Falsifying degree at work....

Published

I have a problem with a co-worker who insists on using "BSN" when documenting when she has an ADN/ASN. Is this not falsifying a medical document?? She does not have a bachelor's degree nor is she currently enrolled in a bachelor's program. Anybody else ever run across a nurse like this?? :confused:

Specializes in Hospice, LTC, Rehab, Home Health.

Per your post you seem sure she has a nursing degree of some sort, sat for and passed her boards; while I'm in NO way saying that it's okay to take credit for degrees you don't hold--she is a licensed nurse so I'm not really sure why you care so much. I am way too busy in my work and life to invest that much time and effort worrying about what some one else does.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in home health, dialysis, others.

State Boards do not appreciate people who falsify their documentation. If you are sure it is true, contact your Board.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That is the first also for me to see someone sign that they are a BSN on the floor. I've seen it with wound care specialists. I know to some it doesn't seem like a big deal. But it is. People that have BSNs have worked for that title. I wonder if there would have been more of an uproar had it been a LPN signing as a RN. ;) It is wrong and it does need to be pointed out to the nurse manager or HR.

I'm a little passive aggressive, so I might just say something to the NM...like, "Oh I didn't know so and so has a BSN?". I'm actually surprised someone else hasn't noticed it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in multispecialty ICU, SICU including CV.

We have computerized charting and a pre-set signature. People can put whatever they want in them but I think if someone put in something that was false, my manager might care. I don't personally sign with my degree (s) -- don't feel it is pertinent to my charting. I do sign with my certification as I feel the CCRN gives a little critical care credibility to my notes, so for me, it's RN, CCRN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in High Risk OB.

I have a BS and an ASN, I would never sign BSN or have it on my tag(we do put our degrees on our tags). BUT I am proud of my BS in biochemistry, I worked hard for it, so I will put down BS RNC-OB if it is an email or letter. If I am signing my name I put RNC only though.:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have a BS and an ASN, I would never sign BSN or have it on my tag(we do put our degrees on our tags). BUT I am proud of my BS in biochemistry, I worked hard for it, so I will put down BS RNC-OB if it is an email or letter. If I am signing my name I put RNC only though.:)

What's and RNC? RN I know of course, but have never seen the C before.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, PICU, School Nursing, Case Mgt.
What's and RNC? RN I know of course, but have never seen the C before.

Certification in an area of nursing. It's commonly given by the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center). It is an exam that you sit for, it's rather pricey, I don't know how much it is now, but I took it in 1996 and I believe it was $285.00.

My certification was in Pediatrics, so I could also sign RNC, although I seldom did.

It used to be good for 5 years and then you would recert. You also have to take more CEU's-in addtion to the ones for your biannual licensure.

At the time I took it, the hospital I was working in would pay $1.00/hr more for your RNC. They stopped that a long time ago.

I don't know how it is in other places in the country.

s

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in High Risk OB.

In my case it would be RNC-OB, this means that I took the certification in my area of specialty (in pt OB), reminded me of taking my boards:uhoh3: You do have to have 45 CEU's in 3yrs in that area of specialty to keep up your credentialing. The hospital I work in does not give you any more $ for it but it is recognized and if you are certified you should state it as such.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PeriOperative.
I wonder if there would have been more of an uproar had it been a LPN signing as a RN. ;)

That is a different matter entirely. LPN/RN are licenses, not degrees. The respective scopes of practice for each are different. With ADN/BSN, the license is the same (RN), and there is no difference in scope of practice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
That is a different matter entirely. LPN/RN are licenses, not degrees. The respective scopes of practice for each are different. With ADN/BSN, the license is the same (RN), and there is no difference in scope of practice.

Agreed that signing RN after you name and not being licensed is probably worse. But I think pretending you have a BSN should not be treated like it is nothing. BTW I do not have a BSN. I just can't fathom how someone would actually do this and think if was ok??? But hey there are all kinds in the world.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU + Infection Prevention.

Isn't documentation long enough without throwing in an extra 3 letters on every piece? ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

Most of the BSN's I know DO sign their name BSN,RN. The ADN's just sign RN. As far as the credentials, I'm an LPN who is certified in Hospice and Pallative Nursing. I sign my name LPN,CHPLN. The certification test was hard and I'm proud of the fact that I passed it. Now, I'm in a BSN program and you can bet when I graduate and pass boards I'll be signing my name BSN,RN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion