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.
You are correct. There are RNs that go the RN to MSN route. (I was originally one and money made me change). Here in Nebraska I was told that I would fulfill the BSN requirement along the way but it would not be necessary to be awarded the diploma since the Master's of Science in Nursing was a higher degree. Thanks for clarification - so sorry if my OP confused on those that take that route.
It was explained to me that MSN's fulfill the BSN requirement along the way of their graduate degree, so their is no need to be awarded the BSN. MSN is still the higher educational credential than an BSN and their is no need for one that did earn both to display both. I hope that makes sense. I felt like my OP was already so long I didn't get into the RN to MSN programs.
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.)
While I agree that the pay is the same and the crux of nursing classes is in the first 2 years (associate degree), I have been asked about my BSN. I would also add that getting my BSN opened up both doors as my organization and improved my nursing practice and ability to effect change on our unit.
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.) It's the professional thing to do.
I am quite pleasant to work with as well and most nurses I bring this up to (after we have become friends) are VERY appreciative. They weren't aware of the recommendations (which always surprises me a little as my nursing program taught us proper signatures).
I thought bringing it up here might reach more nurses 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.)
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
BSN degreed RNs are also a standard set if a hospital wants to get "magnet"
Actually, that's a common misconception and completely false. ANCC and Magnet have NO requirements or recommendations of the degree held by staff nurses. Their only requirements is that all nurse managers have at least a BSN, and the CNO must hold at least an MSN.
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
You are correct. There are RNs that go the RN to MSN route. (I was originally one and money made me change). Here in Nebraska I was told that I would fulfill the BSN requirement along the way but it would not be necessary to be awarded the diploma since the Master's of Science in Nursing was a higher degree. Thanks for clarification - so sorry if my OP confused on those that take that route.
Please, when responding to individual posts, please use the "quote" button so we know what this post is in response to. Thank you.
Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.
I can't help but chuckle at the list of certs!! I look at the credentials after journal author's names and don't know what many mean.
My RN badge just said RN (my hospital didn't want to add BSN). My NP badge just lists APRN. I did get my lab coat embroidered and got "my name, APRN" and below that "Family Nurse Practitioner".
Patients won't really know what APRN is but it's what I sign with so felt it necessary. They DO know what a NP is so added that to my coat. Those who need to know know I got my MSN.
I will say I was excited to get more letters behind my name because, yes, I worked for them. Am I going to sign them to everything? No. APRN will do just fine (as its what I have to sign with per my SBON).
I was taught in college and at my first hospital of employment (which is a large academic medical center) that it is RN, BSN. Not until I moved to the west coast did I see it differently.
jetMA96
19 Posts
You are correct. There are RNs that go the RN to MSN route. (I was originally one and money made me change). Here in Nebraska I was told that I would fulfill the BSN requirement along the way but it would not be necessary to be awarded the diploma since the Master's of Science in Nursing was a higher degree. Thanks for clarification - so sorry if my OP confused on those that take that route.