Can you add BSN as a title?

suzanne4, RN · May 25, 2008

It makes no difference to most of us, it is only a title and is not a license. And if one does not have the skills, it makes no difference at all. We judge on the capabilities of the nurse, not the alpabet after their names. And when you are charting, most are not going to take the time to write out more than the first letter of their first name, their last name, and then RN. Takes too much time.

Respect is earned by what one does, not by any degree or anything else.

It is not just given because one has the BSN, and one does not.

allnurses Guide · May 26, 2008

It's not to distinguish you from ADN nurses. If you've earned a BSN, write it. Depends on the context - I have my email signature as RN, BSN but I don't sign charts with it, just the RN as that's the professional licence.

elkpark · May 26, 2008

If you have earned the degree, then you are entitled to use it in your signature if you wish to.

In my own experience, I tend to form opinions about my colleagues and co-workers based on what I observe of their performance and acumen over time, not what letters they put after their names. I believe that most the nurses I've known over the years feel the same. If you feel it's important to you to put the degree after your name, you can certainly do that, but I doubt anyone would be particularly impressed, since BSN and ADN grads all pass the same licensure exam and have the same scope of practice. It appears, from your posts here, that you are the one who is very "title conscious."

BTW, what do you mean by your comment, "Bottomline, don't let your guard down!"??

RNGrad2006 · May 27, 2008

To distinguish you from an ADN RN to a BSN RN, is it prudent to put in BSN RN at the end of your name or RN will just suffice? I noticed some Americans are somewhat title conscious and through your title they make an impression and respect. Others, they would observe you work and sometimes put you in a spot and if you make a good impression then your stay would be heaven in that unit. Bottomline, don't let your guard down!

At the facility where I work any notes that are left in your charting have your name and title posted. I work on a Neuro floor and if you had your BSN and a certification it would state Jane Doe, RN BSN CNRN automatically. It does seem the titles received are definitely recognized. And believe me when titles are earned (since there is a lot of hard work and time involved) they are definitely requested right away.

woknblues · May 28, 2008

To distinguish you from an ADN RN to a BSN RN, is it prudent to put in BSN RN at the end of your name or RN will just suffice? I noticed some Americans are somewhat title conscious and through your title they make an impression and respect. Others, they would observe you work and sometimes put you in a spot and if you make a good impression then your stay would be heaven in that unit. Bottomline, don't let your guard down!

Compared to?

no offense taken, it's just that everywhere else I have traveled, (20+ countries so far) people are WAAAY more conscious about title (the giant organizational charts, for example, went out in the US a LONG time ago). Having said that, nothing wrong with knowing where others stand, and what qualifications they possess....