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Discussion

Displaying credentials

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.

Best regards,

MA, BSN, RN-BC

Featured Replies

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.

  • Guides
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.

See this makes me want to sit for the DCC exam!

Sent from my iPhone.

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."

Make this a sticky, please!!

Sent from my iPad using allnurses

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.

  • Author

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).

  • Author

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.)

  • Author

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.

  • Author

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.)

  • Author

That is funny. I don't write all mine out either. It would take too long! :yes: 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.

  • Author

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.

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