This is a pet peeve of mine because I think it makes us nurses look ignorant and unprofessional. I have seen nurses display their credentials as RN-BSN, RN, BSN; BSN, RN; BA, RN, BSN and the list goes on.
There is a proper way to display credentials and the rationale is quite simple: the degree goes first followed by any licenses and finally any certifications. The reason the degree goes first is because once earned it can NEVER be lost - an unethical nurse can lose his or her license. Also a degree is REQUIRED to get the license so must have been obtained first.
In the event of multiple degrees the HIGHEST degree goes first followed by lowered degrees in a different area that are PERTINENT to the persons position or responsibility. For example, Jane Smith, MA, BSN, RN-BC or John Smith, DNP, MBA, RN-BC. There is never a need to list a lower degree in the same area because one cannot earn an MSN if he or she did not already earn a BSN.
Let's all get on the same page nurses and display our hard earned credentials correctly. If you don't believe or understand me please see the American Nurses Credentialing Center for guidance. Here is the link: http://www.nursecredentialing.org/DisplayCredentials-Brochure.pdf
Thanks for listening all. Believe it or not I get questions about this ALL the time why we (nurses) don't do this the same and as a former journalist it's like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. This is my attempt to reach many of my fellow nurses and correct the error. Nurses are AWESOME so let's all get on the same page here.
I worked very hard for my CCRN and my OCN and, although I don't display them on my badge, they are on my business card. And heck yes I tell people what they mean if they ask. I do wear a "certified nurse" pin on my badge. I usually find that those nurses who complain about others using their "alphabet soup" are the nurses that do not have any certifications. There have been multiple studies finding that certification provides value to the patient and the agency.
As one who hates the alphabet soup, I *do* have a specialty certification, thanks!
I just thought I'd add that when It comes to NPs etc, I look for the credentials. I like to know what kind of education they have if they're going to treat me, and I always request NPs if I can.
I just thought I'd add that when It comes to NPs etc, I look for the credentials. I like to know what kind of education they have if they're going to treat me, and I always request NPs if I can.
There is never a need to list a lower degree in the same area because one cannot earn an MSN if he or she did not already earn a BSN.
I'm soon to start the RN-MSN informatics program. No BS. No pun intended (joke ya'll. No harm or offense intended). Yeah, its online.
Is this order misplacement of credentials so bothersome that you compare it to fingernails on a chalkboard? Geez. I'm glad I don't work with you. If this bothers you that badly, I can't imagine what other minor things set you off.
In my day-to-day stuff, I would simply sign stuff as "akulahawk, RN" but if there is a need to display all of my certifications, it would end up being something like "akulahawk, BS, ADN, RN, EMTP, ACLS, PALS, PHTLS." I have more characters in all my postnomial stuff than I do in my full legal name. Once I earn the BSN, I'll simply list "BS, BSN" as both degrees are healthcare related and do contribute knowledge toward the job. Should I earn the MSN, it'd be "MSN, BS, RN..."
I would say simply that it's a good thing to know both how and when to display your credentials. Most of the time, I just use the title that I'm working under at that time. Thusly, when working as a nurse, "akulahawk, RN" is just fine and when working as a paramedic, "akulahawk, EMTP" is the way to go, unless I'm compelled to go "akulahawk, RN/EMTP."
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Is this order misplacement of credentials so bothersome that you compare it to fingernails on a chalkboard? Geez. I'm glad I don't work with you. If this bothers you that badly, I can't imagine what other minor things set you off.
You don't have weird random stuff that annoys you? I really hate the word "jeggings," "chocoholic" and "webinar" (actually, most portmanteaux, now that I think about it). Really hate those words. But I can assure you that not every little minor thing annoys me, and I'm quite pleasant to work with.
If someone chooses an RN to MSN program it my understanding that they fulfill the BSN requirements along the way (although never awarded the actual BSN diploma).
Exactly and where I work credentials are displayed on name tags so having numerous nurses in the room with credentials listed differently is a simple fix - Let's all go by the AANC recommendations (which is my only point.)
PhD and MSN would not be redundant as a PhD is a Doctorate in Philosophy (not nursing) whereas the MSN is for a Master's of Science in Nursing. DNP and MSN would be unnecessary as the Doctorate in Nursing Practice is a higher degree than the Masters in Nursing.
Evidence based research has shown the BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) prepared nurses have better patient outcomes than Associate degreed nurses. This is the primary reason many hospitals are pushing their Registered Nurses to get their BSN. BSN degreed RNs are also a standard set if a hospital wants to get "magnet" (I believe that's what it is called) status. That doesn't mean ADN are not good nurses, or LPNs, or CNAs. I have worked with some incredible NAs that perform circles around RNs. The point of this thread was just to get us all on the same page as to the CORRECT way to display your credentials IF you choose to display them (or if the organization you work for requires it.)
That is funny. I don't write all mine out either. It would take too long! When I sign charts it is simply "Initials, LastName, RN". My badge and email signature lists 2 degrees (I have 5: 2 bachelor's degrees, 2 associates, and one Master's), and my license.
When I sign charts it is simply "Initials, LastName, RN". My badge and email signature lists 2 degrees (I have 5: 2 bachelor's degrees, 2 associates, and one Master's), and my license.
VANurse2010
1,526 Posts
As one who hates the alphabet soup, I *do* have a specialty certification, thanks!