BSN vs BS title

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 14, 2005

Welcome to the site. I think it would be RN, BSN :)

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 14, 2005

If you wish to use letters after your name to denote the academic degree that you have, then use the letters that correspond to the actual degree that you have. It would be inappropriate for you to say BSN if that is not the degree that you have.

The school should be able to tell you the official designation of your academic degree. This is something for the school to decide. In your case it would be either BS or BS(Nursing).

Good luck -- and thanks for doing a search first and finding the information so that I didn't have to repeat all the details for the upteenth time! :-)

llg

Aaron-RN · Dec 14, 2005

Thanks llg and Future_RN_Jess.

So, since the degree offered by my school is a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing, I would put my name, R.N., BS. However, I would like to become a nurse manager someday and a co-worker told me that writing just BS after my name that would not indicate to the Nursing world that I have a Bachelors in Nursing, and that the degree could signify a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or Chemistry. Is this true in the Nursing community??

Also, I know of some people that have graduated from the University where I attend who write their name, RN, BSN although the degree is just BS. Is this ok, or is it fraud?

ERNurse752, RN · Dec 14, 2005

I would think a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing would just be different ways of saying the same thing...therefore, I would assume both would be a BSN.

As long as you have clinicals and nursing classes from an accredited school of nursing that prepares you to take the NCLEX, I don't see why there would be a difference.

tencat · Dec 14, 2005

Howdy. I would think BSN is fine. I doubt anyone would quibble over that designation. It's still a Bachelors Degree in nursing. BS if you go into management will no doubt be quite amusing to employees , but probably not what you're aiming for! :wink2:

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 15, 2005

As you know Arbys1595, the two degrees are equal, but not technically the same. In fact, many people would rank the BS with a major in nursing as being the slightly higher degree in terms of prestige. In fact, when I was applying for my Master's program, I felt like I was compromising by going to a school that offered an MSN instead of one that offered the MS. I ran into at least one school that offered both options, with the MS being the more difficult program and higher ranking degree. When you apply for a job, etc. simply write the truth and you will be OK.

I've heard a few rumors on this website that people think a BSN is the only degree that is accepted for certain jobs (and not a BS with a major in nursing). I do NOT believe those rumors, but believe they are started by people who don't know all the facts. No knowledgable person would discriminate against a BS(Nursing major) in that way.

On the other hand, if you state your degree incorrectly by saying BSN when you don't actually have that degree, it will make you look foolish -- or even worse -- dishonest.

There is nothing wrong with the degree you are getting. Be proud of it and state it honestly when appropriate.

llg

Aaron-RN · Dec 15, 2005

Thanks again llg for your reply. I now understand what is appropriate and what is not. I think that one reason that I was confused was due to the advertising of the Nursing department itself. The website of the department has heading with links to pages about their "Traditional BSN." There is also a heading titled "RN-BS(N)." Also, there is a heading that is titled "BS Curriculum Guide." As a direct quote from the website, "This RN-BSN program is for RN students pursuing a BS as a nursing major." So, you all can see how I was very confused as to the degree title.

Here is a link to the Nursing Department at Salisbury University so that you can see what I am talking about: http://www.salisbury.edu/Schools/Henson/nursingdept/

In reality, the diploma from the Univeristy says Bachelor of Science, so I do not understand why their website indicates a BSN. :uhoh3:

- Arbys 1595

Aaron-RN · Dec 16, 2005

Has anyone had a change to look at Salisbury University's website to see what I was talking about with their confusing language by both indicating a BSN and a BS with a major in Nursing????

suzanne4, RN · Dec 16, 2005

The concern for management positions is that you have RN after your name, as well as at least a BS. Again as was stated above, just use what was on your Diploma/Certificate when you graduate. Thst way there is no issue.

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 16, 2005

Has anyone had a change to look at Salisbury University's website to see what I was talking about with their confusing language by both indicating a BSN and a BS with a major in Nursing????

As far as I can tell, this is a BS with major in Nursing. They use the terms BSN and BS(N) interchangeably. You really need to contact them to see what is the legitimate title you sign upon graduation. I feel certain it would be RN BS(N)

They are essentially one and the same. But, you need to sign what is legitimate.

Gennaver, MSN · Dec 16, 2005

Howdy. I would think BSN is fine. I doubt anyone would quibble over that designation. It's still a Bachelors Degree in nursing. BS if you go into management will no doubt be quite amusing to employees , but probably not what you're aiming for! :wink2:

Hi,

I agree that it makes sense since your degree is a bachellor's in science in nursing that BSN ought to be legit. I mean you are not earning and associates in Nursing and just so happen to have a Bachellor's in Science in Chemistry right?

I know a Chemistry major who went back for her ADN, she lists herself honestly as RN, ADN not as RN BS...? So, BSN seems appropriate for you.

Good luck,

Gen