I've heard from many others referring to the acronyms used by nurses after their name as being an alphabet soup, and I agree. It's superfluous. I understand that not all RNs have a BSN and not all APRNs are NPs or CRNAs. But wouldn't it serve to better succinctly clarify our title by limiting it to a single acronym?
As with physicians, one can be a pediatrician, rheumatologist or dermatologist and still be John Doe/Jane Doe, MD. It's a given that an NP is an RN/BSN with a minimum masters degree and is also an APRN. And now with the DNP, it's understood than an NP with a DNP is all those other things mentioned with the added educational accomplishment. What's the point with writing Jane Doe, DNP, FNP-BC, AGACNP-C, APRN, MSN, RN (While their colleagues just write Jane Doe, MD or John Doe, PharmD)? Why not just be John Doe/Jane Doe, DNP? I find even adding FNP, PNP, AGACNP, CNM, PMHNP excessive, so I typically shy away from writing it after my name.
Maybe someone can clarify this for me. I have a coworker that has RN & IBCLC in her alphabet soup, but signs her title as Advanced Practice Lactation Nurse. She has a ADN and I verified with her state that she does not have an Advance Practice license. We I asked her about her title, she stated that being an IBCLC was the equivalent of a Master’s degree. Am I going nuts here or do theses titles not match up?
Specializes in Urgent Care NP, Emergency Nursing, Camp Nursing.
6 hours ago, CaffeineCrusher said:
Maybe someone can clarify this for me. I have a coworker that has RN & IBCLC in her alphabet soup, but signs her title as Advanced Practice Lactation Nurse. She has a ADN and I verified with her state that she does not have an Advance Practice license. We I asked her about her title, she stated that being an IBCLC was the equivalent of a Master’s degree. Am I going nuts here or do theses titles not match up?
IBCLC is effectively an RN-level certification; it's hefty, to be sure, but it does not grant any Advanced Practice privileges. This seems like someone who has mistaken simile for equivalency.
DrCOVID, DNP
462 Posts
The DNPs at the large FQHC chain here in TX (and therefore I suspect, mister military, at the VA), get paid more than the MSNs.
That is what the guideline states... There is no point in listing a lesser degree.