume. I would however put BSN, ADN, as that title comes from your college and occurs before actual licensure.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Oct 3, 2012

Almost all BON have license verification online viewable to the general public. If a search of your name on BON shows an active license, you can then list RN after name while waiting for snail mail paper license . Note that a few states do not issue paper license copy anymore.

elkpark · Oct 3, 2012

Passing the NCLEX is only one step in licensure; that by itself does not qualify you to call yourself "RN." You are not legally an RN until the state has issued you a license. Although some states have gone "paperless" and no longer issue actual, physical licenses, the state BON websites all allow verification of licenses; if you are listed on the BON website as having an active license, you're good. Otherwise, you're still waiting.

Frank RN · Oct 5, 2012

I'm from NJ so maybe things are done differently than from where you all are but on my state's board of nursing website, it says "pending" where the license number is. It takes 4-6 weeks to process and I just passed NCLEX a few days ago.

And obviously I knew I pass because I got the quick results and the "good pop up." Everyone who I know who passed this month still have "pending" under their license as well. I'm guessing my state is taking a while to process.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Oct 5, 2012

Frank---NJ BON instituted new procees this spring that along with staff cuts have slowed license approval to 60-90 days frustrating many new grads; gotta let your legislators knwo about problem so they can work on issue.